Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95
Best for ski mountaineering
Ski Reviews
Find and compare the best skis and ski gear on the market with gear reviews from the backcountry experts at Backpacker Magazine.
Start Backcountry Skiing With This Perfect Kit
Staying away from resort crowds this winter? The backcountry can offer solitude, a wilderness experience, and the satisfaction of earning your turns. These gear picks will help you make the most of lung-busting uphills and whoop-worthy descents.
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Dynafit Blacklight 88
Lightest ski
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Best powder ski
Völkl Rise Beyond 98
Best all-around skis
SCOTT Superguide Freetour
Editors' Choice Fall 2020 Winner: Wide-Roaming Ski
Salomon QST Lumen 99
Best women's ski
Black Diamond Helio Recon 95
Best stability
LINE Vision 108
Most fun
Blizzard Zero G 95
Lightest
G3 FINDr 102
Best feature
The BACKPACKER Backcountry Skiing Kit
Get in a perfect day tour with this 11-piece editor-tested setup
The Best Gear for Cross-Country Skiing
Glide through the backcountry with these time-tested picks.
DPS Alchemist Wailer 99 / Nina 99
Best all-around
Salomon S/LAB X Alp
Lightest
Elan Ripstick 106
Best ride
Atomic Backland FR 109
Hardest charger
Fischer S-Bound 98 Crown with Easy Skin
Best for steeper terrain
Rossignol BC 70 Positrack
Most versatile ski
Dynafit Speed 90
Best for touring