It sounds crazy. Hiking uphill for a few hours to take one run that lasts all of 10 minutes. “Forget that,” bystanders say. “I’ll stick to the chairlift.”
We understand the sentiment. But many of us here at Powder7 subscribe to this crazy-talk—and the backcountry skiing lifestyle. Why? There’s just something addictive about earning your turns.
The peaceful aesthetic of a freshly painted skintrack. The sense of adventure. The full-body tired and satisfaction as you sip a post-tour IPA. There’s a lot to like, without even talking about untracked powder. Ready to ski uphill? Time for some gear talk:
And the best backcountry skis of 2019 are…
Pow7’s Top Picks
Black Crows Camox Freebird. Why we love it: The 2019 Camox Freebird is stiffer and lighter than previous models, and it may just be the most versatile backcountry ski on the market. That doesn’t mean it’s the lightest—it means the Camox Freebird perfects the performance-to-weight balance. Who it’s for: Sizes range from 160 cm to 188 cm, so the Camox Freebird fits women and men who balance casual powder missions with big-mountain objectives.
Moment Deathwish Tour. Why we love it: The Deathwish is Moment’s best-selling ski and Powder7’s favorite. So a lighter, slimmer alpine touring version that retains the fun properties of its OG version is a no-brainer. Who it’s for: Backcountry skiers who are in it for The Down. The Deathwish Tour won’t be confused for a dainty ski-mountaineering ski—in fact, it would find that offensive.
Atomic Backland 95. Why we love it: Atomic moved slowly to go all-out on a touring ski. Why? They wouldn’t make a ski that expended skiability as it shed weight. That’s why previous Backlands have felt more like lightweight resort skis than real backcountry skis. For 2019, times have changed—and the new Backland is the real deal. Who it’s for: Skiers transitioning into backcountry skiing who know how to commit.
DPS Zelda 106 Tour1. Why we love it: DPS’ Tour1 skis offer big rewards when you decide to earn your turns. Few, if any, backcountry skis are this turny and surfy when you find powder bounty. Who it’s for: The Tour1 Zelda inspires confidence for ladies new to skiing and/or the backcountry—on the ascent and the descent. For experts, it’s dreamy in soft snow.
We also love…
Best Backcountry Ski Bindings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOMUNSCA9qU
Pow7’s Top Picks
Salomon Shift MNC 13. Why we love it: At this point, praising the Shift feels pretty unoriginal. And it’s only October! That speaks to the game-changing nature of the first-ever tech touring binding with full-on alpine binding performance. Who it’s for: Everyone from ski touring never-evers to Salomon’s pro team—it all depends on how you want to use it. Read our full review.
Dynafit ST Rotation 10. Why we love it: For all intents and purposes, the TLT Radical ST 2.0 was our benchmark touring binding for the last couple years. No frills, just lightweight game. The new Rotation ditches the one legitimate glitch with the ST 2.0, a toepiece that rotated when you tried to step in. Who it’s for: Yes, if you want to tour for real, you’ll want a tech touring binding. Dynafit’s the gold-standard.
We also love…
Best Backcountry Ski Boots
Pow7’s Top Picks
Tecnica Cochise 120. Why we love it: It’s still the go-to boot for Powder7’s founder, Jordan. It’s the emblem of ski boot versatility. Any binding, anywhere, anytime. Who it’s for: Skiers who aren’t looking for a super-light alpine touring option and want one boot to do everything. Women’s version: Tecnica Cochise 105 W
Dalbello Lupo AX 120. Why we love it: It fits a wide range of skiers, and it’s easy to customize. What more could a bootfitter want? The Lupo is probably the only boot you need. Period. Who it’s for: Skiers who travel love the Lupo. Primo alpine performance in a legitimate touring boot. Remove the tongue for extra cuff rotation. Women’s version: Dalbello Lupo AX 110 W
Lange XT FT 130. Why we love it: When it fits you, you go head over heels. As in, you love it. Who it’s for: The battle-tested expert skier who wants to get into the backcountry—and still have one boot to do it all.
We also love…
Best Backcountry Ski Gear
BCA Tracker3 Beacon. Why we love it: Sleek and slim, the Tracker3 checks all the boxes for functional, proven avalanche beacon technology. Who it’s for: Anyone who enters uncontrolled avalanche terrain, from resort sidecountry to remote backcountry lines.
Salomon QST 30 Backpack. Why we love it: The QST 30 pack is loaded with the right features in a simple design, from the helmet storage to the diagonal and A-frame ski carries. Thirty liters is the right capacity for short or all-day excursions.
Pomoca Climb Pro S Glide Climbing Skins. Why we love them: Pomoca is time-tested and approved by true backcountry aficionados. The mohair/nylon mix optimizes glide and grip. Who they’re for: Backcountry skiers who know how good it feels to have some glide on long approaches.
The best gear in the world doesn’t replace avalanche safety education. Nothing you’ll find on the Powder7 Blog does. Here are some next-step tips.
