The 19 Lightest Backcountry Skis for Men

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Photo by Jake Burchmore, a skier transitions from skins to downhill on one of the lightest backcountry skis

Save weight, get more laps.

Looking for lightweight backcountry skis? You already understand the value of shedding grams. The lightest alpine touring skis dance up the skin track and save your legs for the descent. Some optimize downhill performance more than others, so it's important to figure out where the skis you want to fall on the weight-skiability spectrum. To help you in your search, these are the lightest backcountry skis, ordered by weight per square centimeter.

By what, you ask? We rank these skis using this metric because it compares skis from different brands independent of length and width. A straight-shooting list of skis ranked by scale weight in grams is useful, but it skews the data toward narrower and shorter models. Yes, we are proud to be ski nerds.

Looking for a new pair of lightweight backcountry skis for the ladies? Click here for our list of the lightest backcountry skis for women.

The Lightest Backcountry Skis: Our Picks

1. Head Crux 99 Pro $849.00

Dimensions: 117/99/132
Weight per square cm: 0.126 grams
Weight: 2472 grams @177cm
The basics: An adventure touring ski, the Crux 99 Pro offers advanced to expert backcountry enthusiasts a versatile companion. LYT Tech offers lightweight maneuverability for the hike up with built-in stability and downhill performance for the ski down. The 99mm waist adds versatility in a variety of snow conditions. HEAD further reduces weight and excess material without sacrificing performance by ... learn more

2. Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95 $799.99

Dimensions: 125/95/114
Weight per square cm: 0.144 grams
Weight: 2740 grams @176cm
The basics: The Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95 is the ultimate, versatile, do-it-all touring ski for all the different conditions you might stumble upon in the backcountry. A pre-preg carbon layup feels wicked light on your feet, while simultaneously dampening and smoothing out your descent. Full ABS sidewalls (over the commonly capped sidewalls found with touring sticks) also do wonders for dampening ... learn more

3. Atomic Backland 102 $649.99

Dimensions: 129/102/120
Weight per square cm: 0.139 grams
Weight: 2824 grams @179cm
The basics: For backcountry travelers looking for something versatile to manage the wide range of snow conditions you can find out there, the Atomic Backland 102 should be at the top of your list. "Backland" is a longstanding name in Atomic's lineup. The ski has gone from resort freeride focused, to offering skinny, ultralight skimo models. But the goal remains the same: to give you the tools to escape ... learn more

4. Rossignol Sender Soul 92 $499.95

Dimensions: 122/92/112
Weight per square cm: 0.159 grams
Weight: 2944 grams @176cm
The basics: The new Sender Soul 92 is the ski of choice for anyone who would like to enjoy the sensation of freeride without compromizing the resort experience. Thanks to it's sidewall construction the ski will deliver the right level of grip and performance. It's AirTip will increase the floatation. The 92 underfoot combines with tip & tail rocker is the perfect combo for all mountain freeride ... learn more

5. Dynafit Radical 97 $599.96

Dimensions: 124/96/114
Weight per square cm: 0.164 grams
Weight: 3130 grams @177cm
The basics: The new Radical line offers everything that descent-oriented ski touring hearts desire. 100% poplar wood core combined with our DYNAFIT Carbon Speed stringers that allow a fast setback of the ski, modern new sidecut, a very balanced flex, and a newly developed tip and tail rocker. Radical 97 – for energy-saving climbs and strong downhill performance. ... learn more

6. Elan Ripstick 88 $509.99

Dimensions: 127/88/106
Weight per square cm: 0.167 grams
Weight: 3144 grams @182cm
The basics: If a quick, versatile, frontside performer is on your mind this season, but you don't want too much heft or weight, there's no better option than the updated Elan Ripstick 88. We've long loved the Ripstick 88 for how agile it is�the Amphibio profile and lighter construction allow this ski to ride much more nimble than you'd expect. Compared to many other 88mm skis on the market that are ... learn more

7. Liberty Scope 94 $549.99

Dimensions: 130/94/119
Weight per square cm: 0.162 grams
Weight: 3202 grams @180cm
The basics: On a mission to make all-mountain skiing intuitive and a good time, Liberty launches their all-new Scope series. The Liberty Scope 94 sits in the middle of their lineup, with a nimble and versatile waist width and sidecut for all-mountain skiing. We love this size for skiing all terrain in the West, especially if you spend a balanced amount of time on groomed trails and off-piste terrain. ... learn more

8. Faction La Machine Mega $779.99

Dimensions: 132/109/124
Weight per square cm: 0.147 grams
Weight: 3220 grams @184cm
The basics: After the original Faction La Machine was released in 2020, the cult status surrounding it inspired Faction to release an entire lineup of La Machines to fit all the snow conditions you could possibly find yourself in. As much as we'd like to ski face deep pow all the time, The La Machine Mega, at 109mm underfoot is certainly a little more manageable day-to-day than its much wider sibling. A ... learn more

9. Dynastar E Cross 88 $409.99

Dimensions: 134/87/116
Weight per square cm: 0.188 grams
Weight: 3360 grams @167cm
The basics: Here to make all-mountain carving feel like how it should (i.e. fun), the all-new Dynastar E-Cross 88 is about as versatile as they come. Featuring Dynastar's revamped Hybrid Core (which consistently supports some of our favorite skis), the Dynastar E-Cross 88 blends a damp and supportive ride for all-mountain conditions, without being punishing to ski. The Hybrid Core 2.0 makes variable ... learn more

10. Armada ARV 116 JJ UL $539.99

Dimensions: 139/116/135
Weight per square cm: 0.152 grams
Weight: 3360 grams @175cm
The basics: Bringing light to new heights, the ARV JJ UL floats like a butterfly and cuts like a butter knife for a definitive BC freestyle experience. The JJ UL is 25% lighter than the original JJ. With less weight through the tip and tail, the JJ UL utilizes our lightest Caruba Wood core to create a uniquely lightweight and smooth ride when the going gets deep. Powder hounds, this ski will move fast ... learn more

11. Stockli Stormrider 88 $879.99

Dimensions: 128/88/114
Weight per square cm: 0.187 grams
Weight: 3440 grams @175cm
The basics: The Swiss-made Stockli Stormrider 88 is one of the best all-mountain skis in the world. When we say that, we know different people hold strong opinions on what makes a ski a good “all-mountain” option. That phrase is one of the buzziest terms in the industry! Case in point: While plenty of frontside skiers say 88mm is too wide for an “all-mountain” ski, a slew of other skiers say it’s barely ... learn more

12. Kastle ZX92 $479.99

Dimensions: 127/92/114
Weight per square cm: 0.184 grams
Weight: 3460 grams @176cm
The basics: Turns out, these playful softer skis are pretty fun in narrower models, too. This year, Kastle expands their most playful ski construction to a skinnier option, with the Kastle ZX92. Our staff has loved the ZX for years for its quick ride and agility. That strength gets doubled down in this narrower waist width. Perfect for early-season groomer laps and zippering bump lines, the ZX92 is ... learn more

13. K2 Mindbender 90C $369.99

Dimensions: 132/90/117
Weight per square cm: 0.183 grams
Weight: 3526 grams @178cm
The basics: You could say the K2 Mindbender 90C was here first, and you'd be right. For 2024 K2 revamped and expanded their carbon-based Mindbenders to include some new models between the 90C and 116C, but the 90C gets the upgrades too. An unlikely favorite for many, the Mindbender 90C provides frontside skiers a nimble and lively option for daily trips to the slopes. Many skis in this waist class are ... learn more

14. Icelantic Pioneer 96 $639.95

Dimensions: 131/96/118
Weight per square cm: 0.175 grams
Weight: 3532 grams @182cm
The basics: The Icelantic Pioneer 96 returns for another season, and we don't have any complaints about that. The Pioneer series features bamboo wood with intricate line work that presents ominous (or inviting, if you are crazy) Rocky Mountain peaks. A true one-ski quiver, the Pioneer can handle everything the mountain throws at you from ice to powder and all the stuff in between. Unlike the freeride ... learn more

15. ZAG Slap 92 $399.99

Dimensions: 128/92/114
Weight per square cm: 0.186 grams
Weight: 3540 grams @178cm
The basics: A particularly effective and playful SLAP on the track! The SLAP 92 is even more incisive on the track than its big brother the SLAP 98. The new SLAP is very easy to turn and is a real toy very easy to handle. Its relatively generous tip and tail ribs also allow the SLAP 92 to go off the beaten track when conditions permit. An ultra-playful ski that is aimed at all ski lovers in the ... learn more

16. Black Crows Serpo $459.99

Dimensions: 125/93/111
Weight per square cm: 0.186 grams
Weight: 3554 grams @180cm
The basics: The Black Crows Serpo returns for another year of being a sleeper favorite from our staff and customers. All available evidence seems to confirm that Black Crows can only make fun skis. Everything they dream up is somehow playful, lively, and just a really good time on snow. And that's even true when they add metal to their traditional wood core. Instead of feeling burly or unwieldy, the ... learn more

17. Fischer Ranger 96 $519.99

Dimensions: 130/98/121
Weight per square cm: 0.183 grams
Weight: 3554 grams @173cm
The basics: The new Fischer Ranger 96 was designed to help us ski more. More terrain, more snow, and to just get more out of our days. The Ranger 96 is a strong, true all-mountain ski that can rip the frontside alongside carving skis, with a little more versatility to dip into different terrain. A wider platform helps you stay stable and get on top of some softer stuff, while still feeling quick and ... learn more

18. Salomon QST X $699.95

Dimensions: 140/116/127
Weight per square cm: 0.160 grams
Weight: 3570 grams @178cm
The basics: Entering a new era of powder performance, Salomon adds a powder-hunting, soft-snow-specific ski to their ever-popular QST series: the Salomon QST X. The all-new Salomon QST X is a wide, soft flexing, and deeply rockered pow ski. For you, that means endless float and maneuverability in the deepest of snow. The soft flex encourages butters and presses and an effortlessly drifty ride. In ... learn more

19. Blizzard Rustler 9 $409.99

Dimensions: 134/98/123
Weight per square cm: 0.180 grams
Weight: 3680 grams @180cm
The basics: Sometimes at the shop, we find skis coming up again and again as recommendations to customers. The Blizzard Rustler 9 is one of those go-to recommendations as a high-performing all-mountain ski. At 94mm underfoot, it slots in as the narrowest Rustler and the one most tuned for frontside skiing. Bumps, groomers, skier cross, you name it. With smooth suspension, tapered tips, and freeride ... learn more

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The 19 Lightest Backcountry Skis for Men

Save weight, get more laps.

The Lightest Backcountry Skis: Our Picks

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