The Best Backcountry Skis of 2024-2025

Backcountry skiing leaves behind lift lines, crowds, and boundaries all disappear as you immerse yourself in the snowy wilderness of winter mountains. Few other mountain sports require your gear to be more reliable. And when that gear is also high performance it provides some insurance that your work getting to the top of your run will pay off on the descent.

The best backcountry skis are the ones that suit your backcountry ski priorities and style. If you want to speed to the summit, buy a ski that’s light. If you’re all about the downhill, prepare to pay some weight penalty on the ascent for freeride performance carving down the mountain. As with any ski, choose a length that matches your ability and a width that matches the snow conditions you typically ski in. Work with your local backcountry ski shop to help you hone in on what fits and what feels good. Educate yourself on backcountry safety, and get ready for some serious fun.

Our team of testers tested over 15 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 in a few feet of fresh pow. We pushed their limits for countless days in variable conditions, from powder to ice and everything in between. We compared weight, turn radius, profile, and overall performance in a variety of situations to bring you the best backcountry skis based on your ski goals, your ski style, and your priorities. No matter 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, we’ve got you covered.

Scroll through our list to see our recommended buys for 2024. To learn more, be sure to check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide, FAQ, and comparison chart below.

Editor’s Note: On September 22, 2024, we updated this guide by adding 8 new products and removing just as many to ensure our list reflects the most up-to-date products on the market. We also expanded our testing and buyer’s guides sections to include more helpful information.

The Best Backcountry Skis of 2024

• Best Overall Backcountry Skis: Atomic Backland 109
• Best Budget Backcountry Skis: Weston Skyline
• Best Lightweight Performance Backcountry Skis: Voile Hyper Manti Skis
• Best Backcountry Ski/Skin Combo: 4FRNT Hoji 4Lock
• Best Backcountry Skis for the Deep Powder: Atomic Bent Chelter 120
• Best Backcountry Skis for Uphill Travel: LaSportiva Tempo

---

Backcountry Skis Comparison Chart

Backcountry Skis	Lengths	Weight	Dimensions	Turn Radius	Best For
Atomic Backland 109	176 cm, 184 cm, 189 cm	1540 g (184 cm)	135/109.5/124 (184 cm)	19 m (184 cm)	One ski quiver for someone who primarily tours
Weston Skyline	160 cm, 168 cm, 176 cm, 184 cm	1780 g (176 cm)	125/94/111 (176 cm)	17 m (176 cm)	All-Mountain, steeps, variable conditions
Voile Hyper Manti Skis	171 cm, 176 cm, 181 cm, 186 cm	1335 g (176 cm)	136/103/123 (176)	18 m (176/181 cm)	Long tours, uphill crushers, powder days and variable conditions
Atomic Bent Chetler 120	176 cm, 184 cm, 192 cm	1800 g (184 cm)	143/120/134 (184 cm)	19 m (184 cm)	Deep powder, storm chasers
4FRNT Hoji 4Lock	170 cm, 177 cm, 184 cm, 191cm	1990 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
LaSportiva Tempo	164 cm, 179 cm, 190 cm	1400 g (179 cm)	129/103/119 (179 cm)	19 m (174 cm)	Fast and light skiers who want to have fun on the downhill too
Volkl Rise Beyond 96	156 cm, 163 cm, 170 cm, 177 cm, 184 cm	1262 g (170 cm)	138/96/119 (170 cm)	20 m (170 cm)	Ambitious, advanced, expert or pro skiers
Dynafit Ridge 95	160 cm, 168 cm, 176 cm, 184 cm	1330 g (176 cm)	129/95/116 (176 cm)	19 m (176 cm)	Uphill skiers who want freeride performance on the downhills
Scott Superguide 95	162 cm, 170 cm, 178 cm, 184 cm	1370g (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	172 cm, 180 cm, 188 cm	1510 g (180 cm)	133/105/119 mm (180 cm)	23 m (180 cm)	Advanced and expert skiers, downhill chargers, powder touring
Black Crows Navis Freebird	167 cm, 173 cm, 179 cm, 185 cm	1550 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	153 cm, 163 cm, 171 cm, 179 cm, 184 cm	1340 g (171 cm)	133/105/117 (171 cm)	15 m (171 cm)	Surfy powder turns

How We Tested Backcountry Skis

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 editors Chris Kassar and Ryan Kempfer to the line-up of testers. Ryan has worked in the ski industry for years, most recently as a ski tech and master boot fitter who prides himself on helping people find the best and most comfortable gear for their ski style. Chris started backcountry skiing seriously in Alaska on Telemark skis way back in the ’90s. She racks up over 100 days a year, mostly in the backcountry, and has explored the mountains of Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah for the last couple of decades.

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, including each design’s stiffness, maneuverability, and playfulness, as well as the ski’s 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, innovative, award-winning, and bestselling backcountry skis on the market as well as 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-specific picks in the all-mountain category and the best cross-country skis.

Backcountry Skis: A Buyer’s Guide

There are a lot of backcountry skis to choose from, and 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.

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.

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 170 cm 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 has an especially good range of sizes that will meet the needs of most skiers.

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.

The widest set included in this guide is the Atomic Bent Chetler 120, which has more than enough float for even the deepest of days. At the other end of the spectrum, skis like the 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, and 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.

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 can be considered 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.

Often, the sweet spot for the turn radius of a dedicated backcountry ski falls in the 17 m to 19 m range, depending on the length. A medium turn radius enables the ski to maintain stability while making big turns without sacrificing nimble maneuverability in tight trees and couloirs.

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.

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, like in the LaSportiva Tempo and Blizzard Zero G 105. Carbon, whether it’s used as a sheet or in strips called “stringers,” like in the DPS Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL 105, is stiff and light. 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 LaSportiva Tempo, which uses D30 to reduce vibration.

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 Tour, or 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 be able to 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.

Price & Value

We fully understand that backcountry skiing is a massive investment, and the skis listed above require a pretty wide range of financial commitments. You’ll pay a premium for certain additions, like recycled materials, sustainable practices, and brands made in the USA, so consider these added benefits when looking for your next ski.

The lowest price point of skis on our list is our budget pick, the Weston Skyline ($699). From there, a lot of skis come in at a mid-range price between $700-800, like the Volkl Rise Beyond 96 and Dynafit Ridge 95.

Others, above $800, cost more of a premium, generally for lightweight and proprietary materials, like the Scott SuperGuide ($850), Black Crows Navis ($899), Blizzard Zero G 105 ($899), and Voile Hyper Manti ($850).

The most expensive skis we reviewed, the DPS Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL 105  ($1,695), fall on the very high end of backcountry skis available on the market.

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 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.

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 American Avalanche Institute (AAI). Do not simply depend on an app to keep you safe, though there are several apps that can help you navigate the backcountry and its hazards including OnX Backcountry, Aspect Avy, FATMAP, and CalTopo.

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 to 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

---