Our Best Backcountry Skis For 2022

Not only do backcountry skis need to be lightweight so that you can climb to the top of your lines with ease, but they also need to pack in plenty of downhill performance so you can hit steep slopes and float through powder with confidence.

With the unique combination of uphill and downhill performance, it can be hard to keep on top of the latest and greatest developments in backcountry skis. Fortunately, we've put together this list of our top backcountry skis for the 2021/2022 season to help you find the best ski to explore the whole of the mountain with.

Best Men's Backcountry Skis

Nordica Enforcer 94 Unlimited

• Rocker - Tip Rocker
• Radius - Medium
• Construction - Full Sidewall
• Core - Wood, Carbon

Salomon MTN Explore 95

• Rocker - Tip Rocker
• Radius - Medium
• Construction - Full Sidewall
• Core - Wood, Carbon, Flax, Koroyd

Offering the perfect balance of downhill performance combined with climbing efficiency it's easy to see why the MTN Explore 95 is so popular. The weight saving Koroyd tip and Carbon/Flax super fibres are combined with a 3D full wood core and Spaceframe 2.0 wrap to give the ski power for charging on the way back down. MTN Rocker improves manoeuvrability and handling. It may not be the lightest Backcountry ski, but it certainly is one of the best skiing down the hill, whatever the conditions. 

Atomic Backland 100

• Rocker - Tip/Tail Rocker
• Radius - Medium
• Construction - Mini Cap Full Sidewall
• Core - Wood, Carbon

The Backland 100 blurs the lines of freeride and backcountry, proving that you can have a lightweight ski that packs a punch. Even though the waist reads 100mm underfoot it feels manoeuvrable and playful, especially compared to similar models. It's stable and locks into a carve nicely on hard snow. In variable and deep stuff the smoothness and stability created by the HRZN Tech tip and tail ensures your smile is wide.

Black Crows Navis Freebird

• Rocker - Tip/Tail Rocker
• Radius - Medium
• Construction - Semi Sidewall
• Core - Wood, Carbon

The Black Crows Navis Freebird is one of the new breed of light skis that transcend the Tour and Freeride categories. It has the right balance of float and manoeuvrability for playful descents, rigidity for grip, and weight-saving to make ascents less punishing. The core is formed from lightweight woods wrapped up in a mix of fibreglass and carbon fibre to give the skis the power they need to deal with variable terrain. A must for adventurous skiers looking for something that excels in challenging conditions.

Elan Ripstick 94 Tour

• Rocker - Tip/Tail Rocker
• Radius - Medium
• Construction - Full Sidewall
• Core - Wood, Carbon

Making a ski that has downhill performance but is lightweight for the uphill is not straightforward but with their technical knowledge and manufacturing experience, Elan are perfectly positioned to do it. The starting point was the award-winning Ripstick freeride line which are already fairly light models, then working with existing innovations and tweaking them to reduce the weight even further. The result is the Ripstick Tour skis and the 94 is the bullseye model – versatile, high-performing and easy to use.

Best Women's Backcountry Skis

K2 Talkback 88

• Rocker - Tip/Tail Rocker
• Radius - Long
• Construction - Semi Sidewall
• Core - Wood, Carbon, Titanal Laminate

K2's Talkback 88 is the tried-and-tested flagship model of their touring line-up. It's as capable on the uphill as it is dealing with whatever it encounters on the way down. A Paulownia Tour Lite core keeps the weight down without sacrificing energy or control. This is reinforced by Carbon Overdrive stringers and a Ti SpYne that positions Titanal sheets underfoot to increase dampening and boost torsional rigidity. All Terrain Rocker improves the handling in any condition and the 88mm waist is the perfect size for quick turns in tight spaces, as well as offering float when the snow is softer.

Atomic Backland 85

• Rocker - Tip Rocker
• Radius - Medium
• Construction - Mini Cap Full Sidewall
• Core - Wood, Carbon

Designed to climb easily on tours and handle any terrain encountered on the ski down. A Carbon Backbone through the length of the ski provides exceptional agility and edge grip, adding only minimal grams. The Ultra Light Woodcore keeps the weight low and adds to the feeling of energy and life. HRZN Tech at the tip improves the handling and control in softer and rougher snow. Suited for those who are seeking an all-round, tour-anywhere set up.