Skimo Co
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Backcountry Touring Skis

All-purpose touring skis are the starting point for getting into the backcountry and the sweet spot for a one-ski quiver. Err on the skinnier side if you tend to ski harder snow or fatten up if you ski more on powder days. This selection of backcountry skis is designed to perform admirably no matter what conditions you find. For a more thorough overview of touring skis, please peruse this article.

When it comes to technical sports like skiing, the earlier the kiddos learn their Pizzas and French Fries, the better. Atomic's Backland Junior extends the reliability and versatility of their ubiquitous adult touring line to future uphill champions aged approximately 9-11. The Backland Junior is a true all-mountain ski, combining a directional turn shape with so-called "piste rock..
$229.95 $149.95
When the moment arrives, and your little ripper wants to follow you into the backcountry, they will need the right equipment starting with the right skis. A fantastic and affordable option is the Boost JR ski from Hagan. In creating a kid's ski, Hagan has downsized ski length, but has not downsized ski construction. Featuring a reinforced mounting area, capped construction, sintere..
$278.95 $178.95
Hiring a babysitter can get really expensive, especially when you want to have a nice day of touring, so why not teach your tyke how to ski and take them with you? The K2 Wayback Jr is a tool and a jewel for anyone trying to get their young athletes out and about to enjoy touring. With similar core construction as the rest of the K2 Wayback line, the Jr is made with a Paulownia Tou..
$399.95 $239.95
The Superguide 95 women’s ski is not overusing the word, "Super." These sticks have the same excellent balance of maneuverability and stability as the men’s version, but in different sizing options. SCOTT decided to make some updates to their Superguide line that dramatically improved stability and dampness. Featuring a full-length Paulownia and Beech wood core with Carbon/Aramid f..
$699.95 $349.95
What would happen if you bought just one ski that could do it all? Would you still use your other skis out of guilt? The best way to avoid this problem is to stay away from SCOTT's Speedguide 89. Not too little in the middle, this baby has the backing of a full-length paulownia wood core that also incorporates Carbon/Aramid fibers to increase stability and torsional stiffness while..
$699.95 $349.95
The Backland 85 is a “core” ski for Atomic. As opposed to the Ultralight version, the 85 focuses on value and simple enjoyment. The Backlands are known for their compliance, meaning they seem to just do what you want them to do. It’s the perfect ski for building confidence in the backcountry while also handling light inbounds usage. Not too stiff, not too twitchy, not too heavy, an..
$599.95 $349.95
Do you remember your first skis, the ones that unlocked a lifelong passion for being outside, helped you find a sense of community, and built confidence? Elan did, which is why they took great care in designing the Ripstick Tour 80T. With its easy-to-handle nature, the Ripstick Tour 80T is built to provide a positive backcountry experience, helping its user navigate through various..
$399.95 $349.95
Like its unisex sibling, the Dynafit Free 97 W is designed to be light enough to schlep anywhere, but sturdy enough to ski anything confidently. Dynafit accomplished this with a poplar wood core, which supplies suspension while remaining poppy and light. It's also apparent that Dynafit took their time perfecting the sidecut, as the Free 97 W is equally at home in steep spots as it ..
$699.95 $379.95
Not long ago, finding a touring ski that could confidently lay down a turn at high speeds and maintain some competence on a technical climb was an impossible task. Oh how were are blessed to live in the now. Cut from the same hard-charging cloth (Karuba) as the Explore 95, the MTN Explore 88 is the lightest and skinniest ski among Salomon’s MTN Explore lineup. Don’t let the relativ..
$649.95 $399.95
K2’s entrance into the lightweight touring market caught our attention (they previously made heavier touring skis). The Wayback 88 is a top contender for the title of Quiver-of-One. Factor in price, and it's a sure-fire winner. It’ll float in powder and pop while slashing corn laps, yet still flaunt relentless grip and stability on firm snow when laying ‘em down. Usually, when skis..
$699.95 $399.95
In designing the Free 97, Dynafit set out to create a balanced ski that isn’t too laborious on the up yet has the confidence to excel no matter the snow conditions. To achieve this, they started with a poplar wood core lined with carbon fiber stringers, which helps to provide a damp yet playful ride. They added more tip and tail rocker compared to their Beast series. This simultane..
$699.95 $399.95
Not too light, not too heavy, but juuust right, the Backland 88 W from Atomic is excellent for those who value well-rounded performance and reliability. The Light Woodcore, in combination with fiberglass, provides excellent suspension, helping smooth over jarring descents. The Dura Cap sidewall helps provide a confident edge hold and structure to the edges that help fend off rock s..
$649.95 $399.95
If you're after a solid, lightweight touring ski that will have minimal impact on both the environment and your wallet, look no further than Atomic's Backland 86 SL. As the heavier sister ski to the much-loved Backland 86 UL, the "SL" will offer a less expensive construction while retaining many of the positive traits we love about the UL line. The 86mm width is exceedingly versati..
$649.95 $399.95
Designed to bridge the worlds of freeride and classic touring, the versatile Women’s Session 95 finds the right combination of weight, durability, and performance that is sure to leave a smile on your face whether going up or downhill. Borrowing the much-beloved shape of the Alp Tracks 95, Movement added a 5-Axis Carbon weave to increase performance in variable snow conditions whil..
$924.95 $424.95
Rare is the time we sacrifice peak-bagging prowess for pure power on the descent, but luckily with the Backland 95, you don’t have to. Borrowing geometry cues from Atomic’s larger powder skis and core construction secrets from its lighter-weight brethren, the Backland 95 is a big mountain ski put on a substantial diet. Or maybe a mountaineering ski that was put on a fattening diet?..
$699.95 $449.95
It’s time. You’ve just finalized the route for an epic traverse that’s been on the wish list for quite some time and normally you'd start to painstakingly agonize over which skis to bring for the adventure, but with the Salomon MTN 86 W Pro, you can save yourself the hassle. This ski is lightweight and fully capable, therefore it'll help to ease the pain of the many, many miles. Be..
$649.95 $449.95
Efficient on the up and stable on the down, the Atomic Backland 89 SL is a true backcountry ski with reliability at the forefront. Using Poplar and Karuba wood in the core, along with a Carbon Backbone, Atomic found a compelling blend of durability, weight, and ski performance, eschewing the extremes. The all-terrain profile remains predictable in variable snow, while the Dura Cap ..
$749.95 $449.95
Built with the up and down in mind, the Locator 88 from Armada has turned into a surprise favorite here at Skimo Co. While not the lightest 88mm ski around, the Locator is far from heavy, much to the delight of weary legs on an epic day. Compared to other mountaineering skis, the Locator features low camber and an approachable flex pattern, allowing you to ski the ski instead of th..
$699.95 $449.95
Whether heading out for a dawn patrol or extended outings in technical terrain, the Black Diamond Helio Carbon 88 is an intuitive ski that won't crush your quads. A layer of carbon fiber is paired with full-perimeter ABS sidewalls and a paulownia core for a responsive yet damp and stable ride. Slight rocker in the tip assists with float in soft snow, while an ABS tail protector hel..
$849.95 $449.95
Built for ambitious backcountry skiers who want the best of both worlds, the Movement Session 95 combines touring efficiency with freeride prowess. Utilizing the proven shape of the Alp Tracks 95, the Session adds a 5-axis Carbon weave for improved responsiveness in variable terrain while keeping things light for long ascents. A Titanal plate reinforces the mounting zone for reliab..
$924.95 $474.95
While a 95mm underfoot ski could be a powder ski for lightweight enthusiasts, it's a versatile ski mountaineering ski for others. The Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95 ski is ready to adapt to either role. With a lightweight Paulownia wood core and pre-preg carbon fiber layup, the Helio Carbon 95 is meant for some serious millage while being intuitive in both soft and firm snow. Adding..
$879.95 $479.95
The Hannibal is Fischer’s 96mm powder-hunting, ice-carving powerhouse. The Hannibal is built on a high-tech Paulownia wood core with carbon stringers that extend from tip-to-tail, thus reducing the overall density of the ski and boosting the overall surface-area-to-weight ratio. The long-turn radius and Sandwich Sidewalls are unique features meant to ensure high-speed stability, su..
$799.95 $499.95
If you thought getting snow pants on your kid was tough, try buying them a full touring kit! Don't worry, we've got you covered like a one-piece snowsuit. Dynafit has taken the next step (or stride) towards making the buying process of ski packages as simple as possible. Skis, premounted bindings, and skins are all in one place and ready to go for your miniature mountaineer. If it'..
$549.95 From $349.95
Men aren't the only ones who want to go fast, confidently ski variable conditions, and descend technical lines! Sure, Dynafit could've created a women's-specific ski from the ground up for the rowdy lady skiers out there, but the design was already out in the world - known as the Blacklight 88. This Women's Blacklight 88 version features the same materials and technology as the ori..
$799.95 $499.95
The Dynafit Blacklight 95 hits a sweet spot: light, damp, and stable with incredible versatility with a focus on soft snow. As Dynafit’s recent addition to their speed touring line-up, the Blacklight 95 is a confident and light ski that is right at home on the Kahiltna Glacier or deep in the Wind River Range searching for the remaining late-season powder stashes. Its waist width is..
$849.95 $499.95
Despite some widespread misconceptions, lightweight skis aren’t always overly stiff with the ski feel of a 2 x 4 plank. A case in point is the Salomon MTN 86 Pro. When demoing the skis for ourselves, we were blown away by just how damp the skis felt, no doubt due to the Cork Damplifier strategically placed to lessen vibration. The Flex profile was friendly and when combined with it..
$699.95 $499.95
While fads come and go, skis with a familiar shape and solid construction don’t. Consequently, the Radical 88 has both. With its stout construction, the Radical 88 differentiates itself from the ever-popular, weight-conscious Blacklight series. While certainly not a heavyweight, the Radical 88 is built for those wanting a descent-oriented platform in a sub-90mm ski. Powered by a po..
$699.95 $524.95
Defying categorization, the Radical 88 W is blazing its own path, refusing to be pigeonholed into a single box. With its sub-90mm waist width and familiar shape, many ski mountaineers will find it to be intuitive and predictable, perfect for navigating variable snow in consequential terrain. However, the crud-bustin’ poplar wood core and durable full-length ABS sidewalls will be re..
$699.95 $524.95
Long noted for manufacturing durable skis with reliable performance, Atomic has stepped up its powder-touring offerings with the Backland 100. With a touch more rocker than its little brother the Backland 95, but plenty of camber for long days on the skin track, the Backland 100 brings a refined take on the rocker-camber-rocker profile. Up front, Atomic's unique HRZN Tech tips make..
$749.95 $549.95
As a version of the esteemed Backland 100 designed specifically for shorter or lighter skiers, the Backland 98 jumps into the fray of powder-hunting, crud-busting skis in the competitive 95-105mm-waisted ski category. What makes this striped salmon of a powder board distinct from all the rest? Foremost in our testers' minds was the rocker/camber balance of the Backland 98, which ma..
$749.95 $549.95
Some days, snow conditions are all over the place with no way of knowing what you'll find. The slightest change in aspect, elevation, or weather can cause you to end up nervously staring down an icy couloir with girthy powder skis. Or perhaps a neck-deep powder run with the skinniest of skis. Neither is ideal. Rest assured that won’t happen to you on the Dynastar M-Vertical 88s. Th..
$749.95 $549.95
The Dynafit Low Tech 88 ski brings some old-school cool to the popular Blacklight line - you know what they say, “look good, ski good!” The Low Tech 88 offers the same construction and performance as the Blacklight 88 ski but offers a significant amount of style - which is key for anyone who is looking to set new PRs and push their limits in the mountains. The Low Tech 88 will be y..
$799.95 $549.95
“We ask, we listen, and we act...” The Women2Women program at Blizzard was introduced to create products for women, by women, using feedback from women. Turns out, men don’t know what’s best for women. With this in mind, Blizzard built the Zero G 95 W, which is geared for the gals who want a light ski that performs well in all conditions. The revised Carbon Drive 3.0 laminate, enab..
$799.95 $559.95
Following in the footsteps of an older sibling is never easy, especially when they’re handsome, smart, and good at math. Therefore, Salomon had to take great care when replacing the MTN Explore 95, a ski that set an exceptionally high bar. Eager to get out from under the shadow of its older brother and forge its own identity, the Salomon MTN 96 Carbon accomplishes the same mission ..
$799.95 $559.95
“Tools not jewels.” This has long been the saying for many skiers, gritting their teeth before dropping into a known rocky descent. Fortunately for us, this saying doesn’t necessarily apply to the special edition Snow Leopard skis, which blur the line between artwork and highly functional tools. Built using the same chassis as the Radical 97, Dynafit added an aesthetically pleasing..
$789.95 $589.95
With the Ridge 95, Dynafit set out to create a high-performance, easy-to-use ski for the discerning, speed-oriented backcountry skier. The goal was to make a ski that wasn't too light to ski aggressively on, but efficient enough for whatever long missions you might have in mind. Inspired by Dynafit's speed touring and racing heritage, it features the usual tip notch for quick trans..
$799.95 $598.95
Whether laying trenches in the cornfields of spring or arcing turns through chalky backcountry goodness mid-season, the Kastle TX93 is a ski that thrives when placed under the boots of aggressive and confident skiers. Built with a "hook-free" tip and tail and confidence-inspiring construction, the TX93 has a stout demeanor that seemingly loves to plow through variable conditions. T..
$998.95 $598.95
Black coffee, black humor, black ops, film noir -- the word suggests subtlety, sophistication, refinement. In the case of Dynafit's Blacklight series, the skis reach their most refined in the form of the Blacklight 88, which infuses a layer of Skimo Blue (guaranteed to make you faster) over the blacks and greys of the ski's carbon fiber layup. Much more responsive and easy to ski t..
$799.95 $599.95
Ready to rip? So is the Ripstick Tour 88 - a lighter weight, backcountry friendly take on Elan's popular Ripstick line. With an 88mm waist, this piece of eye candy is ready for some winter or spring laps where conditions may vary from powder to corn to crud. The smaller turning radius brings this ski around quickly, which comes in handy in trees, couloirs, and anywhere else you wan..
$749.95 From $449.95
Finally, a lighter touring version of Elan's beloved Ripsticks! The Ripstick Tour 94 has a nice wide shovel and generous sidecut to make you think you have machetes on your feet as you slice through everything from powder to punchy top layers. With a 360° ABS sidewall these skis are a powerful set of boards with plenty of rock-solid effective edge to keep control in tough condition..
$799.95 $599.95
When Blizzard introduced the Zero G 95 in the wee years of 2018, many skeptics were impressed with how hard they could push such a light ski. This skiability came in large part due to their Carbon Drive construction, which when wrapped around a paulownia core, delivered hard-charging performance at a reasonable weight. After a few years elapsed, Blizzard introduced their improved C..
$799.95 $599.95
The Dynastar touring family is growing: the Storks have dropped off the M-Tour 90, making the family much more complete. As with siblings, the M-Tour 90 and 99 share a similar genetic makeup but have very different personalities. For instance, the rocker profile on the M-Tour 99 wants to seek out soft turns whereas the shorter rocker profile and longer effective edge on the M-Tour ..
$599.95 From $499.95
Like the name suggests, the Elan Ripstick Tour 94 is a ripper. With alpine-like performance at a touring weight, the Ripsticks have a lot of energy, edge hold, and personality. Shorter lengths are available for a tight couloir ski and longer lengths for daily driver touring, making the Ripstick Tour 94s incredibly versatile. This “womens” edition skis with the same pop as the unise..
$799.95 From $449.95
We’re lucky to live in an era of gear that defies categorization, and the Radical 97 from Dynafit is the latest textbook case study. The Radical 97 is light enough that you won’t hesitate to grab them as you head out the door and comes in a width that’ll handle almost anywhere you’re going. While the rocker profile lends itself towards maneuverability and flotation, there’s still p..
$749.95 $599.95
How could Elan make the Ripstick 88 any better? Easy...make it lighter so you can use it in the backcountry. The Elan Ripstick Tour Women's 88 jukes, jives, and now climbs with aplomb. It turns out the Amphibio technology works supremely in backcountry conditions just like it does off-piste at the resort. The tips of the skis are not only rockered up for excellent float, they are a..
$749.95 From $449.95
Sporting a generous rocker profile in a sub-100mm platform, the Tigard 97 from Dynafit is a progressive ski with quiver-killer intentions. Like its bigger sibling, the Hybrid core, which combines poplar and paulownia woods, is supremely damp and durable. Furthering the "durability" principle, the full sidewall helps resist edge compression caused by rock strikes while helping the e..
$799.95 $599.95
When the conversation about a “quiver of one” ski gets brought up in backcountry skiing circles, inevitably the Voile V6 is discussed as a contender. It’s well-balanced underfoot width, just the right amount of rocker for soft conditions, and ample camber for confident edge grip leave little to be desired in just about any snow condition. The only way it could really improve in our..
$849.95 $649.95
A ski this awesome should not be limited to only average male dimensions. Voile, not being a company to discriminate when it comes to fun, has scaled down the Hyper Vector to accommodate skiers of smaller stature. Same amazing performance as it’s longer sibling, just shorter. The Women’s Hyper Vector is an awesome all-around backcountry ski. It handles powder, chop, crud, and even ..
$849.95 $649.95

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