The post 6 Essentials for Après-Ski: Packing List & Outfit ideas appeared first on Altitude Sports.
]]>Skiing may be the main draw, but let’s be honest—après-ski is just as fun. First coined in the Alps during the 1950s, this time-honoured tradition is French for “after ski,” a catch-all phrase that covers everything you do after you unclip your skis. Mugs of hot chocolate by the fire? Check. Pints of craft beer at a boisterous pub? Check. A long soak in the hotel hot tub? Check. Game nights, ice skating, hearty meals? The list goes on. Think of après-ski as your well-earned encore to a day carving up the slopes, whether you’re new to the bunny hill or a weekend warrior who’s first in the lift line. The key to embracing après-ski is in the prep. Keep those base and outer layers nearby, and consider these six essentials for après-ski:
Dress smart for après-ski
Après-ski is often mistaken for a high-altitude fashion show—when in reality, it’s about embracing winter’s best moments off the ski hill. Whatever gear you pack should keep you warm, comfortable, and easily take you from mountaintop to mountain chalet. The best part about après-ski? Your snow gear doubles as post-slope attire, meaning you only need to pack a few extras to make the most of the experience. In addition to your base layers, snow jacket, and winter headgear, you’ll want to consider bringing fleece jackets and cozy sweaters—easy to throw on around the bonfire or after a soak in the hot tub—along with beanies, comfy scarves, and casual winter gloves. (This is where you should swap out those ski mitts for something less bulky and more ideal for holding screens, pints, and hands.)
Shop men’s fleece jackets and pullovers and women’s fleece jackets and pullovers.
Choose dual-purpose footwear
Leave your clunky ski boots at the rental shop or lodge. When it comes to après-ski, you’ll want to bring footwear that is versatile. Indoor booties and slippers up the cozy factor when you’re lounging by the fire in your hotel room, but can easily take you downstairs to the lounge, restaurant, or pool (just make sure to stash them in the change room). Waterproof and insulated winter boots are needed for traipsing around village centres, snowy trails, and outdoor patios. Choose boots that are warm, functional, and—if you want to really nail your après-ski look—stylish.
Shop women’s winter boots and men’s winter boots.
Prioritize post-ski recovery
You’ve just exposed your skin and lips to a day of windburn, sun, and potentially freezing temps—what now? Help your post-ski glow with some much-needed self-care. If your skin is parched and dull, a rich hydrating moisturizer can help replenish lost moisture and protect against further dryness. Lip balm—on and off the slopes—is essential. Look for ones that are medicated or have SPF, but the ultimate trick is to layer some petroleum jelly over your lip balm to lock in moisture and act as the first line of defence against mountaintop winds. Another crucial piece of gear? A ski helmet. The only downside when it comes to après-ski is a dreaded case of helmet hair. To keep your locks in check, try a braid, low ponytail, or tuck them into a neck gaiter or balaclava before hitting the slopes. If that doesn’t do the trick, a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray can work wonders.
Keep it hydrated and fuelled
Drinks are an integral part of après-ski, from boozy chalet aperitifs to hot chocolate to local brews. Before you imbibe, you’ll want to make sure you’re well-hydrated with water (and electrolytes)—skiing works up a good sweat, and you’ll need plenty of H2O to help your muscles rebound for day two. Post-run drinks range from soothing cups of tea to indulgent hot chocolate to energizing cups of coffee. Mulled wine is a classic choice for lakeside bonfires while glasses of beer and wine, along with creative cocktails, up the revelry as a toast to the day’s adventures. Don’t forget to fuel up, too—easy-to-carry snacks like granola bars or chocolates keep energy levels steady, so you’re ready for whatever après-ski adventure comes next.
Create a convivial ambiance
Après-ski is all about transforming an average evening into an alpine experience to remember. It’s an extension of your on-slope adventure—a way to continue the fun, unwind with friends, and take in the spectacular mountain settings. However you après, extra touches like candles, string lights, and cozy blankets help create an inviting atmosphere, while travel games or a deck of cards are perfect ice-breakers if you’re travelling in a larger group.
Stay organized
Just like your day on the slopes, you’ll want to maximize every minute of your après-ski plans. (Depending on how many laps you sent, bedtime might come earlier than you think.) A little prep is key to making your post-run experience smooth and seamless. A lightweight day pack keeps your essentials—like gloves, a water bottle, and an extra baselayer—within easy reach, while a travel-size toiletry kit is a game-changer for freshening up before dinner or drinks—especially if you’re headed straight from the lift line to the lodge bar.
Après-ski starts with the right attitude. It doesn’t matter how much vert you got in, or whether you took a harmless fall—with a healthy dose of gratitude and perspective, any bad day on the slopes can still be followed by a great après-ski experience. The other trick to nailing after ski hours? These six essentials. Remember to pack smart, layer well, stay hydrated, and prioritize post-ski recovery. After all, you’re likely to do it all over again tomorrow.
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]]>The post Best Ski & Snowboard Travel Bags appeared first on Altitude Sports.
]]>A quality travel bag isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must for protecting your skis or snowboard from rough baggage handlers, packed car trunks, and unpredictable weather. Whether you’re jet-setting to the Alps or road-tripping to your local mountain, the right bag makes all the difference.
In this guide, we break down what to look for in the best snowboard bags and ski bags, key features to consider, and offer up ski and snowboard bag reviews for our top picks.
Key Characteristics of Ski & Snowboard Travel Bags
A good travel bag protects your gear from dings, scratches, and even cracks caused by rough handling and long journeys. Without one, you’re rolling the dice every time you check your equipment at the airport or toss it in the back of a car.
Beyond protection, travel bags keep things organized. Built-in compartments mean no more digging through piles of gear to find your gloves or tuning tools. Plus, with options like wheels and padded straps, they make hauling heavy gear way easier. Not all ski and snowboard travel bags are created equal. The right one depends on your travel style, gear, and how much protection you need. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Durability & Protection
Look for tough, weather-resistant materials like nylon or polyester with reinforced stitching. Padded interiors help absorb impact during transit.
Size & Capacity
Make sure the bag fits your skis or snowboard, plus any extra gear. Some bags hold multiple sets—perfect for family trips.
Ease of Transport
Wheeled bags are lifesavers in airports, while padded straps and handles help for shorter hauls.
Storage & Organization
Extra compartments keep your boots, tools, and outerwear separate from your board or skis.
Airline Compliance
If you’re flying, check airline size restrictions and weight limits to avoid extra fees.
Best Overall Snowboard Travel Bag
Brand Name | Product Type
Product Name
Price: 0.00$
The Thule RoundTrip Snowboard Roller is a premium travel bag designed for snowboarders who need maximum protection and effortless transport. With a rugged exterior, reinforced padding, and smooth-rolling wheels, it’s built to handle everything from airport chaos to bumpy mountain roads.
Why We Love It
As one of the best snowboard bags, it's durable, spacious enough to fit extra gear, and incredibly easy to manoeuvre with their S-shaped zipper. The internal compression straps keep your snowboard secure in addition to the padded, cinch-top board sleeves. Pairs great with other travel bags for winter sports.
The Thule RoundTrip line has the same excellent bag available for skis with roller options for both.
Price: 0.00$
Best Budget Ski Travel Bag
The Atomic Ski Bag is a simple, yet effective bag for more local ski trips. It's main feature, a roll top volume adjustment, makes it a versatile bag, capable of stowing a pair of skis and poles from the shortest lengths up to 205 cm, secured by the two-way zipper and clip.
Why We Love It
Simple, inexpensive, and doesn't compromise essential protection of your gear, this ski bag is equipped to handle those bumpier rides to the mountain by car. The Tarpaulin lining and water and stain resistant exterior keep the worst of the weather from damaging your skis and makes it easy to clean after a successful exploit on the slopes.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Brand Name | Product Type
The Atomic Ski Bag is a simple, yet effective bag for more local ski trips. It's main feature, a roll top volume adjustment, makes it a versatile bag, capable of stowing a pair of skis and poles from the shortest lengths up to 205 cm, secured by the two-way zipper and clip.
Why We Love It
Simple, inexpensive, and doesn't compromise essential protection of your gear, this ski bag is equipped to handle those bumpier rides to the mountain by car. The Tarpaulin lining and water and stain resistant exterior keep the worst of the weather from damaging your skis and makes it easy to clean after a successful exploit on the slopes.
Price: 0.00$
Best Ski Travel Bag for Air Travel
The Salomon Race Trip Container Wheeled Travel Bag is the ultimate choice for air travelers seeking convenience and compliance. With its lightweight, wheeled design, it’s built to breeze through airports, making getting from gate to gate way less stressful. Plus, it meets airline regulations, so you won’t be caught off guard by unexpected baggage fees.
Why We Love It
Perfect for skiers and snowboarders who fly often, this bag is as easy to manoeuvre as it is spacious. The reinforced wheels glide smoothly, while the robust exterior and secure internal straps keep your gear safe.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Brand Name | Product Type
The Salomon Race Trip Container Wheeled Travel Bag is the ultimate choice for air travelers seeking convenience and compliance. With its lightweight, wheeled design, it’s built to breeze through airports, making getting from gate to gate way less stressful. Plus, it meets airline regulations, so you won’t be caught off guard by unexpected baggage fees.
Why We Love It
Perfect for skiers and snowboarders who fly often, this bag is as easy to manoeuvre as it is spacious. The reinforced wheels glide smoothly, while the robust exterior and secure internal straps keep your gear safe.
Price: 0.00$
Best Ski Travel Bag for Family Trips
The Atomic Double Ski Bag is a game-changer for family ski trips. Designed to carry two sets of skis and poles, it’s perfect for those who need extra space and organization when travelling with the whole crew. This bag is built for car travel, offering plenty of room for all your gear while keeping everything protected during the journey.
Why We Love It
It’s incredibly spacious without being bulky. The long, padded interior fits skis up to 205 cm, and the exterior is tough enough to handle road trips or the occasional rough baggage handling. Multiple internal compartments make it easy to organize everything from poles to extra clothing, so you can keep your family’s gear all in one place.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Brand Name | Product Type
The Atomic Double Ski Bag is a game-changer for family ski trips. Designed to carry two sets of skis and poles, it’s perfect for those who need extra space and organization when travelling with the whole crew. This bag is built for car travel, offering plenty of room for all your gear while keeping everything protected during the journey.
Why We Love It
It’s incredibly spacious without being bulky. The long, padded interior fits skis up to 205 cm, and the exterior is tough enough to handle road trips or the occasional rough baggage handling. Multiple internal compartments make it easy to organize everything from poles to extra clothing, so you can keep your family’s gear all in one place.
Price: 0.00$
Best Lightweight Ski Travel Bag
The Head Single Ski Bag (60L) is the ultimate lightweight option for travelers who need mobility without the bulk. It’s sleek, easy to carry, and perfect for skiers who prefer simplicity and efficiency. Whether you’re heading to the slopes for a weekend getaway or hitting the road for a quick trip, this bag is designed for convenience and easy packing.
Why We Love It
This bag strikes the perfect balance between size and weight. The compact design holds a pair of skis (either 175 cm of 195 cm), but still leaves room for accessories like poles. The carry handles and shoulder strap make it easy to transport, while the padded interior ensures your gear stays safe.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Brand Name | Product Type
The Head Single Ski Bag (60L) is the ultimate lightweight option for travelers who need mobility without the bulk. It’s sleek, easy to carry, and perfect for skiers who prefer simplicity and efficiency. Whether you’re heading to the slopes for a weekend getaway or hitting the road for a quick trip, this bag is designed for convenience and easy packing.
Why We Love It
This bag strikes the perfect balance between size and weight. The compact design holds a pair of skis (either 175 cm of 195 cm), but still leaves room for accessories like poles. The carry handles and shoulder strap make it easy to transport, while the padded interior ensures your gear stays safe.
Price: 0.00$
Best Lightweight Snowboard Travel Bag
The Burton Space Sack Board Bag is perfect for snowboarders who need a streamlined, compact travel bag that gets the job done without any extra bulk. Whether you're stowing your gear in the trunk or checking it at the airport, this simple, efficient bag keeps your snowboard protected while offering just enough space for essentials.
Why We Love It
If you're looking for no-fuss, durable snowboard bags, this one’s a winner. It’s lightweight and durable, providing a great level of protection without taking up too much space. The full-length zipper makes it easy to load and unload your board, while the handy shoulder strap makes it a breeze to carry. Perfect for day trips or minimalists.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Brand Name | Product Type
The Burton Space Sack Board Bag is perfect for snowboarders who need a streamlined, compact travel bag that gets the job done without any extra bulk. Whether you're stowing your gear in the trunk or checking it at the airport, this simple, efficient bag keeps your snowboard protected while offering just enough space for essentials.
Why We Love It
If you're looking for no-fuss, durable snowboard bags, this one’s a winner. It’s lightweight and durable, providing a great level of protection without taking up too much space. The full-length zipper makes it easy to load and unload your board, while the handy shoulder strap makes it a breeze to carry. Perfect for day trips or minimalists.
Price: 0.00$
Tips for Travelling with Ski & Snowboard Bags
Travelling with your ski or snowboard gear can be tricky, but with these simple tips, you can ensure your equipment stays safe, your bag lasts longer, and you avoid unnecessary fees.
Packing Techniques
To protect your gear, use padded snowboard travel bags or wrap your skis/board in soft clothing. Secure your gear with internal straps to minimize shifting during transit.
Airline Regulations & Fees
Check airline guidelines before you go—most carriers allow ski gear travel cases up to 50 lbs without additional fees, but be sure to confirm size limits and extra charges for oversized bags.
Maintenance Tips
Keep your bag clean and dry after every trip. Regularly check for wear and tear, especially around the zippers and wheels, to extend the life of your bag.
FAQ
What size ski travel bag do I need?
A: The size of your ski bag depends on the length of your skis or snowboard. Generally, bags range from 170 cm to 200 cm, so choose one that comfortably fits your gear with room for protection.
Is a ski bag worth it?
A: Yes! A ski bag protects your gear from damage, makes it easier to carry, and keeps your items organized, which is especially important when travelling.
Do you need a ski bag to fly with skis?
A: While not mandatory, a ski travel bag is highly recommended. Most airlines require skis to be packed in a protective bag, and it helps avoid additional charges for unprotected gear.
What kind of bag do you need when skiing?
A: For ski trips, you’ll want a bag that’s durable, padded, and easy to transport—wheeled ski travel bags are designed to work well for air travel, while larger, padded bags are perfect for road trips or family vacations.
Choosing the right ski and snowboard travel bag can make all the difference in protecting your gear and easing the stress of travel. Whether you’re after a budget-friendly option or a durable, spacious bag for family trips, there’s a perfect fit for everyone. Investing in quality gear means less hassle and more time enjoying the slopes.
Ready to hit the road? Check out our full collection of ski and snowboard travel bags to find your perfect match and travel with ease!
The post Best Ski & Snowboard Travel Bags appeared first on Altitude Sports.
]]>The post Best Backcountry and Touring Skis of 2025 appeared first on Altitude Sports.
]]>For the best backcountry skis, you want something that can handle variable conditions. A lightweight ski that can hit deep powdery runs and spring slush with the same level of control is ideal. In this article, we round up the best of the best to get you ready for your next (or first) backcountry adventure. Our top picks include:
Black Crows Camox Freebird Touring Skis
Who Is It For
The Black Crows Camox Freebird is made for backcountry skiers who prioritize playfulness and versatility over sheer power. Ideal for those who want a forgiving yet capable ski, it balances maneuverability and stability, making it perfect for variable terrain and mixed snow conditions.
- Width: 95mm waist
- Profile: Progressive front & rear rocker, classic medium camber
What We Love About It
This ski delivers a smooth, enjoyable ride in all conditions. Its progressive front and rear rocker enhance pivot control and flotation, while the classic camber provides a stable yet nimble feel. The lightweight paulownia core, reinforced with carbon and glass fiber, keeps the ski light on the ascent without sacrificing downhill confidence.
What Others Are Saying About It
Skiers praise its balance between uphill efficiency and downhill fun. As one reviewer, Stéphanie, put it, "These skis are the perfect balance between lightness going up and stiffness going down." Many appreciate its easy-going nature, noting that it’s not the most aggressive ski but offers a fun and forgiving ride.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Volkl Rise Beyond 96 Touring Skis
Who Is It For?
The Völkl Rise Beyond 96 is built for backcountry skiers who crave powder but still want a ski that climbs efficiently. With its weight-saving design and 96mm waist, it’s perfect for those who want reliable float on deep days without sacrificing maneuverability on variable terrain.
- Width: 96mm
- Profile: Tip Rocker
What We Love About It
This ski nails the balance between weight and power. The hybrid wood core keeps it light on the ascent, while the carbon tip shovel adds stability for confident descents. The 3D radius sidecut makes wide-open powder turns feel effortless while still allowing for quick pivots in tighter spots. Bonus: the Smart Skin Clip system makes skin attachment a breeze.
What Others Are Saying About It
Skiers love its versatility, calling it a well-rounded touring ski that’s neither too wide nor too light. Matthieu T. summed it up perfectly: “Perfect ski for out East… strikes a perfect balance. I expect a lot of years out of Völkl.” Many appreciate how it handles in various conditions, making it a solid ski for long-term use.
Price: 0.00$
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Black Diamond HELIO CARBON 104 SKIS
Who Is It For?
The Black Diamond Helio Carbon 104 Touring Skis are designed for advanced skiers who want to tackle long backcountry missions. Perfect for those who seek deep powder and technical terrain, these skis offer the stability and lightweight build necessary for demanding climbs and descents. Whether you're slicing through fresh powder or navigating mixed conditions, these skis deliver the performance needed for all-day tours.
- Width: 104 mm underfoot, 118 mm tip, 131 mm tail
- Profile: Rocker/Camber/Rocker
What We Love About It
This ski nails the balance between weight and power. The pre-preg carbon fiber layup keeps it light on the ascent, while the full-perimeter ABS sidewalls add stability for confident descents. The early rise in the tip and tail helps it float effortlessly in powder, and the engineered wood core ensures durability for the long haul. Plus, the integrated skin-clip tab on the tail protector makes skin attachment a breeze.
What Others Are Saying About It
Skiers love its versatility, calling it a well-rounded touring ski that’s neither too wide nor too light. While there are no reviews yet, many Black Diamond fans appreciate its reliable performance in varied conditions. It's especially loved for big powder days and long backcountry missions, giving skiers the perfect tool for dawn-to-dusk tours.
Price: 0.00$
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Salomon MTN 96 CARBON Touring Skis
Who It’s For
The Salomon MTN 96 Carbon Touring Ski is perfect for intermediate skiers looking for a reliable and lightweight ski for both uphill and downhill performance. The versatile design of this ski enables smooth climbs and solid descents. Whether you’re new to backcountry skiing or an experienced skier looking for more efficient touring, this ski is built for you.
- Width: 96 mm underfoot, 129 mm tip, 115 mm tail
- Profile: Rocker/Camber/Rocker
What We Love About It
This ski strikes the perfect balance between weight and performance. The full Karuba woodcore keeps it light for uphill efficiency, while the carbon construction adds power for confident descents. We love the Cork Damplifier integrated into the tip, which absorbs vibrations and gives you a stable ride—no matter the terrain. Plus, the sustainable materials make it a more environmentally friendly choice.
What Others Are Saying About It
Skiers are thrilled with these ultralight skis and their ability to handle both the climb and the descent with ease. Stéphane D. raves: “Excellent skis for advanced intermediates. It’s very light for ascents and handles descents very well despite its light weight.” Emily also loves the aesthetic, saying: “Very light and high quality. Love the design.”
Price: 0.00$
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DPS Skis Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL 105 Skis
Who It’s For
The DPS Skis Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL 105 Skis are built for experts who demand high performance across all backcountry conditions. If you’re looking to conquer diverse terrain, from soft powder to steep, narrow lines, while maintaining a smooth ride and confidence at high speeds, then these just may be the perfect skis for you.
- Width: 105 mm underfoot, 130 mm tip, 120 mm tail
- Profile: Rocker/Camber/Rocker
What We Love About It
These skis offer unparalleled versatility—from agile powder turns to precise, high-speed descents. We love the addition of organic flax fibers to the carbon laminate, which provides exceptional damping and smooths out even the most challenging conditions. The new model shape, reduced rocker, and centered stance enhance control and maneuverability.
What Others Are Saying About It
While there are no reviews yet, the DPS product design team has already declared the Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL 105 their go-to touring ski. It’s become a favorite for its balance of lightness and stability, making it a solid choice for those pushing their backcountry limits.
Price: 0.00$
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Atomic Backland 95 Touring Skis
Who It’s For
The Atomic Backland 95 Touring Skis are perfect for advanced to expert skiers who crave versatility. Designed to handle everything from wide-open powder to technical, backcountry terrain, it’s best suited to long days in the mountains. The lightweight, widebody design and agility will help you make the most of every tour and descent.
- Width: 95 mm underfoot, 126.5 mm tip, 115 mm tail
- Profile: Rocker/Camber
What We Love About It
This is a stand-out ski for its combination of lightweight construction and solid freeride performance. We love the Carbon Backbone that provides impressive edge grip on descent while keeping the ski light enough for uphill efficiency. The HRZN Tech Tip allows for effortless entry into difficult snow conditions, while the Ultra Light Woodcore ensures comfort during long tours.
What Others Are Saying About It
There aren’t reviews yet, but based on the design and features, this ski is poised to become a top choice for those who value performance variable conditions. Its unique construction and versatility make it a solid investment for serious backcountry frolickers.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Faction La Machine 2 Mini Touring Skis
Who It’s For
Tailored for advanced to expert skiers who love off-piste adventures, the Faction La Machine 2 Mini Touring Skis offer a lightweight experience that doesn’t compromise on performance. Whether you’re tackling fresh powder or sun-baked conditions, this ski is built for playful versatility and long tours.
- Width: 99 mm underfoot, 124 mm tip, 116 mm tail
- Profile: Rocker/Camber/Rocker
What We Love About It
The La Machine 2 Mini stands out with its carbon-loaded, featherlight ski construction, making it ideal for long touring days. Its ultra-rockered shape allows for smooth turns and effortless smears across various snow conditions, while the sustainable paulownia wood core provides excellent flex and vibration absorption.
What Others Are Saying About It
While there are no reviews yet, the combination of lightweight carbon fiber, versatile sidecut, and eco-conscious design make the La Machine 2 Mini an exciting choice for backcountry skiers who demand both performance and sustainability.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Xalibu Skis Hog's Back Skis
Who Is It For?
The Xalibu Hog’s Back Skis are perfect for advanced freeride skiers looking to conquer steep terrain and deep powder. Inspired by one of Quebec’s most iconic runs, the Grand Couloir, these skis are for those who want both flotation in soft snow and stability when conditions get challenging.
- Width: 140 mm tip, 112 mm waist, 128 mm tail
- Profile: Rocker/Camber/Rocker
What We Love About It
With its high-performance design, the Hog’s Back excels in deep snow and variable conditions. The rocker profile ensures smooth flotation, while the standard camber offers confidence on firmer snow. The laminated poplar core and triaxial fiber box provide torsional rigidity for stability, and the anti-vibration strips enhance control. Plus, the durable nylon topsheet and stone finish base keep your skis gliding effortlessly for the long haul.
What Others Are Saying About It
Though there are no reviews yet, the Hog’s Back’s strong construction and thoughtful design make it an excellent option for those tackling tough, varied conditions in the backcountry.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
How to Choose Backcountry Skis
Before settling on the best backcountry skis, take a look at the points below, designed to help you on your ski-buying journey.
Ski Size
Sizing your skis is important, and there are some general guidelines to follow. For beginners, you want a ski length that stands vertically from the floor to your chin. Intermediates will want a bit longer, up to about the bridge of your nose or lower forehead. Advanced and expert skiers will want a ski with a vertical length up to the top of their head.
Waist width, or width underfoot, is measured in millimetres across the ski where your bindings are. For a backcountry ski, you want a bit more width than a piste carving ski to deal with variable terrain and conditions. A good range for the best backcountry ski is 92-108.
For additional tips, tricks and advice, visit our article on choosing the right skis.
Ski Profile: Rocker & Camber
Camber is a natural bend in the shape of a ski. It is most obvious when laying a ski down on a flat surface and looking at it from the side. If a ski has a camber, you’ll see that the middle of the ski is elevated.
The purpose of camber is to help maintain edge control while skiing. When you turn, you push down on your skis, which pushes down the camber. When you exit a turn, the pressure is relieved, and with the natural camber, you’ll bounce back up faster and with less energy burned.
Rocker is a camber in reverse. In this scenario, the center of the ski is the lowest to the surface, while the ski bends up at the tip and tail. More rocker and less camber mean your maneuverability increases but your stability at speed and on icy terrain goes down.
The best backcountry skis will usually come in a few varieties. You can have a hybrid rocker profile with camber underfoot. Some backcountry skis have a full rocker with no camber, and some others have rocker up front, camber underfoot and a flatter tail. Keep in mind, your preference may vary depending on your skiing style.
Women’s Specific Touring Skis
As the ski industry advances, more options become available. In the past, women’s skis were usually just men’s skis, but shorter and more colourful. That is now changing.
Women’s specific backcountry ski options have been rapidly increasing. It is now possible to find the best backcountry skis for women that address deficiencies in the historical presentation of women’s specific skis. A lot of skis have unisex applications, so a women’s or men’s specific ski is not always strictly necessary, but it is nice to have a bevy of options to peruse.
Touring vs. Backcountry Skis
These are actually similar concepts with regional differences across the globe. Backcountry skis and touring skis are both used primarily outside of established ski resorts. Backcountry is more US-centric terminology while touring has a European origin.
Since touring and backcountry skiing takes place outside of ski resort boundaries, a lot of considerations have to come into mind to reduce the dangers. If you’re interested in backcountry skiing, please read our backcountry guide for beginners. Be safe out there!
Types of Ski Depending on Location (East vs. West)
Snow conditions change depending on local geography.
The west coast gets pounded with snow, but it’s often heavy because of the high humidity content. Intermountain locations near the Continental Divide benefit from less humidity, which makes the powder that falls lighter and fluffier. Lighter skis operate better in lighter snow.
East Coast skiing is also different, with many locations experiencing a decent amount of ice and firm snow. When the snow does fall, it’s also quite heavy. A ski that has good flotation, good edge control and one that is stable at speed would be a great buy for the east coast.
Compatibility With Other Important Equipment
The best backcountry skis are just one of several components you need to get ready for ski touring. One of the most important elements after you get a ski is backcountry bindings, which you need to mount (or have mounted) on your skis to allow uphill movement. For a detailed review, please read our guide on how to mount ski bindings.
Men’s ski boots or women’s ski boots are also a critical part, and many tech bindings only take tech-compatible boots. Hybrid bindings are a little more forgiving and can accept resort boots. In either scenario, check the compatibility of your boots, bindings and skis before buying a setup that doesn’t fit together well. Climbing skins, which attach to the base of your skis, are another key piece of the puzzle, providing the grip needed for efficient uphill travel on skin tracks.
For more information, visit our article on choosing ski boots.
FAQs
Q: What are touring skis?
A: Touring skis are specialized skis that offer all-mountain capabilities for terrain outside of established resorts.
Q: Can any ski be a touring ski?
A: Theoretically, yes. There is, however, a sweet spot for the best backcountry skis with a width that can handle variable conditions without becoming challenging. Our list represents that range.
Q: Are shorter skis better for touring?
A: It depends on what you're skiing. Shorter skis are better for jumps, tricks, trees and tight areas that demand short turns. Longer, more powerful skis are better suited for medium to wide turns down big mountain faces.
Conclusion
Backcountry skiing is a wonderful experience. It can also feature wildly variable terrain depending on when you go, allowing you to explore mountain vistas. The best backcountry skis in this article reflect the optimal width, powder flotation, edge control, and maneuverability needed to take your craft beyond the resort ropes.
From beginner-friendly models to narrower options, check out our entire curated selection of backcountry and touring skis here.
