Atomic

Backland 95 Ski

It's no mystery why backcountry skiing grows in popularity each season. The views are stunning, the snow is unbeatable, and there aren't hordes of skiers standing between you and the best lines down the mountain. The creation of lightweight skis that are manageable on the skintrack and are a blast on the descent also play a role in the growth of backcountry skiers, and Atomic's Backland 95 Ski is a perfect example of such a stick. This ski weighs in just under seven pounds to assure a light tour up steep hills filled with untracked goodness.

A 95mm waist width makes the Backland an excellent quiver-of-one ski that plays equally well in powder and hardpack. The ski's All Mountain Rocker includes an early rise tip to increase float in powder and ease turn initiation, while camber underfoot ensures solid edge hold in crud and downright icy conditions. To keep the ski ultralight, Atomic made the core out of lightweight caruba wood, but there's a touch of poppy poplar to give the ski a playful feel. There's also a carbon backbone to add exceptional agility and edge hold without much added weight.