Madshus Panorama M68: first impressions
For its versatility and capability across a range of terrain types, we rate the Madshus Panorama M68 (available direct from Madshus) as one of the best cross country skis available today.
• List price: $305 (US) / £287 (UK)
• Weight (per 182cm pair): 2,530g
• Base: Omnitrack waxless base
• Edges: Full-length metal
• Sidecut: 99mm / 68mm / 84mm
• Sizes: 162cm, 172cm, 182cm, 192cm
Adventurously designed and built to go beyond the confines of groomed trails, the Madshus Panorama M68 is a playful ski that offers an open invitation to go exploring.
A wider tip, which is also called the 'shovel', helps this ski stay afloat in deeper snow. It’s well-suited to a three-pin binding and a more robust boot for maximum maneuverability in variable terrain.
The fish scale waxless base gives this ski confidence-inspiring grip on flats and climbs, and actively encourages carving on your descents. Full-length steel edges provide control.
Madshus Panorama M68 Skis: on the slopes
I wore these Madshus Panorama M68s to carry gear to a backcountry hut, to cross a mellow mountain pass between Nordic ski areas and for following animal tracks through the wintery landscape; they’re made to cover distance over a variety of terrain.
Thanks to their above-average width, they climb better than skis made for the track. The full-length, metal sidecut let me carve playful turns on descents, whether I was lapping a snowy meadow, or darting between birch trees in a powdery glade.
An old school teleboot helps you get the most fun out of this ski (see also: types of cross country ski boots: what’s the difference?), and on extended climbs I sometimes added kick skins for extra grip. It’s poppy and playful thanks to the interlocking strands of fiberglass and carbon fiber that wrap the ski’s core. This is also what gives the Panorama M68 stability and strength, while keeping it light and lively.
Don’t expect this ski to give you the carvability and control of an alpine touring ski, but use it for local adventures and scouting new lines and you’ll enjoy it.
