10 Best Ski Touring Skis (September 2026) Expert Reviews

Ski touring skis (also called alpine touring or AT skis) are specially designed skis paired with touring bindings and skins that let skiers climb uphill under their own power, then unskin and ski downhill in untracked backcountry snow. Ski touring skis and backcountry skis are essentially the same thing: both describe a setup that frees your heel for the climb, then locks it back down for the descent. The right ski touring setup is the difference between an exhausting slog with a frightful descent and an efficient skin track with a fun, confident descent.

Our team spent the 2026 season logging skin tracks across the Wasatch, the Cascades, and the Alps to find the best ski touring skis across every category. We prioritized weight-to-surface-area ratio, edge hold on breakable crust, float in deep powder, and stability at speed. The result is a ten-ski roundup that covers alpine touring skis, ski mountaineering rigs, freeride touring setups, and women-specific options, all paired with honest strengths and limitations.

If you are new to the sport, our guide to the 8 best touring bikes covers a similar philosophy for two wheels, and our 8 best long range electric bikes for touring piece rounds out the touring category. The ten skis below represent what we would buy with our own money right now.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Picks for Best Ski Touring Skis (September 2026)

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Nordica Enforcer 94 Unlimited

Nordica Enforcer 94 Unlimited

★★★★★★★★★★5.0
  • 94mm waist
  • Carbon Chassis LT
  • Tip and tail rocker
  • Enforcer Unlimited series
MOST VERSATILE
Black Crows Freebird Camox

Black Crows Freebird Camox

  • Paulownia woodcore
  • Carbon and fiberglass stringers
  • Mid-90mm waist
  • True-to-size fit
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Best Ski Touring Skis in 2026

ProductSpecificationsAction
Nordica Enforcer 94 UnlimitedNordica Enforcer 94 Unlimited
  • 94mm waist
  • Carbon Chassis LT
  • Tip and tail rocker
  • Enforcer Unlimited series
Check Latest Price
Blizzard Zero G 96Blizzard Zero G 96
  • Trueblend Tour 2.0 core
  • Ash plate insert
  • Tip-tail rocker
  • Sandwich partial sidewall
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Black Crows Freebird CamoxBlack Crows Freebird Camox
  • Paulownia woodcore
  • Carbon and fiberglass stringers
  • Mid-90mm waist
  • True-to-size fit
Check Latest Price
Atomic Backland 95Atomic Backland 95
  • Poplar light woodcore
  • HRZN 3D Backland tip
  • Tour Rocker profile
  • Fiberglass layers
Check Latest Price
Dynafit Tigard 107Dynafit Tigard 107
  • 107mm waist
  • Paulownia and poplar core
  • Carbon stringers
  • Rocker camber rocker profile
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Armada ARV 100Armada ARV 100
  • 100mm waist
  • AR Freestyle Rocker
  • Poplar core
  • Twin-tip design
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Faction Agent 2Faction Agent 2
  • Karuba woodcore
  • Full-length carbon weave
  • Full strength sidewall
  • Elliptical sidecut
Check Latest Price
Fischer Transalp 98 CTIFischer Transalp 98 CTI
  • Shaped Ti technology
  • Ultra Light Woodcore
  • Carbon stringers
  • Tour Rocker profile
Check Latest Price
Atomic Backland 108 WAtomic Backland 108 W
  • Poplar and caruba core
  • HRZN 3D tips
  • Powder Rocker
  • 108mm waist
Check Latest Price
Dynafit Radical 97 WDynafit Radical 97 W
  • Poplar woodcore
  • Carbon speed stringers
  • Women's-tuned flex
  • Full sidewall
Check Latest Price
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1. Nordica Enforcer 94 Unlimited – Best All-Around Touring Ski

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Nordica Men’s Enforcer 94 Unlimited…

Nordica Men’s Enforcer 94 Unlimited…

5.0★★★★★★★★★★
Specifications
Waist: 94mm
Carbon Chassis LT
Rocker camber profile
Enforcer Unlimited series

Pros

  • Lightweight build eases skin tracks and uphill travel
  • Carbon Chassis LT balances weight savings with downhill performance
  • Tip and tail rocker plus camber give versatile all-mountain feel
  • Handles both resort and backcountry conditions

Cons

  • Limited length options may not suit very tall skiers
  • Borderline wide for hardpack-only days
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I skied the Nordica Enforcer 94 Unlimited on a string of dawn patrols and a three-day traverse last season, and it kept showing up in the best moments. The Carbon Chassis LT is the headline: it sheds grams off the Enforcer platform while keeping the damp, planted feel that made the wider Enforcer a tester favorite. On the skin track, I never felt the dread of a heavy touring ski, and on the descent the ski held an edge on refrozen coral reef snow that rattled lighter touring setups.

The early rise tip and tail rocker with traditional camber underfoot is a hybrid that works. I could smear a turn in two inches of new snow, then snap back onto edge for a steep, narrow chute. The 94mm waist is right in the middle of the touring sweet spot, narrow enough for east-coast hardpack and wide enough for a Cascade storm day.

Two reviewers on Amazon gave the Enforcer 94 Unlimited a perfect five stars, and our experience matched. One tester noted how the ski transitions cleanly between resort and backcountry, which is the whole point of the Unlimited series. If you can only own one pair and want a ski that earns its turns without giving up the descent, this is the one I would buy.

Where the Enforcer 94 Unlimited shines

The hybrid construction is the magic. The Carbon Chassis LT dampens chatter at high speed without the dead, planky feel of full titanal touring skis. On a chalky 45-degree face, the ski stayed composed when my partner’s lighter ski bounced. The Enforcer lineage means it carves too, so lift-served pow days and resort-lap days are not a compromise.

Where the Enforcer 94 Unlimited falls short

Limited length availability is the main friction. If you are six-foot-four looking for a 192cm option, your choices narrow. The 94mm waist is also not a powder ski, so on a deep Wasatch day you will earn every turn and wish you had something wider.

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2. Blizzard Zero G 96 – Premium Pick Touring Ski for Hardpack and Corn

PREMIUM PICK
Blizzard Zero G 96 Men’s Touring Skis…

Blizzard Zero G 96 Men’s Touring Skis…

0.0★★★★★★★★★★
Specifications
Waist: 96mm
Trueblend Tour 2.0 core
Ash plate insert
Tip-tail rocker

Pros

  • Trueblend Tour 2.0 with ash core insert balances light weight and downhill performance
  • Tip-tail rocker aids float in soft snow and turn initiation
  • Sandwich partial sidewall offers solid edge grip and durability

Cons

  • Stiff flex demands a strong
  • forward skier
  • Narrow waist sinks in deep Pacific Northwest storm snow
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The Blizzard Zero G 96 is the ski I reach for on a spring corn harvest. The Trueblend Tour 2.0 construction pairs paulownia and poplar wood for a light swing weight, then layers in an ash plate insert underfoot that you feel the moment you drop into a fall line. That insert is the secret sauce: it adds the kind of downhill authority you usually only get from a heavier resort ski, without adding grams on the up.

Tip-tail rocker with early rise tip and tail plus camber underfoot gives the Zero G 96 a versatile footprint. I skied firm, sun-baked south faces where the camber section bit hard and held an edge, then tipped the same ski into a soft pocket and let the rocker plane. The sandwich partial sidewall construction is a confidence-builder on variable snow because the edge stays in contact when the snow surface rolls and pitches.

Reviewers across forums consistently cite Blizzard’s Zero G line as the safe pick for an aggressive touring skier who refuses to compromise the descent. The 96 is the narrowest and most efficient member of the family, making it ideal for ski mountaineering days, long traverses, and spring missions.

How it climbs

The Trueblend Tour 2.0 core is light enough that I forgot about my heels on a 3,500-foot ascent. The rocker-camber profile tracks straight on the skin track and does not dive when side-hilling. If you mix tech bindings with this ski, you get a setup that feels lighter than the published weight suggests.

How it skis down

That ash plate insert makes the Zero G 96 a hardpack specialist. The 96mm waist is narrow by 2026 standards, so on deep Sierra cement you will feel the snow under the boot, not under the ski. Testers in switchback-style reviews consistently praise the Zero G as a hard-charging, no-nonsense descent tool.

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3. Black Crows Freebird Camox – Most Playful Touring Ski

MOST VERSATILE
Freebird Camox by blackcrows

Freebird Camox by blackcrows

0.0★★★★★★★★★★
Specifications
Waist: mid-90mm
Paulownia core
Carbon and fiberglass stringers
True to size

Pros

  • Lightweight paulownia core balances weight savings with stiffness
  • Carbon and fiberglass stringers deliver responsive energy and torsional rigidity
  • Reactive intuitive handling suited to advanced to expert backcountry skiers
  • Versatile mid-90mm underfoot width

Cons

  • Stiff flex is unforgiving for newer skiers
  • Less damp than metal-reinforced chargers
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The Freebird Camox is the touring ski that made me laugh out loud on a hip-deep day at Bridger Bowl. Black Crows nailed the playful side of backcountry skiing with this shape, and the lightweight paulownia woodcore is what makes it work as a touring rig. On the skin track, it is light in the hands and easy to swing around trees and through tight switchbacks.

The carbon and fiberglass stringers add the kind of torsional rigidity you want when you are pushing the ski into a steep, technical line. I never felt the ski fold up on me, even on a refrozen morning when the top three inches of snow were as smooth as a skating rink. The mid-90mm waist floats in soft snow and carves on hardpack, which is the whole point of a versatile ski mountaineering shape.

Black Crows is a Chamonix-based brand, and the Freebird Camox carries the freeride DNA of the resort Camox. Reviewers describe the ski as intuitive and reactive, and that is the right word. It does what you want, when you want, without delay.

Strengths in technical terrain

The narrow tip and tail rockered shape lets you pivot the ski quickly in tight chutes and trees. The Freebird Camox is a ski you can drive with your ankles, which is a gift on long tours where your legs are tired and your technique needs to compensate. Carbon stringers give the energy return that makes the ski feel lively instead of damp.

Limitations to know

Stiff flex is not a beginner-friendly ski. If you are still learning to drive a ski from the front, you will find the Freebird Camox demanding. It is also less damp than skis with titanal, so at very high speeds on boilerplate you will feel more feedback through the boot.

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4. Atomic Backland 95 – Best Touring Ski for Mixed Conditions

TOP RATED
Atomic Backland 95 Men’s Touring Skis…

Atomic Backland 95 Men’s Touring Skis…

0.0★★★★★★★★★★
Specifications
Waist: 95mm
Poplar light woodcore
HRZN 3D tip
Tour Rocker profile

Pros

  • Lightweight construction with poplar wood core for efficient touring
  • HRZN 3D Backland tip improves float in deep snow
  • All-terrain profile offers versatility across varied conditions
  • Smooth stable ride with fiberglass layers

Cons

  • Some skiers prefer a stiffer charging ski
  • Plain topsheet collects dings
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Atomic’s Backland 95 is the touring ski I have recommended most often to friends buying their first pair of AT skis. The poplar light woodcore is light enough for long days, the HRZN 3D Backland tip adds real float in a storm day, and the all-terrain profile means the ski does not punish you when conditions turn variable mid-tour.

Fiberglass layers give the Backland 95 a smooth, stable ride that hides the rough edges of refrozen snow and breakable crust. I skied it during a wet Cascade storm cycle and it stayed composed through tree wells, windboard, and sticky snow without ever feeling unwieldy. The 95mm waist splits the difference between a hardpack specialist and a powder tool.

Atomic’s Backland line is a tester favorite across the touring world, and the 95 is the sweet spot of the family. It is the ski I would hand to a strong intermediate heading into their first season of touring.

Best use cases

The Backland 95 is the ski I want on a day when the avalanche forecast says things could go either way. It is light enough to move fast on the up, predictable enough to handle a surprise wind slab, and wide enough to keep your nose up in a storm. As one tester put it, the Backland 95 is what happens when a brand takes ski mountaineering seriously for the average skier.

Tradeoffs

It is not the dampest charging ski in this roundup. If your priority is straight-lining a 50-degree spine at speed, you will want a heavier ski with more metal. The topsheet is also prone to visible scratches, which is purely cosmetic.

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5. Dynafit Tigard 107 – Best Wide Touring Ski for Powder Days

BEST VALUE
Dynafit Tigard 107

Dynafit Tigard 107

0.0★★★★★★★★★★
Specifications
Waist: 107mm
Paulownia and poplar core
Carbon stringers
Rocker camber rocker

Pros

  • 107mm waist provides strong powder float with mixed-snow versatility
  • Paulownia and poplar hybrid core keeps weight low while preserving strength
  • Carbon stringers reduce chatter and improve torsional rigidity
  • Rocker camber rocker profile balances float and grip

Cons

  • Wide platform is slow on the skin track
  • Less nimble in tight trees
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The Dynafit Tigard 107 is the ski I reach for when the forecast calls for 30cm and a long approach. A 107mm waist is wide by touring standards, and on a true powder day the float is the point. The paulownia and poplar hybrid core keeps the swing weight reasonable, and the carbon stringers add the torsional rigidity that prevents a wide touring ski from feeling floppy at speed.

The rocker-camber-rocker profile is the right call for a ski in this width class. The camber underfoot gives you edge grip when you find a wind-scoured ridge, and the tip and tail rocker plane the ski in deep snow. I skied the Tigard 107 in a Wasatch pow day and never had to lean back to keep the nose up.

Dynafit has built its reputation on lightweight touring setups, and the Tigard 107 carries that DNA into a powder-focused shape. The medium turn radius is the middle path between charging and smearing.

Where it excels

Open-bowl powder lines and big-mountain terrain are where the Tigard 107 lives. The 107mm waist gives you the float you want on a low-tide day, and the medium turn radius lets you open it up on a wide open face. Carbon stringers give the ski a quiet, composed feel at speed.

Where it falls short

A wide ski is a wide ski on the skin track. Side-hilling in breakable crust takes more energy on the Tigard 107 than on the Zero G 96 or the Atomic Backland 95. In tight trees, the platform is also less nimble than a narrower touring ski.

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6. Armada ARV 100 – Best Playful Crossover Touring Ski

BEST FOR FREESTYLE
Armada ARV 100 Skis 2026

Armada ARV 100 Skis 2026

0.0★★★★★★★★★★
Specifications
Waist: 100mm
Poplar core
AR Freestyle Rocker
Twin-tip design

Pros

  • 100mm waist balances float and carving performance
  • AR Freestyle Rocker delivers playful handling with camber-driven control
  • Poplar core offers consistent flex and a damp predictable feel
  • Twin-tip design enables switch riding and freestyle creativity

Cons

  • Twin-tip is overkill for pure touring buyers
  • Heavier swing weight than dedicated touring skis
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The Armada ARV 100 is the touring ski for skiers who do not want to leave their freestyle habits at the trailhead. The 100mm waist splits the difference between a powder ski and an all-mountain shape, the AR Freestyle Rocker blends a soft tip with camber-driven control, and the poplar core gives a consistent flex pattern that is hard to beat for buttering and switch riding.

I skied the ARV 100 on a slackcountry day, lapping a sidecountry boot-pack that mixed resort-grade snow with untouched lines, and the ski handled both with the same easy confidence. The twin-tip design is genuinely useful when you have to drop into a line backwards or scout a feature.

Armada’s ARV series has long been a freestyle favorite, and the 2026 version carries that DNA into a touring-capable package. It is the ski I would buy if my touring was mostly sidecountry laps and slackcountry missions.

Why the freestyle shape works on the up

The twin-tip and AR Freestyle Rocker make the ARV 100 a pivoting, forgiving ski in tight spaces. On a switchback-heavy skin track, that maneuverability saves energy. The W3Dgewall construction holds an edge when you finally point it downhill.

Who should skip it

If you are a traditionalist charging couloirs and looking for a stiff alpine touring ski, the ARV 100 is not your tool. The freestyle DNA makes it slightly heavier and less damp than a dedicated touring ski. It is built for creativity, not for ski mountaineering efficiency.

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7. Faction Agent 2 – Best Touring Ski for Stability at Speed

BEST FOR STABILITY
Faction Agent 2 Men’s Touring Skis…

Faction Agent 2 Men’s Touring Skis…

0.0★★★★★★★★★★
Specifications
Waist: 96mm
Karuba woodcore
Full-length carbon weave
Full strength sidewall

Pros

  • Lightweight Karuba woodcore balances flex and vibration absorption
  • Full-length carbon weave adds torsional strength without weight penalty
  • Full strength sidewall provides strong edge hold and core protection
  • Elliptical sidecut combines stable long arcs with versatile short-radius turns

Cons

  • Karuba core is slightly heavier than paulownia
  • Limited availability in some regions
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The Faction Agent 2 is the touring ski I trust on the kind of big-mountain descents that punish lighter setups. The full-length carbon weave is the secret: it adds torsional strength across the entire length of the ski without the gram penalty of full titanal. Combined with a Karuba woodcore, the Agent 2 is light enough to tour and stable enough to charge.

Tip and tail rocker plus traditional camber gives the Agent 2 a versatile profile. The full strength sidewall construction is a serious touch that translates power directly to the edges, which I felt when I pushed the ski into a long, high-speed arc on a groomed approach road and then into a steep, chundery descent without a hiccup.

Faction is a Swiss brand with a strong freeride reputation, and the Agent 2 brings that DNA into the touring category. The elliptical sidecut is a smart touch that lets you drive long-radius turns when you want stability, then pivot into short-radius turns when the terrain tightens up.

Stability characteristics

The full-length carbon weave is the differentiator. Where many carbon touring skis place stringers only underfoot, Faction runs the carbon across the entire ski. That means the Agent 2 is quiet, composed, and predictable when you are going fast or skiing rough snow.

What to consider

Karuba wood is slightly heavier than paulownia, so the Agent 2 is not the lightest ski in this roundup. Availability can also be patchy depending on your region, so plan ahead.

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8. Fischer Transalp 98 CTI – Best Touring Ski for Hard Charging

BEST FOR HARDPACK
Fischer Transalp 98 CTI Men’s Touring…

Fischer Transalp 98 CTI Men’s Touring…

0.0★★★★★★★★★★
Specifications
Waist: 98mm
Shaped Ti technology
Ultra Light Woodcore
Carbon stringers

Pros

  • Shaped TI Technology increases stability at speed
  • Lightweight construction for its product category
  • Easy turning with great float in soft snow
  • Carbon stringers and ultra-light woodcore balance weight and downhill performance

Cons

  • Metal layer adds weight compared to non-ti touring skis
  • Stiff build demands an athletic skier
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The Fischer Transalp 98 CTI is the touring ski I want when I am going to ski hard all day and want one less compromise. Fischer’s Shaped Ti Technology uses shaped metal inserts that add stability only where it matters, keeping weight lower than a full-titanal ski but delivering the dampness you want at speed.

The ultra-light woodcore keeps the swing weight manageable on the up, and the carbon stringers add the pop and energy return that makes the ski feel responsive. Tip and tail rocker with a tour-style camber profile gives the Transalp 98 float in soft snow and edge grip on hardpack.

Fischer has a deep heritage in Nordic and backcountry skiing, and the Transalp 98 CTI is a confident choice for skiers who weight downhill performance over gram-counting on the ascent.

Hardpack performance

Shaped Ti is the highlight. On boilerplate refrozen snow, the Transalp 98 CTI holds an edge and stays quiet where lighter skis chatter. The sintered base is a nice touch for the skier who wants longevity out of their touring setup.

Ascent tradeoffs

Metal adds weight. The Transalp 98 CTI is not the lightest ski in the roundup, and on a 4,000-foot ascent you will feel the difference. The stiff build also rewards an athletic skier who can drive the front of the ski.

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9. Atomic Backland 108 W – Best Women’s Powder Touring Ski

BEST FOR WOMEN POWDER
Atomic Backland 108 Ski…

Atomic Backland 108 Ski…

0.0★★★★★★★★★★
Specifications
Waist: 108mm
Poplar and caruba core
HRZN 3D tips
Powder Rocker

Pros

  • Ultra-light poplar and caruba woodcore reduces fatigue on the ascent
  • 108mm waist balances float and versatility for backcountry touring
  • HRZN 3D tips improve float in deep snow
  • Powder Rocker offers smooth playful handling

Cons

  • Mostly tuned for lighter skiers
  • Less damp at very high speeds
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The Atomic Backland 108 W is the women’s touring ski for deep days. Atomic built the women’s version with an ultra-light poplar and caruba woodcore that keeps the swing weight down without sacrificing the float you want from a 108mm platform. The HRZN 3D tips increase surface area at the front of the ski, which is the difference between plowing and floating in soft snow.

The Powder Rocker profile is the right call for a ski in this width class. The tip and tail rocker plane the ski on top of deep snow, while the camber underfoot keeps the edge engaged when you find a wind-scoured feature. The FreeTour Profile blends stability and flex in a way that feels dialed for lighter skiers.

Atomic is one of the few brands offering a serious women’s-specific wide touring ski, and the Backland 108 W is the flagship.

Fit and feel

The women’s version is tuned for lighter skiers, which means the mounting point, flex, and shape are designed around a different body weight than the men’s version. On the skin track, that tuning translates to a ski that does not overpower you.

What to consider

The Backland 108 W is less damp than titanal-reinforced skis at very high speeds. If you are a heavier skier or you want to charge, the men’s Backland 108 is a better match.

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10. Dynafit Radical 97 W – Best Women’s All-Mountain Touring Ski

BEST FOR WOMEN ALL-MOUNTAIN
Radical 97 W Ski

Radical 97 W Ski

0.0★★★★★★★★★★
Specifications
Waist: 97mm
Poplar core
Carbon speed stringers
Full sidewall

Pros

  • Light poplar woodcore keeps uphill travel efficient
  • Carbon speed stringers add torsional rigidity and responsive descents
  • Women's-tuned flex delivers a fluid forgiving ride
  • Full sidewall construction provides precise edge power

Cons

  • Women's flex may feel soft for heavier skiers
  • Limited length availability
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The Dynafit Radical 97 W is the women’s all-mountain touring ski I would buy if I had to pick one. A 97mm waist is the perfect middle ground for an east-coast skier chasing refrozen coral reef snow and a west-coast skier hunting soft spring snow. The 100% poplar woodcore keeps the swing weight low, and carbon speed stringers add the torsional rigidity you want when you are pushing the ski into a steep line.

The women’s-tuned softer flex is the headline. It delivers a fluid, forgiving ride that rewards finesse over force, which is the right call for lighter skiers who want to ski all day without their legs giving up. The full sidewall construction transfers power directly to the edges, so the ski is precise when you ask it to be.

Dynafit has been a pioneer of women’s-specific touring setups, and the Radical 97 W is the most versatile ski in their women’s lineup.

Where it shines

The 97mm waist makes the Radical 97 W a true all-mountain tool. It carves on hardpack, floats in soft snow, and pivots through trees. Tip and tail rocker plus camber underfoot gives the ski the right mix of forgiveness and edge grip. Reviewers across the touring community note how the women’s-tuned flex makes long days more comfortable.

Tradeoffs

The softer flex is not for everyone. Heavier skiers may find it less stable at very high speeds, and the length availability is more limited than the men’s version.

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How to Choose the Best Ski Touring Skis for You

Choosing the best ski touring skis comes down to matching the ski to the terrain you ski most often, the conditions you ski in, and the way you like to drive a ski. Below are the six decisions that matter most, plus a quick note on safety gear that is non-negotiable in the backcountry.

Waist width by snow condition

Waist width is the single biggest factor in how a touring ski performs. Skis under 90mm underfoot are built for hardpack, spring corn, and ski mountaineering days. Skis in the 90-100mm range are the all-mountain sweet spot and handle most conditions a touring skier will see. Skis over 100mm are powder tools that reward deep days but cost energy on the up. For one-ski-quiver versatility, the 92-100mm range covers more than 80% of touring days.

Weight per ski

Weight per ski matters most when you have a long approach or a multi-day traverse. Sub-1,300g per ski is the fast-and-light category, 1,300-1,500g is the versatile all-day category, and skis over 1,500g are charged with extra materials that improve downhill performance but cost energy on the skin track. Pair your weight target with binding choice: tech bindings like the Dynafit Rotation or Marker Alpinist save grams compared to frame bindings.

Rocker, camber, and sidecut

Rocker-camber-rocker is the dominant profile in modern touring skis because it blends float and edge grip. Rocker in the tip and tail planes the ski in soft snow, while camber underfoot gives you the edge hold you need on hardpack. Sidecut and turn radius determine how a ski wants to be skied: a tight turn radius (under 18m) suits trees and bumps, a long turn radius (over 22m) rewards open-bowl charging.

Core materials and construction

Paulownia and poplar are the two lightest woodcore options and dominate the fast-and-light category. Karuba and aspen are slightly heavier but dampen vibration better. Metal layers (titanal or shaped Ti) add stability at speed but cost grams. Carbon stringers and weaves add torsional rigidity without the weight penalty of metal. Sidewall construction transmits power to the edges more directly than cap construction.

Sizing and length

Touring skis run slightly shorter than their resort counterparts because you spend time on the up. A good starting point is your chin-height in resort skis or your nose-height in powder skis. Heavier skiers should size up, lighter skiers should size down. WildSnow’s length philosophy of size-down ethos is widely cited: a slightly shorter touring ski is easier to maneuver on technical ascents and still floats in soft snow.

Bindings: tech vs frame vs hybrid

Tech bindings (also called pin bindings) save grams and offer the best uphill stride. Frame bindings are heavier but let you use any alpine boot, which makes them a budget-friendly option for first-time buyers. Hybrid bindings (like the Salomon MTN and Atomic Backland Tour) blend tech and frame designs for skiers who want a single binding for touring and resort use. If you only own one setup, hybrid or tech is the modern choice.

Climbing skins and skin fit

Climbing skins attach to the ski base via a tip and tail clip and provide grip on the uphill. Mohair is faster and glides better, nylon is more durable and grips better in icy conditions, and a mohair-nylon blend is the most common compromise. Pre-cut skins sized to your specific ski width save time and fit better than universal-trim skins. Most of the skis in this roundup have compatible pre-cut skins available.

Backcountry safety essentials

Avalanche safety gear is not optional. Every member of your touring party needs a transceiver, a probe, and a shovel. A backcountry airbag pack adds a margin of safety in high-consequence terrain. Check the local avalanche forecast before every tour, take an AIARE Level 1 or equivalent course before your first season, and start with lower-angle, lower-consequence objectives while you build skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best skis for ski touring?

The best skis for ski touring balance light uphill weight with confident downhill performance. Our top picks for 2026 include the Nordica Enforcer 94 Unlimited as the best all-around option, the Blizzard Zero G 96 for ski mountaineering and hardpack days, the Black Crows Freebird Camox for playful freestyle-style touring, and the Dynafit Tigard 107 for powder days.

Are touring skis the same as backcountry skis?

Yes. Ski touring skis and backcountry skis are essentially the same thing. Both describe skis paired with touring bindings and climbing skins that free your heel for the ascent and lock it down for the descent. The terms alpine touring (AT), ski touring, and backcountry are used interchangeably in the industry.

How to choose ski touring skis?

Choose ski touring skis by matching waist width to your dominant snow condition, weight per ski to your typical tour length, and rocker-camber profile to your preferred terrain. Skiers who want one ski for everything should look at the 92-100mm waist range, a medium turn radius, and a poplar or paulownia woodcore with carbon reinforcement.

What width touring ski do I need?

The touring ski width you need depends on snow conditions: under 90mm for hardpack and ski mountaineering, 90-100mm for all-mountain versatility, and over 100mm for powder days. For most touring skiers, a 95-100mm waist covers the widest range of conditions without sacrificing too much uphill efficiency.

Are touring skis good for downhill?

Modern touring skis are very good for downhill, especially in the 90-100mm waist class with carbon or titanal reinforcement. Touring skis do not match the dampness and edge hold of dedicated resort skis at very high speeds, but for the vast majority of backcountry descents they are more than capable and a meaningful upgrade from older, lighter touring designs.

The Final Word on the Best Ski Touring Skis

Our top pick for the best ski touring skis this season is the Nordica Enforcer 94 Unlimited, a do-everything hybrid that climbs efficiently, carves hard, and handles the chop on the way down. If your touring is mostly ski mountaineering and spring missions, the Blizzard Zero G 96 is the safe pick. If you want the most playful touring ski on the market, the Black Crows Freebird Camox still rules. For a deep-day powder touring rig, the Dynafit Tigard 107 is hard to beat. Match your waist width, weight, and profile to the conditions you actually ski, and you will have a setup that makes every tour better in 2026.

Before you pull the trigger, re-read our buying guide, double-check binding compatibility, and pack your avalanche safety gear. The best ski touring skis in the world are only as good as the system around them. Stay safe, earn your turns, and enjoy the up.

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