Looking for a new skimo-weight/dimensions pair of skis after finally breaking my old (and *very* well used) WSP skis in half this weekend. I like the dimensions of these skis - having a bit less sidecut is good on the uphill, makes skating more efficient, and I'm going to have fun on the downhill anyway. They look the same as my old WSPs; most everything else has way more shape these days. Are the dimensions the only thing that makes them "vertical"? Or are they also less durable?
I also ski tele, which maybe means I shouldn't use any race-dimensioned ski, but my old WSPs were one of only 2 skis I ever killed by something other than ripping a binding out.
Atomic Backland UL 62 Vert Ski
If you ever find yourself excited by the aerobic possibilities of skate skiing, stair climbing, or treadmill running, you might be a good candidate for a vertical skimo race. If you also find your ordinary skimo skis to be simply too generalized, take your uphill performance to the next level with the Atomic Backland UL 62 Vert ski. Sharing the same ultralight woodcore and carbon fiberglass construction as the Backland UL 65, the UL 62 substantially diminishes the ski sidecut, lending unparalleled contact on technical skin tracks. Of course, reducing ski area means weight savings as well. Dura cap sidewalls run from ski base to top sheet to promote durability, however, these skis are still intended for uphill use only. Atomic’s trademark HRZN tech tips and all-mountain rocker/camber profile lend themselves towards snappy kick turns when dashing uphill in a variety of snow conditions. Ultimately, these skis are the game-changing addition to Atomic’s Backland line, making the difference on ascents when every second counts.
- Specialized vertical sidecut optimizes ground contact on technical ascents and jettisons excess weight.
- Glossy topsheet sheds snow, reducing the chance of binding failure or hauling unnecessary weight on your uphill quests.
- Carbon backbone and carbon fiberglass offer torsional stability to offset the weight savings of the ultralight woodcore.
- World cup base finish maximizes glide on the portions of your ski base not covered by skins.
- Not to be used for skiing downhill (wink).
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 161 |
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Weight |
680g [161] |
| Weight (pair) | 1360g [161] |
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83-62-72 [161] |
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Turn |
31m |
|
Skin |
Atomic Race Tipclip |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
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HRZN tech tip, 15% rocker, 85% camber |
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Straight sidecut, tapered tail |
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Dura Cap sidewall, carbon fiberglass composite |
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Ultra light poplar and caruba woodcore |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Vertical skimo racing |
| Notes | Check ski-binding total weight to ensure you meet ISMF weight minimum standards |
| Bottom Line | Nothing goes faster uphill |
| Compare to other Race Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
4/29/2024
5/2/2024
So a bit of a disclaimer first - tele mounting race skis isn't something that we do. It's a bit of a science experiment.
If you do want to, the Ski Trab Gara WC would be my first choice, both in terms of skiability and likelihood that the bindings hold. After that, the Dynafit Mezzalama 2 or Elan Lynx 65 would be good options.
I would avoid tele mounting the Backland 65 or 62. The 62 especially is designed for vert racing and not really made to be skied hard.
If you do want to, the Ski Trab Gara WC would be my first choice, both in terms of skiability and likelihood that the bindings hold. After that, the Dynafit Mezzalama 2 or Elan Lynx 65 would be good options.
I would avoid tele mounting the Backland 65 or 62. The 62 especially is designed for vert racing and not really made to be skied hard.
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Lightweight. Climbs good. Decent in descent. Doesn't die in powder, carves pretty well. They are my current goto. Teamed them with Backland bindings and Boots.
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