The Fischer Outback 68 is a versatile XC ski that’s designed for skiers who prefer making their own tracks in un-groomed terrain, although who may spend some time at a touring center as well. The Outback 68 is barely narrow enough to fit into a groomed classic track, so it can do that if you want, but its focus is un-groomed, softer snow conditions, and in that terrain it absolutely excels. The lightweight Air Tec core ensures you won’t get too fatigued when you’re out exploring in the backcountry, while also providing the stability needed in a ski like this. You get full length metal edges, which provides excellent control even in tricky situations and when the snow surface gets a little icy. Fischer’s Offtrack Crown system provides all the grip you’ll need and is also designed to work in a range of different snow conditions, so you’re never stuck at home due to poor snow.
Jeff Neagle got a chance to ski the Outback 68 and thought it was “a great choice for beginner to intermediate level skiers who want something that’s capable for different snow conditions, while being relatively forgiving and easy to ski.” Jeff’s not wrong there, although we’d add that even a more advanced XC skier would enjoy the Outback 68 and its versatility. “I didn’t really ski it in the tracks at all, to me it’s just a little too wide for that application, but it holds its line well outside of the tracks on groomed snow. That said, I mostly enjoyed how it performed off groomed trails. This is a good choice for skiers who don’t want something super wide, but also aren’t going to be spending much time on groomed trails.”
CONSTRUCTION
Offtrack Crown Base
PREFERRED TERRAIN
The fact that the Outback 68 comes with an NNN BC binding is a nod to its intended use. That binding is wider than the normal NNN bindings, which works really well for wider skis and provides increased stability and more control when you’re in un-groomed terrain. Although it’s technically narrow enough for groomed tracks, that’s not what Fischer had in mind when they made it, and not what we’d recommend using it for. If you’re spending a lot of time in groomed tracks, there are better options that will be lighter and more efficient.
Backyards, power lines, and even some light backcountry, however, is all in play on the Outback 68. You can grab this ski and just head out your front door knowing that you’ll have an appropriate ski for whatever conditions you encounter.
