text: We curate a special selection of lightweight yet high-performing touring skis that match your mountain goals. This way you can ski how you want in the backcountry and know you’re not carrying unnecessary weight. From race skis that prioritize fast uphill performance to wide powder skis focused on the downhill float - and everything in between - we have a ski for you. For a breakdown of our ski categories, please peruse this article on how to choose between different backcountry skis. We also maintain a list of ski weights.
  “Tools not jewels.” This has long been the saying for many skiers, gritting their teeth before dropping into a known rocky descent. Fortunately for us, this saying doesn’t necessarily apply to the special edition Snow Leopard skis, which blur the line between artwork and highly functional tools. Built using the same chassis as the Radical 97, Dynafit added an aesthetically pleasing..
  When you don't know what the day will bring, you'd best bring along the Escaper 97 from Rossignol. With its composition of light materials, the Escaper 97 is anything but laborious when ascending, allowing you to move efficiently and quickly in the mountains. When paired with the precut skins, the notched tip enables quick transitions at the top, allowing you to soak in the view wh..
  We’re lucky to live in an era of gear that defies categorization, and the Radical 97 from Dynafit is the latest textbook case study. The Radical 97 is light enough that you won’t hesitate to grab them as you head out the door and comes in a width that’ll handle almost anywhere you’re going. While the rocker profile lends itself towards maneuverability and flotation, there’s still p..
  In designing the Free 97, Dynafit set out to create a balanced ski that isn’t too laborious on the up yet has the confidence to excel no matter the snow conditions. To achieve this, they started with a poplar wood core lined with carbon fiber stringers, which helps to provide a damp yet playful ride. They added more tip and tail rocker compared to their Beast series. This simultane..
  Like its unisex sibling, the Dynafit Free 97 W is designed to be light enough to schlep anywhere, but sturdy enough to ski anything confidently. Dynafit accomplished this with a poplar wood core, which supplies suspension while remaining poppy and light. It's also apparent that Dynafit took their time perfecting the sidecut, as the Free 97 W is equally at home in steep spots as it ..
  Proudly labeling themselves as "The Freeski Company," Movement aims to promote "a free approach" to skiing, which is quite evident in the Alp Tracks 98. Compared to its venerable predecessor the Alp Tracks 100, the 98 features a longer tip and tail rocker, allowing it to maneuver easily through tighter terrain while promoting flotation in deeper snow. Unchanged is the ultralight (a..
  Looking for a versatile all-mountain ski that doesn’t tip the scales on the way up? Look no further than the Fischer Transalp 98 CTI. Sporting a generous amount of rocker in the tip, the Transalp 98 CTI handles itself nicely in powder while carbon stringers and a Paulownia wood core ensure the ski has a lively and fun personality. Should you be in an arcing mood, the medium turn ra..
  The Wayback 98 inhabits a rare space at Skimo Co. That is, it is a ski that almost all of our staff can agree on, no matter what “flavor” of skier they are. Looking at the specs, it's not hard to see why. With a versatile 98mm waist width, the Wayback 98 is equally at home in mid-winter powder as it is harvesting corn during the Spring. The long tip and tail rocker helps the Waybac..
  As a version of the esteemed Backland 100 designed specifically for shorter or lighter skiers, the Backland 98 jumps into the fray of powder-hunting, crud-busting skis in the competitive 95-105mm-waisted ski category. What makes this striped salmon of a powder board distinct from all the rest? Foremost in our testers' minds was the rocker/camber balance of the Backland 98, which ma..
  With a heritage spanning over 100 years, Kastle has learned a thing or two when designing high-performance skis. With the TX 99, this technological prowess is on display. If you've seen Kastle skis in the wild, the first thing that likely would have drawn your attention is the colored and slightly transparent insert at the tip, which Kastle dubs "Hollowtech." This magical little in..
  When the conversation about a “quiver of one” ski gets brought up in backcountry skiing circles, inevitably the Voile V6 is discussed as a contender. It’s well-balanced underfoot width, just the right amount of rocker for soft conditions, and ample camber for confident edge grip leave little to be desired in just about any snow condition. The only way it could really improve in our..
  It might sound a little fishy (pun intended), but scales on a backcountry ski are quite practical. Your typical alpine touring ski setup requires skins, but the Hyper V6 BC eliminates that need for many climbs with Voile's Traction Pattern Base extending for roughly half the length of the ski directly under foot. When moving through rolling or low angle terrain, this ski increases ..
  Dynastar aimed for the perfect on-snow feel with their favorite line of Touring skis. The M-Tour 99 is built with the Hybrid Core, which is Paulownia wood for rebound and energy mixed with Polyurethane sections for damping and a smooth flex. The result is a great all-around touring ski that can float in powder and showboat on hard snow. Using Adaptiv sidecuts, the 99s are easy to m..
  Built to make all the other skis in your quiver jealous, the Faction La Machine Mini has a quiver-killer mentality with a penchant for all snow types. Thanks in part to its healthy rocker profile, the Mini can effortlessly pivot on-demand, allowing you to shut things down on a moment's notice if things get too rowdy. With its moderate girth (width), the oh-so-versatile Mini is prep..
  Have you had your eye on the DPS Pagoda Tour 100 but are concerned that, while classy, the topsheet just isn't unique enough? Well then, the Pagoda Tour 100 Dreamtime, which has two unique topsheets celebrating two unique continents, is for you. With stringers of space-age foam, ash, and a single "3rd Rail" running the entire length of the ski, the Pagoda Tour 100 Dreamtime is read..
  Replacing the M-Tour 99, the M-Tour 100 from Dynastar sports a revised shape that provides greater versatility across a wide array of conditions. The Hybrid Core 2.0 Light combines Poplar and PU materials to create a damp, durable, and stable ride. The progressive rocker in the tip and tail allows the ski to float in deeper snow while providing a maneuverable and intuitive feel in ..
  Since its inception in 2005, DPS has gained a loyal following for its ski shapes that can only be described as "intuitive." Building on the Pagoda Tour 100, the Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL 100, despite being quite a fingerful to type, brings some welcome improvements to an already beloved platform. Utilizing a Carbon and Flax laminate, DPS shaved a significant amount of weight relative ..
  Long noted for manufacturing durable skis with reliable performance, Atomic has stepped up its powder-touring offerings with the Backland 100. With a touch more rocker than its little brother the Backland 95, but plenty of camber for long days on the skin track, the Backland 100 brings a refined take on the rocker-camber-rocker profile. Up front, Atomic's unique HRZN Tech tips make..
  DPS's ventures into the far ends of the randonnee galaxy began when founder Stephan Drake found himself chasing winter in the Chilean mountains, looking for a ski that would perform as well on re-frozen Portillo crud as it shredded in the Colorado blower that he knew from his college days. It wasn't long before Drake and co. were churning out uber-wide, uber-rockered, uber-playful ..
  While the Backland 98 will forever live on in our collective memories as a wonderful and versatile ski, the time has come for an even more wonderful and versatile ski to take its place, the Backland FR 101. With a few more millimeters of girth and the beveled HRZN Tech 3D Tip, the Backland FR 101 handles powder even better than the original. In addition to increased flotation, the ..
  Tucked away in the Wasatch, the craftspeople at Voile are hard at work, silently creating skis that thrive in whichever geographic region you call home. Their creation, the Voile Hyper Manti, is no exception. Its rockered profile lends itself to a playful feel in deep snow, while the supportive tail will be right at home in steep couloirs sporting less than ideal conditions. The th..
  Taking the reigns from the ever-popular Backland 100, the Backland FR 102 from Atomic ushers in a new era for Atomic's flagship do-it-all ski. With a revamped construction, the Backland FR 102 features more wood with less fiberglass, metal, and resin, reducing its carbon footprint while maintaining a damp feel. Increasing the amount of rocker to 35% compared to 30% in years past, m..
  If we had to use just one word to describe the Hyper Manti W, it would have to be “exceptionally well-rounded.” You may now be wondering why we in fact used three words instead of the self-imposed one-word limit and to be honest, it's because one simply wasn't enough. With the shedding of an impressive amount of weight from the non-hyper Manti W, the Hyper Manti W will grant you ac..
  Not just any nova, the Supernova from Majesty is an all-around, high-performance ski with a penchant for the soft white stuff. It partially achieves this versatility using a Cut-Off-Tail, cleverly called COT. By cutting off the tail and moving the skier's stance back on the ski, Majesty was able to make the Supernova maneuverable but stable enough for you to “let 'er rip” when the ..
  The unexpected child of the SuperCharger and the HyperCharger, with the added genetic mutation of full-length sidewalls, the Voile Charger ACE is a lightweight ski with heavyweight performance. Damper and stiffer than the other Chargers, the ACE combines the best of Voile's technologies for a ski unlike anything offered by the brand. The sidewalls, which have been time-tested on Vo..
  If you thought getting snow pants on your kid was tough, try buying them a full touring kit! Don't worry, we've got you covered like a one-piece snowsuit. Dynafit has taken the next step (or stride) towards making the buying process of ski packages as simple as possible. Skis, premounted bindings, and skins are all in one place and ready to go for your miniature mountaineer. If it'..
  Do you remember your first skis, the ones that unlocked a lifelong passion for being outside, helped you find a sense of community, and built confidence? Elan did, which is why they took great care in designing the Ripstick Tour 80T. With its easy-to-handle nature, the Ripstick Tour 80T is built to provide a positive backcountry experience, helping its user navigate through various..
  Hiring a babysitter can get really expensive, especially when you want to have a nice day of touring, so why not teach your tyke how to ski and take them with you? The K2 Wayback Jr is a tool and a jewel for anyone trying to get their young athletes out and about to enjoy touring. With similar core construction as the rest of the K2 Wayback line, the Jr is made with a Paulownia Tou..
  When the moment arrives, and your little ripper wants to follow you into the backcountry, they will need the right equipment starting with the right skis. A fantastic and affordable option is the Boost JR ski from Hagan. In creating a kid's ski, Hagan has downsized ski length, but has not downsized ski construction. Featuring a reinforced mounting area, capped construction, sintere..
  When it comes to technical sports like skiing, the earlier the kiddos learn their Pizzas and French Fries, the better. Atomic's Backland Junior extends the reliability and versatility of their ubiquitous adult touring line to future uphill champions aged approximately 9-11. The Backland Junior is a true all-mountain ski, combining a directional turn shape with so-called "piste rock..
  For the powder hungry woman (or small statured male), one difficulty can be finding wide skis in appropriately short lengths. On top of that, the few skis available are too heavy to lap powder for a full day.
  The Voile Women’s Hyper Charger is not a “shrink and pink” men’s ski being sold to women. In fact, it was designed specifically to fill the above-mentioned void that has ex..
  Glen Plake. Do I have your attention now? This signature model ski is fully backed by the legend himself - can you imagine how much more rad, "Blizzard of Ahhh's," would have been if Elan's Ripstick Tour 104 existed back then? This ski is sure to become as iconic as his beloved mohawk given its ability to float in the deep stuff and keep you out of trouble when conditions take a tu..
  The goldilocks one-quiver backcountry ski is an elusive beast, requiring extensive R&D, inspired vision, and maybe a hint of fairy dust. Freeride skiers, however, may have found the solution in the Armada Locator 104. The Locator incorporates tip rocker plus moderate camber, with a generous shovel and blended tail shape. The result is a ski geared towards speed while retaining ..
  Applying the concept of the Neve 93 to a wider design aimed at soft snow exploits, Ski Trab has created an exquisitely constructed freeride weapon that combines high-speed stability with playful maneuverability. With a low camber, an extended tip and tail rocker, a long sidecut, and a progressive mount point, the Neve 104 will pivot, slash, and straight-line down the gnarliest line..
  Ever since taking its rightful place as the head of the Blizzard touring ski stable, the Zero G 105 has made quite a splash, especially amongst aggressive skiers looking to venture to faraway places. Not being content with good, Blizzard has continued their journey towards great by tweaking the Carbon Drive laminate (now in its third iteration). As a result, Blizzard was able to ma..
  If you are looking to escape the mundanity of everyday life, the Escaper 105 is ready and willing to help. By utilizing a Light Poplar Core combined with a thin layer of Basalt, the Escaper 105 maintains a svelte weight, allowing you to move quickly and efficiently on your way to your secret powder stash. Once on top of your objective, the V-SKIN ANCHOR provides intuitive and effic..
  We expect a lot out of the modern powder ski. Sublime performance when the cold smoke stacks up, but capable of handling the ice luge back to the parking lot at the end of a long day. Luckily, Fischer has your back in the Transalp 105 CTI. Constructed from a paulownia wood core with carbon stringers, and featuring a generously rockered shovel, the Transalp CTI 105 is pure bliss in ..
  We’ve all been there. A late springtime storm teasingly blankets the mountain tops with soft inviting snow, tempting you to come and ski it. Unfortunately for you, the forecast isn’t looking to cooperate, signifying the start of the race to harvest that oh-so-sweet powder before it succumbs to the sun’s relentless rays. It is for this type of race that the Movement Alp Tracks 106 w..
  Is your pragmatic side trying to convince you that today is a day for the svelte and narrow skis? Or, is your optimistic side trying to convince you that yesterday's 3 inches will actually feel more like 8, and therefore, wider skis are required? Not a huge fan of analysis paralysis, HEAD makes the decision easy with the Crux 105 Pro. Being plenty wide enough, the Crux 105 Pro can ..
  With the Alp Tracks line, Movement has leveled up in its quest for the perfect lightweight backcountry skis. Using a labor-intensive carbon fiber construction process, the Swiss company has managed to make skis much wider than their previously top-end X-series designs, which topped out at 89mm underfoot. The AlpTracks build process uses the highest quality carbon fiber arranged in ..
  Gearing up for far-out powder hunting missions? Bypassing Roman garrisons by doing a not-so-casual Alps traverse? The Hannibal 106 Carbon has your back. This plus sized beauty was built for powder, but skis like a low-fat when the good stuff up high turns into crud down low. Easy turning with incredible edge hold, the sandwich construction and ABS sidewalls increase durability as w..
  When describing the Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL 105, DPS boldly states "It is the most well-rounded backcountry ski we've ever made." Considering the staggering amount of crowd-pleasers DPS has produced over the years, this is a pretty serious statement. Taking inspiration from their various ski shapes, DPS combined them to create a ski that won't flinch when you're looking to dial up t..
  With a name like Hyper Charger, you’d expect the graphics to resemble something off the Millennium Falcon. Fortunately, Voile resisted that temptation, but they could not resist putting their Paulownia and carbon core into the wildly popular Super Charger chassis. Ironically, the result is a lot like the Millennium Falcon: a high-performance platform made nimble and quick by hyper ..
  For those days when gluttony abounds and your friends may not be so friendly, K2 brings you the Wayback 106. Built from the same bones as the beloved 88, this fat ski is a dream ride when the snow is fresh and deep. The Wayback 106 packs all the wizardry that K2 has developed in their years of ski building while remaining light enough to stack laps. With a Y-shaped titanal insert a..
  If you find yourself skinning up the approach to a popular powder-lapping spot with the hopes of scoring a few pre-dawn turns before the masses track things out, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the folks you pass in the skintrack were on their way to a day of heli-served runs at Thompson Pass, or riding lifts at Niseko. Uber-wide, rockered powder ski designs have taken over the..
  Well, it finally happened. Salomon made a QST light enough to bring on longer missions. Working with Mr. Cody Townsend during his famous QUEST to ski the 50 classics, the designers managed to drop the weight of those unnecessary vowels. Behold the QST ECHO 106. Mixing some Karuba wood into the poplar core and using a cork damplifier in the tip and tail, they managed to retain enoug..
  The Free 107 is Dynafit's freeriding powder surfer. With a nicely rockered spoon tail and upturned and tapered tail, the Free slashes and dashes through the soft stuff. But don't worry if you're traveling through off aspects as the full sidewall and carvy turn radius lets you keep slashing turns in non-powder. While not as focused on weight as the Blacklight series, the Frees are m..
  Pivoty, slashy, and slarvy. These are all apt descriptors of the Tigard 107 from Dynafit. Building perhaps their most progressive and modern ski to date, Dynafit wanted the Tigard 107 to excel in powder while providing a damp ride for less-than-ideal snow, all while remaining nimble to ski in tight places with confidence. The generous rocker in the tip and tail provides excellent f..