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The Best Backcountry Skis of 2025

We tested the best backcountry skis from Atomic, Weston, Voile, and more to help you find the best option for your needs and budget.
Salomon Backcountry skierA huge variety of backcountry ski are available to choose from; (photo/Mike Gamble)
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The Best Backcountry Skis of 2025
Best Overall Backcountry Skis
Best Budget Backcountry Skis
Most Versatile Backcountry Skis
Best Backcountry Skis for Light & Fast Missions
Best Backcountry Skis for Deep Powder
Best Backcountry Ski/Skin Combo
Other Backcountry Skis We Loved
Backcountry Skis Comparison Chart
How We Tested Backcountry Skis
Backcountry Skis: A Buyer’s Guide
Price & Value
Other Essential Gear: Boots, Bindings and Skins
A Note on Avalanche Safety Education
Frequently Asked Questions

The best backcountry skis are the ones that suit your backcountry ski priorities and style.

Our team of testers, including ski gurus Berne Broudy and Ryan Kempfer, tested over 20 new backcountry skis to bring you our favorites for the upcoming winter season.

We skinned up peaks in Colorado, Vermont, and the Tetons. We sent it on couloirs, cruised down mellow glades, twisted and turned in tight trees, and even had the luck to ride a few feet of fresh pow. By pushing the limits of these skis for countless days in variable conditions, we tested them in powder, ice, and everything in between.

During testing, we compared weight, turn radius, profile, and overall performance in various situations. We hope this helps you choose the best backcountry skis based on your ski goals, style, and priorities. We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option like the Weston Skyline or a top-of-the-line performer like the Atomic Backland 109.

Editor’s Note: On February 13, 2025, we updated this guide by adding the ultralight Black Diamond Helio Carbon 88 Skis to our lineup and adding a sustainability section to our buyer’s guide.

The Best Backcountry Skis of 2025


Best Overall Backcountry Skis

  • Price: $975
  • Lengths: 176 cm, 184 cm, 189 cm
  • Weight: 1540 g (184 cm)
  • Dimensions: 135/109.5/124 (184 cm)
  • Turn Radius: 19 m (184 cm)
  • Core: Poplar/Caruba, ash binding reinforcement, fiberglass laminate
  • Best For: One ski quiver for someone who primarily tours

Pros

  • Predictable
  • Versatile
  • Light enough but not too light

Cons

  • Not the lightest for long days
  • Too wide for fitness/resort touring
Best Budget Backcountry Skis

  • Price: $699
  • Lengths: 160 cm, 168 cm, 176 cm, 184 cm
  • Weight: 1780 g (176 cm)
  • Dimensions: 125/94/111 (176 cm)
  • Turn Radius: 17 m (176 cm)
  • Core: Poplar and bamboo
  • Best For: All-Mountain, steeps, variable conditions

Pros

  • Camber makes this ski unique and fun
  • One of the most playful skis we tested
  • Four-year warranty is one of the longest in the industry

Cons

  • Heavier than some other skis
  • Sustainability is not a declared focus of the brand
Most Versatile Backcountry Skis

  • Price: $850
  • Length: 171 cm, 176 cm, 181 cm, 186 cm
  • Weight: 1335 g (176 cm)
  • Dimensions: 136/103/123 (176)
  • Turn radius: 18 m (176/181 cm)
  • Core: Paulownia/Double Carbon
  • Best For: Long tours, uphill crushers, powder days and variable conditions

Pros

  • Ideal for ultra lightweight touring
  • Playful design allows for surfing and maneuverability
  • Short turn radius
  • Intuitive

Cons

  • Tips chatter on hard pack at high speeds
  • Mellow top sheet design (but getting better year after year)
Best Backcountry Skis for Light & Fast Missions

  • Lengths: 152 cm, 161 cm, 170, 179 cm
  • Weight: 1290 g (170 cm)
  • Dimensions: 120/88/111 (170 cm)
  • Turn Radius: 18 m (170 cm)
  • Core: Paulownia wood
  • Best For: High alpine adventures, long-distance tours, technical terrain, fast and light objectives

Pros

  • Ultra lightweight
  • Versatile
  • Responsive
  • Great combo of uphill and downhill performance

Cons

  • Chatter on extreme hard pack at high speeds
  • Not designed for the deepest days
Best Backcountry Skis for Deep Powder

  • Price: 850
  • Lengths: 176 cm, 184 cm, 192 cm
  • Weight: 1,800 g (184 cm)
  • Dimensions: 143/120/134 (184 cm)
  • Turn Radius: 19 m (184 cm)
  • Core: Poplar wood
  • Best For: Deep powder, storm chasers

Pros

  • Cool graphics
  • New, more eco-friendly construction
  • Surfy and playful

Cons

  • Not as versatile as other skis
  • For the deepest days only
  • Heavy for the uphill
Best Backcountry Ski/Skin Combo

  • Price: $979 ($779 w/o skins)
  • Lengths: 170 cm, 177 cm, 184 cm, 191cm
  • Weight: 1990 g (184 cm)
  • Dimensions: 128/112/120 (184 cm)
  • Turn Radius: 30 m (184 cm)
  • Core: Aspen and maple
  • Best For: New school touring purists, backcountry skiers willing to suspend judgment until they’ve carved a day of turns

Pros

  • Sleekest, lightest skin system
  • Chatter-free thanks to neoprene in the tip
  • Wide but versatile
  • Total turn control despite the long turning radius

Cons

  • Takes a few ski days to get used to the multi-radius rocker profile
  • Long turning radius

Other Backcountry Skis We Loved

  • Price: $750
  • Lengths: 156 cm, 163 cm, 170 cm, 177 cm, 184 cm
  • Weight: 1,262 g (170 cm)
  • Dimensions: 138/96/119 (170 cm)
  • Turn Radius: 20 m (170 cm)
  • Core: Hybrid multi-layer wood core
  • Best For: Ambitious, advanced, expert or pro skiers

Pros

  • Also available in women’s
  • Available with pre-cut skins
  • Has Volkl’s 3D sidecut

Cons

  • Too narrow for West Coast skiers
  • Skin system is convenient but didn’t glide as well as others

  • Price: $800
  • Lengths: 160 cm, 168 cm, 176 cm, 184 cm
  • Weight: 1,330 g (176 cm)
  • Dimensions: 129/95/116 (176 cm)
  • Turn Radius: 19 m (176 cm)
  • Core: Paulownia
  • Best For: Uphill skiers who want freeride performance on the downhills

Pros

  • Super light uphill ski that’s fun on descents
  • Clever incorporation of Titanal for downhill performance
  • Wide range of sizes

Cons

  • Doesn’t handle well on ice
  • Ski is light and can get pushed around in challenging conditions

  • Price: $750
  • Lengths: 162 cm, 170 cm, 178 cm, 184 cm
  • Weight: 1,370g (170 cm)
  • Dimensions: 130/95/115 mm (170 cm)
  • Turn Radius: 20 m (170 cm)
  • Core: Paulownia, beech
  • Best for: Expert skiers, big missions where uphill is a priority

Pros

  • Light on the uphill and tours exceptionally well
  • Great for jump turns
  • Tip cutouts for dedicated clip-on skins

Cons

  • Can be chattery on hardpack
  • All business, less play
  • Narrow waist is not the best for powder days

  • Price: $900
  • Lengths: 172 cm, 180 cm, 188 cm
  • Weight: 1,510 g (180 cm)
  • Dimensions: 133/105/119 mm (180 cm)
  • Turn Radius: 23 m (180 cm)
  • Core: Paulownia
  • Best for: Advanced and expert skiers, downhill chargers, powder touring

Pros

  • Perfect combination of float and performance
  • Great for firm snow and steep skiing

Cons

  • Long turning radius prefers to be opened up
  • Not the best for beginners

  • Price: $800
  • Lengths: 158 cm, 165 cm, 171 cm, 178 cm, 185 cm
  • Weight: 1810 g (185 cm)
  • Dimensions: 132/104/123 (185 cm)
  • Turn Radius: 19 m (185)
  • Core: Carbon, glass ,flax
  • Best For: Freetouring freeskiers

Pros

  • Price: $800
  • Lengths: 158 cm, 165 cm, 171 cm, 178 cm, 185 cm
  • Weight:1810 g (185 cm)
  • Dimensions: 132-104-123 (185 cm)
  • Turn Radius: 19 m (185)
  • Core: Carbon, glass and flax
  • Best For: Freetouring freeskiers

Cons

  • On the heavy side for a touring ski
  • Not as stable as some skis

  • Price: $900
  • Lengths: 157 cm, 164 cm, 171 cm, 177 cm, 183 cm
  • Weight: 1,425 g (171 cm)
  • Dimensions: 124/99/116 (171 cm)
  • Turn Radius: 18m (171 cm)
  • Core: Paulownia wood core
  • Best for: Backcountry Freeriders

Pros

  • Freeride feel
  • Come in short lengths
  • It’s a ski with attitude

Cons

  • Best for soft snow
  • Not as versatile as some other skis

  • Length: 167 cm, 173 cm, 179 cm, 185 cm
  • Weight: 1,550 g (173 cm)
  • Dimensions: 138/102/118 mm (173 cm)
  • Turn radius: 19 m (173 cm)
  • Profile: Rocker-Camber-Rocker
  • Construction: Semi-Cap, Full-Cap in tip
  • Core: Poplar, paulownia, carbon/fiberglass

Pros

  • Reliable in all conditions
  • Skis powder well for its width

Cons

  • Not as playful as other skis due to its damper nature
  • Doesn’t deliver short radius turns
  • Beginners might need to consider other options

  • Price: $1,695
  • Lengths: 153 cm, 163 cm, 171 cm, 179 cm, 184 cm
  • Weight: 1,340 g (171 cm)
  • Dimensions: 133/105/117 (171 cm)
  • Turn radius: 15 m (171 cm)
  • Core: Paulownia
  • Best for: Surfy powder turns

Pros

  • Exceptional float and playfulness
  • Unique short turn radius allows for a fun ride
  • Attention to sustainability

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not the best in variable conditions

Backcountry Skis Comparison Chart

Backcountry SkisPriceLengthsWeightDimensionsTurn RadiusBest For
Atomic Backland 109$975176 cm, 184 cm, 189 cm1,540 g (184 cm)135/109.5/124 (184 cm)19 m (184 cm)One ski quiver for someone who primarily tours
Weston Skyline$699160 cm, 168 cm, 176 cm, 184 cm1,780 g (176 cm)125/94/111 (176 cm)17 m (176 cm)All-Mountain, steeps, variable conditions
Voile Hyper Manti $850171 cm, 176 cm, 181 cm, 186 cm1,335 g (176 cm)136/103/123 (176)18 m (176/181 cm)Long tours, uphill crushers, powder days and variable conditions
Black Diamond Helio Carbon 88$850 152 cm, 161 cm, 170, 179 cm1290 g (170 cm)120/88/111 (170 cm)18 m (170 cm)High alpine adventures, long-distance tours, technical terrain, fast and light objectives
Atomic Bent Chetler 120$850176 cm, 184 cm, 192 cm1,800 g (184 cm)143/120/134 (184 cm)19 m (184 cm)Deep powder, storm chasers
4FRNT Hoji 4Lock$979170 cm, 177 cm, 184 cm, 191cm1,990 g (184 cm)128/112/120 (184 cm)30 m (184 cm)New school touring purists, backcountry skiers willing to suspend judgment until they’ve carved a day of turns
Volkl Rise Beyond 96$750156 cm, 163 cm, 170 cm, 177 cm, 184 cm1,262 g (170 cm)138/96/119 (170 cm)20 m (170 cm)Ambitious, advanced, expert or pro skiers
Dynafit Ridge 95
$800160 cm, 168 cm, 176 cm, 184 cm1,330 g (176 cm)129/95/116 (176 cm)19 m (176 cm)Uphill skiers who want freeride performance on the downhills
Scott Superguide 95$750162 cm, 170 cm, 178 cm, 184 cm1,370g (170 cm)130/95/115 mm (170 cm)20 m (170 cm)Expert skiers, big missions where uphill is a priority
Blizzard Zero G 105
$850172 cm, 180 cm, 188 cm1,510 g (180 cm)133/105/119 mm (180 cm)23 m (180 cm)Advanced and expert skiers, downhill chargers, powder touring
Line Vision 104$800158 cm, 165 cm, 171 cm, 178 cm, 185 cm1,810 g (185 cm)132/104/123 (185 cm)19 m (185)Freetouring freeskiers
Faction La Machine 2 Mini$900157 cm, 164 cm, 171 cm, 177 cm, 183 cm1,425 g (171 cm)124/99/116 (171 cm) 18m (171 cm)Backcountry Freeriders
Black Crows Navis Freebird
$999167 cm, 173 cm, 179 cm, 185 cm1,550 g (173 cm)136/102/116 mm (167 cm), 138/102/118 mm (173 cm), 138/102/119 mm (179 cm), 139/102/120 mm (185 cm)18 m (167 cm), 19 m (173 cm), 19 m (179 cm), 19 m (185 cm)
Profile Rocker-Camber-Rocker
Poplar, paulownia, carbon/fiberglass
DPS Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL 105
$1,695153 cm, 163 cm, 171 cm, 179 cm, 184 cm1,340 g (171 cm)133/105/117 (171 cm)15 m (171 cm)Surfy powder turns
Skier with dog behind prayer flags
Editor Chris Kassar takes the Voile Hyper Manti for a spin in the Colorado backcountry; (photo/Elk Raven Photography)

How We Tested Backcountry Skis

Our Expert Testers

Our GearJunkie gear testing team includes a range of skiers from intermediates to experts and professional guides.who have spent decades exploring the backcountry and side country worldwide.

Lead author Berne Broudy is an avid skier who has backcountry skied from the east to west coasts of the U.S. and Canada. She’s also gone on sail and ski expeditions in Norway and Alaska. She’s put her skis on at Kulusuk Airport in Eastern Greenland and skied from hut to hut. And she’s skied every condition in Iceland.

In 2024, we also added editor Chris Kassar and backcountry enthusiast Ryan Kempfer to the line-up of testers. Ryan has worked in the ski industry for years. Most recently, he was a ski tech and master boot fitter who loved helping people find the best gear for their ski style. Chris started backcountry skiing seriously in Alaska on Telemark skis in the ’90s. She racks up over 100 days a year, mainly in the backcountry. She has explored the mountains of Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah for the last couple of decades.

Our Testing Grounds & Process

From glades to steeps, couloirs to low-angle meadows, powder to sastrugi, breakable crust to corn, the Rockies to the Alps, and everything in between, we’ve put these backcountry skis through the wringer. Skis are like snowflakes — no two are the same — which makes finding the right ski both a daunting and exciting process.

While assessing which backcountry skis are the best, we evaluated a range of factors: stiffness, maneuverability, playfulness, energy, damping, chatter, weight, shape, edge hold, and turn initiation. The size, width, base, and edge tune also influence how a ski performs. We considered what type of skier and conditions each ski is best for.

We tested skis in a range of snow conditions, arctic temperatures, blizzards, blustery wind, intense sun, rain, and the deepest of deep powder days.

Beyond our field tests and personal experience, we considered the most popular and innovative backcountry skis on the market. We sought to include a broad range of price points and applications to serve a range of skiers. If you’re looking for other types of skis, check out our guides to the best all-mountain skis, women’s-specific picks in the all-mountain category, and the best cross-country skis.

best backcountry skis
Agile uphill doesn’t compromise performance or fun skiing down when you choose the Atomic Backland 109; (photo/Berne Broudy)

Backcountry Skis: A Buyer’s Guide

There are a lot of backcountry skis to choose from. It can be challenging to sort through them to find the one that’s best for you. Weight, price, core material, turning radius, rocker and camber — all are ski characteristics that will determine how your ski feels. The best way to find the perfect backcountry ski is to know how and where you’ll ski.

What Type of Skier Are You?

Backcountry skiers generally fall into three main categories: Uphill-focused, downhill-focused, or both. If you ski in deep snow, choose a wider ski to maximize your float in powder, like the Bent Chetler 120 or the 4FRNT Hoji 4Lock. A heavier ski will glide through variable snow and grip on the ice better, but it will likely be slower on the uphill.

If you’re all about fitness or ease on the uphill, a lightweight ski like the Voile HyperManti, the Scott Superguide, or the LaSportiva Tempo will help you move fast and rack up vertical gain with less effort. But it may not be as stable or fun on the descent.

Just remember, you may sacrifice a bit of uphill or downhill capability depending on your priorities. That said, there are certainly skis that are great “quiver killers.” We cover all of those options in this guide.

best backcountry skis
Hoji’s 4Frnt 4Lock skis were light on the uphill and floaty on descents; (photo/Mike Donohue)

Backcountry Specific vs. Hybrid Skis

Backcountry-specific skis are often much lighter because you’ll spend more of your time on them walking uphill and less time skiing down. These skis enable us to go further and move more efficiently while saving energy for the downhill. Great pure backcountry-specific choices in the above guide are the Voile Hyper Manti Skis, LaSportiva Tempo, Scott Superguide, Blizzard Zero G 105, Dynafit Ridge 95, and the DPS Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL 105.

Hybrid skis, also known as “50/50” skis, are best used with a hybrid binding, like Atomic’s Shift, for those who plan to use the ski at the resort for riding chairlifts, for side country skiing, and for backcountry touring. A couple of great choices in this guide for 50/50 skis are the Black Crows Navis Freebird and the Atomic Backland 109.

Of course, it’s more expensive to have a quiver of skis meant for different purposes. But as you spend more time skiing and in the backcountry, you’ll want backcountry-specific skis and possibly multiple setups for different conditions.

The super-light Dynafit Ridge 95 is a pure backcountry ski sure to crush it on the uphill and down; (photo by photo/Jeb Wallace-Brodeur)

Ski Length

Once you know what’s important to you, figure out your ski length. The right ski length depends on your height, weight, ability, and preferences.

A 5’10″ 180-pound male should consider a length of around 180 cm for a resort-focused freeride powder ski. A hard-charging expert might opt for a ski closer to 190 cm. A beginner/intermediate might choose a ski in the 170cm range. For a newer skier, shorter skis are more fun and manageable because they’re more nimble and easier to turn. Likewise, some backcountry tree skiers also prefer shorter skis because they’re more agile. The Volkl Rise Beyond 96 and Faction’s LaMachine 2 Mini have an especially good range of sizes that will meet the needs of most skiers.

Depending on length and waist width, backcountry skis will perform differently, especially on the downhill; (photo/Jeb Wallace-Brodeur)

Waist Width

Ideally, in the backcountry, you’re seeking untracked snow. But you may encounter a whole range of conditions in one day, from deep powder to crust to corn. Skis with 90-105 mm waist width, like Weston’s Skyline and Volkl’s Rise Beyond, are best for skiers who spend half their time on more consolidated snow and half their time in soft snow. Choose a ski with a 105-120 mm waist, like Atomic’s Bent Chetler 120, for powder. If your standard conditions are 6-12 inches of fresh powder, wider skis will give you maximum float.

Our widest ski, the Atomic Bent Chetler 120, has more than enough float for even the deepest of days. At the other end of the spectrum, skis like the Black Diamond Helio Carbon 88, LaSportiva Tempo, the DPS Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL 105, and the Dynafit Ridge cut away all extra weight to make for the fastest and lightest construction for the uphill and big days in the alpine, but they wouldn’t be our top choice on a deep day.

If you opt for a waist above 120, you’re firmly into the big-mountain powder category for special days when you’ll be skiing two feet or more of fresh snow. An over 120mm waist ski is a dream-day quiver ski. Don’t expect to take it out all the time.

best backcountry skis
If you mostly ski powder, you’ll want a wider width underfoot like Atomic’s Bent Chetler 120, but if you backcountry ski in variable conditions, consider a narrower width; (photo/Mike Donohue)

Turn Radius

A ski’s turn radius, which is measured in meters, is based on the sidecut of a ski: the shape of the curve along either side of its length. Most skis have an hourglass shape, but the radius of these curves has a crucial effect on steering, speed, and stability.

Skis that are much wider at the tip and tail than at the waist have a shorter turning radius. A shorter turning radius is great for quick and nimble movements in the trees and moguls. Anything less than 16 meters has a short turning radius.

If you like to carve super-G turns and ski fast, pick a ski with a turn radius over 20 meters, like 4FRNT’s Hoji 4Lock. If you like to make tight turns, look for a ski with a turn radius of 15 m or below, as we see in DPS’s Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL 105. A shorter turn radius will make it easier to ski if you’re a beginner or intermediate. Some skis on the market, like Volkl’s Rise Beyond, have what’s called an adaptive turning radius, which creates a different radius turn intuitively depending on how you engage the turn.

Depending on the length, the sweet spot for the turn radius of a dedicated backcountry ski is often between 17 m and 19 m. A medium turn radius like we see on the Black Diamond Helio 88 skis enables the ski to maintain stability while making big turns without sacrificing nimble maneuverability in tight trees and couloirs.

blizzard zero g 105
With a turning radius of 23 m, the Blizzard Zero G 105 is best for those looking to go full throttle on the downhill without compromising on the uphill and best for those inclined to make bigger, GS-style turns; (photo/Blizzard-Tecnica)

Rocker and Camber

Rocker and camber describe the profile of the ski from tip to tail when viewed from the side. A rockered ski is upturned at the nose and allows for maximum float in powder.

Add camber, which looks like a bow underfoot, and it gives the ski potential energy you engage when you pressure into a turn. As we see in the Atomic Backland 109, camber allows the edges of the ski to “bite” into the snow for better carving, edge hold, and control. Reverse camber looks like a banana from the side and has a surfy feel.

Most all-mountain and backcountry skis use a blend of rocker and camber to make them easier to turn. A ski with rocker in the tip and tail, like the Voile Hyper Manti, is less likely to get caught up in chunky or deep snow. The upturn allows the ski to float through powder, and it offers a more playful, less aggressive feel.

Many skis have a rocker-camber-rocker profile, which makes them good carving and easy to turn. Some also have a flat tail, which gives the ski a “racier” profile for carving longer and more powerful turns without washing out.

Some, like Weston’s Skyline, use a combination of traditional and reverse camber in the tip and tail for a unique ride feel.

best backcountry skiing
If you prioritize uphill performance, you’ll want skis made of lighter materials like the DPS Carbon Pagoda Tour; (photo/Jeb Wallace Brodeur)

Materials

Most skis are built with a wood core, usually beech, poplar, or aspen. Add metal to the construction, like in the Dynafit Ridge 95, and the ski gains stiffness and stability at speed. But, it also gets notably heavier. Many ski manufacturers strategically integrate carbon around ski cores for metal-like performance enhancements without the weight. For instance, the Black Diamond Helio Carbon 88, LaSportiva Tempo and Blizzard Zero G 105.

Carbon is stiff and light, whether used as a sheet or in strips called “stringers,” like in the DPS Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL 105 or Line’s Vision 104. It’s used in backcountry skis as a lighter alternative to metal with a less aggressive feel. Stiff and light carbon gives a ski grip and saves you energy, but it can be more chattery than metal in hard snow. Some skis add non-traditional materials, like the Line Vision, which uses flax for damping, or the LaSportiva Tempo, which uses D30 to reduce vibration.

Weight

Backcountry skis can range from feather light, like Voile’s 1335g Hyper Manti, to moderately heavy, like the 1990g 4Frnt Hoji 4lock skis. In this roundup, we didn’t include the absolute lightest or definitively heaviest backcountry skis. When skis are too light, they can be chattery or hard to control when descending the mountain. And the heaviest skis can be tiring to haul uphill.

The lightest backcountry skis are usually skimo skis, made for racers who need to get uphill as fast as possible. The heaviest backcountry skis are often alpine skis mounted with a touring binding. However, we tested some, like the Black Diamond Helio Carbon 88 skis, which are ultra-light but still perform well in all but the deepest or iciest conditions thanks to their early rise tips and innovative design.


best backcountry skis
Despite being lightweight and narrower than others, the early rise of the lightweight Black Diamond Helio Carbon 88 helped keep us afloat in fresh snow; (photo/Elk Raven Photography)

Width, length, and ski construction all impact weight. So do the bindings you choose. A moderate to heavier ski will do better skiing downhill. Many have metal or carbon inside that can help skiers carve in heavy snow or other challenging conditions. A light ski can get pushed around and may not be as fun skiing downhill.

Skis in the middle, which include all of the skis in this article, are those we typically prefer for our backcountry outings. However, if speed ascending is your top priority, you may be willing to compromise some downhill performance, by choosing a lighter ski like the DPS Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL 105 or the LaSportiva Tempo.

Parts of a Ski

High-quality backcountry skis are complex tools that pack lots of technology into a streamlined package. The physical construction of your skis will define your experience using them.

The parts of a ski that have the most significant effect on performance are the core, laminates, sidewalls, and base.

Core and Laminates

The core of a ski is the innermost material and partly determines its flex and shape. Most backcountry skis feature a wood core made from poplar, aspen, beech, and paulownia, like DPS’ Carbon Pagoda Touror a combination, like Blizzard’s Zero G 105.

Manufacturers tend to use thinner materials in the tip and tail so that those zones can easily flex and thicker materials underfoot where the ski needs to have maximum grip and also retain a binding. Around the core, metal and/or carbon fiber laminates may be added to boost or reduce characteristics such as pop, rigidity, and dampness as needed.

Sidewalls

Sidewalls cover a ski’s outer edges. Generally, they are made from dense plastic that protects the sides of the core layers. In some skis, the top sheet layer may be extended to conceal the edge and serve as the sidewall.

Base

A ski’s base is the surface that comes in direct contact with the snow. There are two kinds of bases: extruded and sintered. Almost all skis use sintered bases. It requires regular waxing and general maintenance, and it’s the best option for consistent long-term performance.

Backcountry Skiers Moving Up A Skin Track
Backcountry skiing requires an investment in all the necessary gear, but the joy it brings will pay dividends for years to come; (photo/Adrian Ballinger)

Price & Value

For most of us shopping for skis, price is a consideration. You’ll pay more for skis that are made in the U.S., and for certain ingredients inside the ski, like carbon fiber. Sometimes cost is more marketing than anything else. Some brands position themselves in a price bracket to appeal to a certain set of customers.

For example, historically Atomic skis are some of the most affordable, though the 2025 Atomic Backland 109 is on the pricer side. DPS skis are all over $1,000 unless you find a killer sale or buy them used. All DPS skis are made in the USA, and many have pre-preg carbon inside.

Unlike many product categories, when it comes to skis, you can find great options in most price categories. Just because a ski is more affordable doesn’t mean its a lower-quality ski. But lower prices skis may not be as versatile as more expensive ones.

Budget

A budget ski ($400-700) will have a simpler construction and use fewer materials, like the wood core Weston Skyline ($699), which uses poplar and bamboo instead of carbon. You’ll find carbon in mid-tier skis like the Voile Hyper Manti ($850) and Black Crows Navis Freebird ($999). Narrower skis — skis under 95mm waist, are frequently $50-100 less than skis that are 103mm and up underfoot. So most 95 underfoot skis cost less than skis that are 109 and 120 underfoot, like Atomic’s Backland 109 and Bent Chetler 120 unless those skis use premium materials.

When it comes to backcountry skis, there are many great skis on the lower end of the price spectrum. But there are few at the bottom end of the budget price range. While there are beginner alpine frontside skis that cost $400, the only backcountry skis in that price range will be skis that have been discounted or pre-owned.

Mid-Tier

Most skis fall in the mid-tier category ($701-1,000), and skis in this category can be made from a variety of materials and for many different use cases. In this price range, you can find width options for different skier preferences, a variety of constructions for groomers, trees, soft snow and hard snow, park and pipe, and all temperatures and weather.

Often, wider skis like Atomic’s Bent Chetler 120 ($850) are in the premium category. Because the Bent 120 is so wide, it uses more materials than narrower skis. It’s a quiver ski for the skier who owns multiple pairs of skis and isn’t likely motivated by a lower price. But Atomic is a brand that tries to keep its skis affordable, so the Bent is in the Mid-tier price range.

The reason to step up to a mid-tier ski from a budget ski is that mid-tier skis will generally have more versatility throughout the range of snow conditions. For instance, our top pick, the Atomic Backland 109 ($975), balances uphill and downhill performance in a range of snow conditions, while the Black Diamond Helio Carbon 88 ($850) is made of extremely lightweight materials without sacrificing much in terms of performance.

In the mid-tier price point, manufacturers incorporate more creative rocker and camber profile designs for skiers who are not looking for a traditional ski. Any skier can feel comfortable buying a ski in the mid-tier range for any backcountry ski activity.

Premium

Most premium backcountry skis cost $1,000 and above, including skis like DPS Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL105, a made-in-the-USA ski that uses carbon construction. Some Black Crows skis also fall into this category. Many times premium skis are priced higher to attract a more affluent customer, or to create the illusion that they’re better than lower-priced skis, which is not always true.

What you get with premium pricing is the highest tech and highest-cost combination of materials that minimize weight and maximize performance. Premium skis will use the best materials available in every aspect of construction, including fiberglass or carbon, the burliest and hardest edges, or the lightest weight edges depending on what the ski is made for, and race quality bases that are more durable and faster. Skis with unique construction techniques, like the DPS Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL 105 ($1,695), use bio-based flax and carbon laminate. And custom skis always fall into the premium category.

Customs skis are made specifically for each customer, from construction to graphics. If you’re a skier who wants nothing more than a photo of your favorite mountain range, your pet, or a meaningful drawing or painting on your ski, and you have a very specific idea of how you want your ski to perform, consider buying custom skis. We have had the opportunity to ski a number of pairs of Wagner Custom skis, and while each pair is unique, all of the Wagners we’ve skied we’ve loved.

A mid-tier option, the Atomic Backland 109 ($975) balances uphill and downhill performance in a range of snow conditions; (photo/Berne Broudy)

Sustainability

The ski industry is not always the most eco-conscious. Unfortunately, building skis on a large scale is not typically an environmentally friendly process. However, a handful of manufacturers are breaking this trend. More companies are starting to cast aside the old ways and refocus on sustainable and environmentally friendly production methods, incorporating recycled and bio-based materials and nixing chemicals, plastic, and petroleum-based additives.

Local Materials, Solar Power

Several brands have begun sourcing wood locally for their ski cores. Folsom Custom Skis now makes all of its wood cores from responsibly harvested Colorado-sourced trees. DPS and WNDR Alpine have started integrating aspen from near its Salt Lake City production facilities, respectively.

Wagner Skis, a small, custom boutique ski brand based in Telluride, Colo., follows this trend. After a historic avalanche season in 2019, Wagner decided to collect a large amount of deadfall aspen taken down by massive avalanches and recycle them into skis. Wagner also builds all of its skis in a solar-powered facility. 

Upcycling Materials

WNDR Alpine is leading the charge as the first ski manufacturer to achieve a negative carbon footprint. They do this, in part, by upcycling materials whenever possible and using the waste materials from building skis to integrate into other skis. Think: using the wood scraps from one pair to make elements of another.

wndr nocturne 88 skis on snow
WNDR’s Nocturne 88 skis use algae to make them more sustainable; (photo/Bergen Tjossem)

Algal Materials

DPS and WNDR Alpine are also using proprietary algal products and modified tree sap to replace petroleum-based products in its skis. You read that right: algae. These bio-based materials eliminate the need for reliance on petroleum and plastic-based products in production. For instance, read the full review about WNDR’s Nocturne 88 backcountry touring skis that have an algae-based freeride core that’s damp, stable, and energetic.

Both DPS and WNDR Alpine have such a long list of mindful manufacturing practices that we can’t name them all here, from keeping its production in the United States to eliminating plastic wrap for biodegradable materials. 

Unfortunately, these practices are generally the exception rather than the norm. The ski industry, to its credit, has come a long way fast in just a few years. But we’ll continue to watch out for these companies going the extra distance to make a positive difference for the environment. 

The best part of increased sustainability in skis is that these elements don’t sacrifice — and sometimes even add — performance while also making us feel even better about skiing them. DPS said it best when it noted that its sustainability initiative is rooted in preserving “the art of sliding on snow for future generations.”

Other Essential Gear: Boots, Bindings and Skins

To get the most out of your time in the backcountry, it’s important to carefully select boots, bindings, and climbing skins that are a good match for your skis, touring style, and skillset.

Backcountry Ski Boots

Match your boot type to your skis’ performance profile. A soft or ultralight boot should pair with an ultralight ski, not a heavy freeride ski.

Like skis, the best backcountry ski boots come with strengths and weaknesses. If the downhill is why you ski, you’ll likely want stiff boots that can handle high speed and hard-charging. Downhill-oriented touring boots are heavier than boots that prioritize uphill performance, and they may have a more limited range of motion while hiking uphill.

If you plan to prioritize uphill efficiency, you’ll want a relatively lightweight boot that feels light on the feet with a wide range of motion when in walk mode. And if you’re looking for one boot for both resort and backcountry skiing, consider buying a hybrid boot that is compatible with alpine ski bindings and hybrid touring bindings. To find the perfect backcountry ski boot for you, check out our guide to the Best Backcountry Ski Boots.

Backcountry ski boots are as varied as skis; (photo/Elk Raven Photography)

Backcountry Ski Bindings

There are two types of backcountry ski bindings: tech bindings and hybrid bindings. Tech bindings are for light and fast backcountry travel. Hybrid bindings are for backcountry freeriding and extreme skiing. The bindings you choose for your backcountry skis will have a massive influence on how the ski behaves.

To make matters more challenging, there’s an incredibly wide range of options on the market. In order to get the most out of your time in the backcountry, it’s important to carefully select boots and bindings that are a good match for your skis and skillset. Check out our article on the best bindings for the backcountry to find the best option based on your ski priorities and compatibility with your skis and boots.

Climbing Skins

You won’t get very far in the backcountry without your climbing skins, literally. Trust us, we’ve tried (unintentionally). Skins are one of the most underrated pieces of backcountry gear. They are the real behind-the-scenes stars of the show, the ones that are actually getting us up to the top lap after lap. They also quickly have the power to ruin your day if they don’t work as they should, so choose wisely with help from our guide to the Best Climbing Skins.

Backcountry Skiers Ascending A Skin Track
Backcountry skiing requires the ability to read terrain and stay safe in a variety of conditions; (photo/Sean McCoy)

A Note on Avalanche Safety Education

The mountains are a beautiful and inherently dangerous place — the hazards of backcountry skiing should not be taken lightly.

In order to backcountry ski safely in most places, seek out the proper avalanche safety education before you click into your skis, and if possible, travel with those who are more knowledgeable than you. Choose partners who share your risk tolerance and goals, and seek out experienced mentors. Be sure to carry the proper rescue equipment for each mission and know how to use it well.

We recommend avalanche education courses approved by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) and the American Avalanche Institute (AAI). Do not simply depend on an app to keep you safe, though several apps, including OnX Backcountry, Aspect Avy, FATMAP, and CalTopo, can help you navigate the backcountry and its hazards.

Choosing the right skis is a small piece of a large, complex puzzle — as many of you already know, especially if you’ve been out there playing the game.

Essential Avalanche Equipment

If you’re skiing in the backcountry, there’s a lengthy checklist of equipment that you should take with you. An avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, and backpack are mandatory for skiing in avalanche terrain.

We also never head out into the backcountry without proper clothing, extra insulating layers, plenty of snacks, a hot drink in an insulated water bottle, a way to navigate, a repair kit, ski straps, a first aid kit, and knowledge of how to use all of this important gear. These all should be stashed in an appropriately sized, backcountry-specific pack — we like something in the 25-40L range (check out our list of our favorite packs for the backcountry).

Before heading out the door, be sure to check both the weather and avalanche forecast, and be well-prepared for the conditions that you’ll encounter. If you’re not prepared, don’t go.

Additional Backcountry Education

Once you’ve taken your recreational Level One course, you should seek out wilderness first aid or wilderness first responder training and a CPR course so that you can respond to incidents in the backcountry and help your group be self-sufficient. These courses provide an essential baseline of knowledge that could help you save your ski partner’s life in the case of an emergency, like an avalanche.

Have maps downloaded on your phone when you head out so you know where you are. A ski app that shows you slope angles can help you find your way out of a challenging situation or confirm that you’re on the right track for your preferred route.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes backcountry skis different from downhill or cross-country skis?

In many ways, backcountry skis are a hybrid between their downhill and cross-country counterparts. Because backcountry skiing involves both uphill and downhill travel, backcountry skis must be able to perform well in a wide variety of terrain.

Backcountry skis are typically outfitted with tech bindings or frame bindings, which allow skiers to maneuver on flat and uphill terrain. Read more about the two types of backcountry bindings in our buyer’s guide above.

Additionally, backcountry skis use another piece of gear known as skins to prevent them from sliding backward when traveling uphill.

While some downhill skis are compatible with skins and the proper bindings, backcountry-specific skis are definitely your best bet due to their specialized design and lightweight profile.

Most backcountry skis include a waist width between 105 and 120 mm, which is a little wider on average than downhill skis. While downhill skis can work for the uphill when integrated with the right boots and bindings, backcountry-specific skis are definitely your best bet due to their specialized design and lightened-up profile.

What are the best backcountry skis for beginners?

Beginner backcountry skiers will want a ski that is properly sized, maneuverable, and progression-oriented. Generally, beginners should avoid skis on the extreme ends of any spectrum. In other words, don’t go for the widest powder ski or the ultralight mountaineering ski, or an aggressive super-stiff ski.

Beginners will benefit from middle-ground do-it-all skis that can be used to experiment, grow, and find your groove in various scenarios.

If you plan to also use your backcountry ski at the resort, we recommend you purchase a versatile ski with the right characteristics to meet your wide-reaching needs. On this list, the Weston Skyline is a solid entry point that can also be used within bounds.

Of course, safe backcountry skiing is about much more than gear. Before you head out there, you need to be educated on avalanche safety and backcountry hazards.

How much do backcountry skis cost?

Generally, backcountry skis are a bit more expensive than downhill skis. With that said, the cost of backcountry skis exists on a broad spectrum. A solid and high-quality pair can be purchased for between $500 and $700.

If you’re looking for high-end and specialized backcountry skis, expect to pay between $700 and $1,500 per pair. Check out the price section above to see the skis listed in this guide broken down and compared by price.

Do I really have to worry about how much my skis weigh?

In short: Yes! Remember that for every foot of vertical you get to ski downhill in the backcountry, you have to earn it on the uphill. Many backcountry skiers ignore the weight of the ski for the sake of performance (or graphics), which ultimately will limit what you’re able to accomplish in the mountains.

Always try to cut weight in the backcountry when you can (within reason) as it will enable you to physically go further and get in more laps before getting tired. And remember the old adage: “Ounces lead to pounds, and pounds lead to pain.”

As with anything else in the backcountry, going lighter has its tradeoffs. In skiing, namely, lightweight skis can compromise the quality of the downhill ride. Luckily, today’s advancements in ski constructions allow for stability, reliability and speed without compromising the uphill.

What width of skis should I ski in the backcountry?

The answer to this question largely depends on where you spend most of your time skiing in the backcountry. Ideally, in the backcountry we’re seeking out fresh, bottomless snow, but the reality is that we encounter all kinds of less-than-ideal conditions, too.

In our opinion, for most snow climates we look for backcountry skis with a versatile waist width between 95 and 110 underfoot. Depending on where you live, that number might shift a bit higher.

As mentioned above, think about your priorities as a skier. Do you like to ski in the backcountry exclusively to hunt out the best powder turns? Go for something a bit wider. Are you a fitness fanatic mostly looking to tour uphill in-bounds? Slim down as much as you can.

How can I save money getting into the backcountry?

There’s no way around the fact that skiing in the backcountry is an incredibly cost-prohibitive sport. Not to mention the fact that there’s an incredibly long list of required gear, from a backcountry-oriented ski pack, to ski jackets and goggles.

When you’re first getting started, it can be helpful to first demo backcountry skis from your local gear shop to find out what you like best, and to make sure that you like the sport in the first place before committing thousands of dollars to getting all of the gear. Hauling all of your gear uphill is much more challenging than riding chairlifts.

As mentioned above, you can create a backcountry ski setup that will ski well both on the resort and in the backcountry, eliminating the need to have multiple pairs of skis. While there are obviously many merits to buying your gear brand new, you can cut costs massively by finding good quality used equipment to get started.

You can often find backcountry skis, bindings, and boots, already assembled into a complete set, for considerable discounts buying second-hand. Make sure to inspect everything closely for quality, and do your research to make sure you’re buying gear that’s right for you.

What type of bindings should I mount on my skis?

This largely depends on your priorities as a skier. For many backcountry newbies, the best option to save money is to put together a ski setup, from boots to bindings to skis, that can ski well both in bounds and on the uphill. For most skiers, this means a hybrid binding and a 50/50 ski, or something that’s light enough to not slow you down on the uphill, but skis well enough that it can still handle in-bounds chop.


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