It’s 4:43 p.m., and it’s already dark outside. Temps are in the single digits, and the couch is whispering sweet nothings. The pull to hunker down is at an all-time high during the deep winter months in Minnesota, and it takes effort to keep yourself from spending the entire season indoors and out of the elements.

Enter cross-country skiing — a beacon of hope in a dark place. I picked up skate skiing to help get myself outside and stay fit during the long winter months. Greater Minneapolis has fantastic teams that keep trail systems well-groomed and lit. They provide an awesome experience on the trails regardless of Mother Nature.

Since my first foray into skate skiing a few seasons ago, I’ve come to love the sport. I look forward to winters and the change of pace that skiing provides from my typical cycling and gym workouts.

This winter, I’ve been putting a chunk of my ski hours on Salomon’s S/Max Skate Ski Kit. An upper-middle kit in the Salomon skate ski ecosystem, the S/Max kit is built for skiers moving from entry-level casual skiing to harder training and competition-level performance.

In short: The Salomon S/Max Skate Ski Kit gives skiers an option when transitioning from introductory skate skiing to more serious efforts and events. The kit blends a forgiving feel with high-level performance for casual skiers and competitors. This setup goes with me for social ski outings, hard training efforts, and everything in between.

If you’re shopping for cross-country skis, compare the Salomon S/Max Skate Skis to those on GearJunkie’s guide to the Best Cross-Country Skis.

Salomon S/Max Skate Kit Review

In the Field: S/Max Skis + ProLink Shift Bindings

The S/Max skis are lightweight and consistent in all kinds of ski conditions. They have a stiff energy transmission at the kick yet feel stable on the glide.

Beyond that, they are forgiving on corners — something I appreciate. I am still working on my confidence cornering at higher speeds. So, the slightly “softer” feel of these skis makes me feel more stable heading into the turn. The balance of performance and forgiveness is a great sweet spot.

The bindings are simple to snap in and out of, and adjustment forward or backward is equally easy. There is no stickiness, even at super-cold temperatures. You just step in and step out. The bindings and skis are sold together on the Salomon website for $600.

S/Max Carbon Skate Boots

The S/Max Carbon Skate Boots epitomize an upper-midrange kit — in a good way. The design prioritizes stability and comfort within a relatively lightweight (1.06 kg for the pair) platform. They’re 100% PVC-free, and the gaiter is made of 30% recycled materials. They also come at a price point that doesn’t cause panic ($400).

These boots are more comfortable than the race-focused boots I’ve used prior (even though I don’t love the boot’s liner, which I’ll get to in a minute). They have a medium footbed that fits well, even with my wide forefoot.

The dissociated lacing system is quick and efficient. It allowed for micro-adjustments if I was wearing thicker socks on a cold day or going light and fast, which was clutch.

Moisture control hasn’t been an issue despite variable conditions, so the gaiter’s breathable membrane has worked well for me.

Note: These boots were a little large, so if you can, try them on in a store. I would suggest sizing down a half size from your normal size.

S/Max Carbon Click Poles

At 190 g (for the pair), the S/Max Carbon Click Poles are lightweight and stiff with a 100% carbon construction. They also have Salomon’s “ErgoClick” grips, which are comfortable and convenient — one of my favorite things about this kit.

I love that the Carbon Click Poles ($200) have easily removable click-in straps. The one-handed removal is such a small feature in the grand scheme of things. But man, I am a huge fan. 

Other poles I use have fixed straps, and you can’t use your hands without taking them out of your gloves or removing them entirely from the poles and straps. With these poles, you just press the button at the top of the pole, and it releases the strap with a little “Click!”

This comes in handy when you’re between laps, grabbing a quick snack, checking data on your watch, making clothing adjustments, or even taking a quick pause to wipe your nose. It’s similar to Leki’s Trigger 3D System, which we reviewed in 2023.

Not Without Compromise

My biggest gripe with this kit is the height of the boot’s liner. The boots are fantastic. But the liner only comes up to the bottom of my ankle. Other boots I have used have a liner that comes to the top of the boot and leaves me feeling more supported and like the boot is more “complete.” The low liner makes me feel like I am wearing an ankle sock when I want to be wearing crew socks.

The skis also feel a little “soft” when trying to push power.

With that in mind, S/Max skis aren’t made to compete with race-specific skis, and this should be expected. And for me, this is a minute part of my overall ski experience and takes away very little from my enjoyment on the trails. If we are being honest, there is nothing I am sprinting for that is of any consequence at any time, even on race day.

Who Is the S/Max Lineup For?

The beauty of this kit is its versatility. Salomon touts the S/Max set as a kit that will help you “take your skate skiing skills to the next level” and that it is “made to excel in all snow conditions.”

Marketing language aside, I do think that this set hits the nail on the head. I’m an intermediate skier, and even that is a bit generous at times. I get by on general fitness and strength from other sports. My technique needs work, and I am leaning toward improving every session, every season.

This kit fits well for where I am at — and it will for others in a similar place. It’s a cut above mid-range but a step below advanced.

If you’re a competitive racer, this setup could easily be your “B” option when conditions are less than ideal or if your body needs a rest from putting hours on a less forgiving kit. If you’re a casual skier looking to embrace winter and build toward racing and competition, the S/Max lineup will get you there without breaking the bank.

Salomon S/Max Skate Ski Kit: Final Thoughts

After around 100 miles on this setup, I can confidently say that it has exceeded my expectations. The S/Max kit has become my go-to for Nordic skiing. The kit has comfort and stability on the deck that helps me push my own boundaries of fitness and technique. When I need to go fast, the only thing holding me back is my skillset.

The S/Max kit isn’t inexpensive by any means ($1,200 altogether). But in the context of Nordic ski gear, it sits within a pocket of affordability and performance. You’ll feel an immediate jump in responsiveness, feel, and predictability in the corners that you don’t get from the intro skis that you started on. Beyond that, you’ll have the kick you need to really move when you’re looking to step into racing or more spirited training sessions.

As I advance my skiing and look to compete at a higher level, there may be reason for a more race-oriented platform like the S/Race or S/Lab. But even then, there is always going to be a place for a well-rounded kit that gives me everything I need and leaves little to be desired on any given day. I’ll be ripping the S/Max kit for the foreseeable future.