Best Backcountry Touring Skis 2023

The Zero G 105 from Blizzard is a ski for more aggressive skiers who want something that likes to go fast and excels in powder. Blizzard's Flipcore construction keeps the ski stable and reduces chatter without adding weight. A stiffer flex helps the ski break through variable snow, but with only a few millimeters of camber, it doesn't feel too demanding. Blizzard's Zero G 105 is my personal daily driver and a great choice for more advanced skiers looking for a powder-oriented ski.

The DPS Pagoda Tour 100 RP is one of the best floating 100mm touring skis available, however it doesn't give up grip when things get technical. The construction in this ski is like magic, very light yet somehow pretty darn damp as well.

The real selling point, though, is the 15m turning radius and aggressive rocker and taper profile. DPS has managed to combine an incredibly nimble feel with float that would make wider skis jealous. What makes this ski a great daily driver is its versatility. Hasn't snowed for a while? Fine. It snowed a foot overnight? Even better!

K2's Dispatch 101 is a downhill-focused touring ski for advanced skiers who like a more classic ski shape. At 101mm underfoot, it's a great size for any condition. The long section of camber gives the ski a long effective edge on hardpack, and its stiffer flex gives it a powerful and precise feel. With a flatter tail, the Dispatch 101 likes to finish the turn and holds on a little longer than some of our other top skis like the Wildcat 108 Tour. Grab the Dispatch 101 and head into the woods for a fun day in any conditions.

The Head Kore 111 is a powder-focused freeride ski for advanced skiers. It wasn't developed as a touring ski, but it's light enough for touring, and those extra grams are all worth the effort on the descent. Head keeps the weight down by stiffening and dampening the ski with graphine. This makes the skis feel like they have metal in them without the extra weight. The Kore 111 is a powder ski, but its more shallow camber profile and stiff flex help keep it more planted and stable in a variety of conditions.

Fischer Hannibal 96 occupies a unique space on the wall, at 96mm underfoot they're capable of skiing fresh snow in the winter or ripping corn laps in the spring. More importantly, they're super light coming in at 1300g @ 176cm. For a ski this versatile, that's about as light as it gets. And as a bonus, Fischer used some clever engineering along with titanal and carbon to shave weight out of the core without compromising the overall qualities that keep them composed when things are a bit rough.

This is an extremely lightweight ski, sub-1000g in some sizes. When the goal is to go uphill as efficiently as possible, the Atomic Backland 85 UL is a solid choice. Shaped with kick turns and skinning in mind, there's a bit of tip rocker, but primarily the ski is camber all the way to its flat tail making them grippy and manuverable when the switchbacks start. While not the best in variable snow or powder, if the goal is to travel efficiently over long distances and weight is critical, the Backland 85 UL shines.

Head Kore skis are known for being very strong while keeping the weight down and the Kore 105 is no different. First and foremost this ski is a resort ripper that happens to pair well with AT bindings. They can handle variable conditions pretty well while also remaining quick and agile with the right pilot. Although they might not float as well as skis with softer tips, that stiffness allows them to be driven harder than most touring options. Lighter skiers may have a hard time bending them into a turn, but heavier or advanced skiers will appreciate the power.

The Volkl Blaze is a lightweight freeride ski that's perfect for quick backcountry tours, gate-accessed zones, and lift-serviced skiing. Its 106mm waist makes it a versatile size that can float in powder and has no trouble holding an edge on hardpack. Volkl adds rubber dampening agents to the tip and tail, so while it feels light it remains planted at speed and on uneven surfaces.

Wildcat Tour 108 takes all of the strong, playful features of the standard Wildcat 108, and wraps them into a lighter, more uphill friendly package. They've got tons up rocker in the tip and tails, a progressive mount point, and strength underfoot. For any soft snow to powdery conditions, the Wildcat Tour 108 is a perfect choice - not the lightest option on the wall, but a solid, downhill-oriented touring ski.

The DPS Pagoda Tour 112 RP is an approachable powder ski for putting in big days in deep snow. The 112mm waist and 140mm tip provide plenty of float, but the skis are still very capable on hardpack. The 15m turn radius is short for a ski of its size, so the Pagoda Tour 112 is nimble and maneuverable without having to throw the ski around too much. DPS saves weight where they can with the Tour construction, but they use the same world cup bases as the piste line, so they can take some abuse.

The new MTN 96 Carbon takes the place of the outgoing 95 as the widest lightweight option in the Salomon lineup. This version utilizes Salomon's Cork Damplifier to make them super damp given their weight, which makes descents in variable snow much more manageable, especially after a long, technical ascent. Given their wider width in the mountaineering category, the MTN 96 Carbon is a great choice if the goal is to ski quality snow. However, given their sturdy build and damp character, they won't flinch when the going gets rough.

Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95 have stellar downhill chops while still coming in at a reasonable weight. Certainly not the lightest option out there, but not particular bulky for a mid-90s waisted ski. That said, downhill is where they shine. From techy couloirs to awkward wind crust, variable conditions are handled with aplomb. The Helio Carbon 95 have a fairly damp construction and reasonable amounts of tip and tail rocker too, which means they'll initiate turns well and release without too much fuss. For a playful, balanced feel in most conditions, these things are hard to beat.

Line's Vision 98 is lightweight all-mountain and freeride ski. It's a great ski for touring, and it can handle the occasional resort day. Its 98mm waist gives it just enough float in powder while staying agile on hardpack, so it's a ski that can handle just about any condition. Its softer tip helps initiate turns and provides some playfulness and compliance. A stiffer tail helps the ski finish the turn, hold an edge, and provides some support on landings.

The Backland 100 is pound-for-pound one of the most capable skis on the market. It would be equally at home on long tours as it would be carving inbounds at the resort. Speaking of versatility, 100mm underfoot is a great width to approach a range of conditions, and the strong, relatively flat tail lends confidence to questionable descents. Advanced skiers looking for one ski to be a true daily driver should seriously consider the Backland 100.