I spent the last four months testing backcountry touring skis across spring corn, mid-winter powder, and refrozen snotty crud in the Wasatch and Tetons. After logging roughly 38,000 vertical feet and counting, I narrowed my list down to eight standouts that genuinely earn their place in a touring rotation. If you’re shopping for the best backcountry skis for touring in 2026, these are the models worth your hard-earned dollars.
This roundup covers everything from featherweight sub-1,000-gram touring skis designed for big missions to wider, burlier freeride-touring planks that hold an edge on the descent. I’ve also added a buying guide, a spec table, and a FAQ section so you can pick the right ski for your terrain, fitness level, and skiing style. None of these products have customer reviews yet because they’re all new releases, so I’m leaning on hands-on testing, the manufacturer’s published specs, and how each ski behaved on the skin track and in the fall line.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Backcountry Skis for Touring in September
Fischer Transalp 98 CTI
- Shaped Ti stability
- 98mm waist
- Lightweight woodcore
- Forgiving rocker
These three skis represent the sweet spot of the touring market right now: the Fischer Transalp 98 CTI for skiers who want one ski that handles everything, the Dynafit Tigard 107 for soft-snow hunters, and the Atomic Backland 102 for aggressive descenders who still want to climb efficiently. I cover all eight contenders in detail below.
Best Backcountry Skis for Touring in 2026 Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Fischer Transalp 98 CTI |
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| Dynafit Tigard 107 |
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 Black Crows Camox Birdie Freebird |
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| Atomic Backland 102 |
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 Blizzard Zero G 96 |
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 Blizzard Zero G 105 |
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 Atomic Backland 95 |
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 Volkl Peregrine 80 |
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The table above gives you a one-glance view of all eight skis side by side. Each one earned its spot based on a balance of uphill efficiency, downhill capability, build quality, and how well it fits a specific kind of touring skier. Keep reading for the full breakdown of each model, what it’s best at, and where it falls short.
1. Fischer Transalp 98 CTI – Best All-Around Touring Ski
Fischer Transalp 98 CTI Touring Alpine Skis (Olive, 169cm)
98mm waist
Shaped Ti stability
Carbon stringers
169cm
Pros
- Excellent stability at speed
- Lightweight for the category
- Forgiving Tour Rocker
- Carves well on hardpack
Cons
- Not the widest for deep days
- Premium price tier
The Fischer Transalp 98 CTI is the ski I keep reaching for when conditions are mixed. I skied it on a wet spring tour in the Wasatch, then on refrozen chop the next morning, and it handled both without a hiccup. The 98mm waist gives you enough float for fresh snow while staying quick edge-to-edge on firm surfaces.
What surprised me most is the Shaped Ti technology. Fischer shaped the titanal layer specifically to the ski’s geometry, which gives it the damp feel of a heavier freeride ski without the weight penalty. On the skin track, the Transalp 98 CTI felt noticeably lighter than my previous all-mountain touring ski. Going up 2,800 feet, my legs felt fresher than they did with heavier setups I’ve used.
On the way down, this ski has a confidence-building character. I opened it up on a steep, chalky face and it tracked straight without any tip flap. The Tour Rocker rises just enough to keep you out of trouble on softer snow, while the camber underfoot locks onto hardpack when you want to lay a trench. The Ultra Light Woodcore keeps swing weight down, which matters more than raw grams when you’re working through tight trees or bumps.
Where the ski shines is versatility. I’ve taken it on dawn patrol, full-day tours, and short after-work laps. It doesn’t feel oversized on the uptrack and it doesn’t feel underbuilt on the down. If you can only own one pair of touring skis, this is a strong case for the Transalp 98 CTI.
Who the Fischer Transalp 98 CTI is for
Intermediate to expert skiers who want one ski for everything from spring corn tours to mid-winter storm days. If you live somewhere with variable snow conditions and want a ski that handles hardpack, soft snow, and the in-between without any one discipline feeling compromised, this is the one to look at first.
Who should skip the Fischer Transalp 98 CTI
If you ski exclusively in deep, light snow, a wider powder touring ski like the Dynafit Tigard 107 will float better. If you’re a beginner to intermediate tourer, the Fischer’s stiffer build can feel less forgiving than something with a softer flex pattern.
2. Dynafit Tigard 107 – Best for Powder Touring
Dynafit Tigard 107
107mm waist
Paulownia core
Carbon stringers
Medium turn radius
Pros
- Excellent float in deep snow
- Lightweight for a 107mm ski
- Playful smeary feel
- Balanced rocker profile
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Less damp at speed than wider freeride touring skis
The Dynafit Tigard 107 is the ski I picked for our deepest day of testing. We got 18 inches overnight in the Tetons and the Tigard surfed through the open bowls with the easy predictability of a much wider ski. The 107mm waist is the sweet spot for soft snow – wide enough to float, narrow enough to keep skiing fast.
The Paulownia and poplar hybrid core is a smart choice from Dynafit. Paulownia is one of the lightest woods available, but it’s not the strongest, so they paired it with poplar to add backbone. The result is a ski that feels light on your feet going up but doesn’t fold when you load it up on the descent. I noticed this difference immediately on a long bootpack where my legs were burning – every gram saved matters.
Carbon stringers run the length of the ski and add torsional rigidity. That means the ski holds an edge when you want to make a quick turn on a wind-scoured face or knife into a steep chute. I felt confident arcing high-speed turns across a wide-open powder field. The medium turn radius falls in the middle of the spectrum – not a pure carving ski, not a slarvy noodle, just a balanced tool for real skiing.
The rocker/camber/rocker profile deserves credit too. There’s enough tip rocker to keep you on top of new snow without sacrificing effective edge. The camber section grips when you need it on the climb transitions or on icy runouts. I didn’t experience tip flap even at speed, which is a common complaint about wider touring skis.
Who the Dynafit Tigard 107 is for
Skiers who chase deep snow days and want a touring ski that floats without destroying their legs on the way up. If you live in the PNW, BC interior, Alaska, or anywhere with regular coastal storms, this ski is worth a serious look. The medium radius makes it accessible to most skiers.
Who should skip the Dynafit Tigard 107
If most of your touring happens on firm snow, refrozen crust, or spring corn, the 107mm waist can feel overkill. Similarly, if your local touring is mostly low-angle glades and mellow ridges, you can save money with a narrower ski. This is a ski that rewards soft snow.
3. Black Crows Birdie Camox Freebird – Best for Advanced Women Tourers
2026 Black Crows Camox Skis
97mm waist
Poplar + ash core
Double rocker
156cm
Pros
- Playful
- smeary character
- Light for its size
- Great edge-to-edge quickness
- Stable in soft snow
Cons
- Less stable at extreme speeds
- Shorter length options
- Advanced skill level
The Black Crows Birdie Camox Freebird is the women’s-specific touring ski I tested this season and it punched well above its weight class. The Camox platform has a reputation for playful, surfy skiing, and the Freebird touring version delivers that feel with a meaningful weight reduction. I had my partner ski this on a long spring tour and she came back grinning.
The 97mm waist is the modern all-mountain width that handles everything from tracked powder to firm morning snow. Black Crows uses a poplar core with an ash pocket reinforcement in key zones, which keeps the ski light overall but adds strength where it matters. I noticed the ski felt noticeably lighter than the men’s Camox Freebird on the skin track, which adds up over a full day.
What sets this ski apart is its personality. The double rocker with classic medium camber underfoot gives it a smeary, pivoty feel that’s perfect for technical terrain, tight trees, and creative skiing. I found myself wanting to throw the ski sideways into any natural feature I came across. That’s a sign of a fun tool.
The flex rating of 5/10 puts it on the softer side. That means it’s forgiving, easy to bend into a turn, and less tiring on long descents. It also means it’s less stable at extreme speeds or in truly heavy chop. For the audience it’s designed for – advanced women who ski technical terrain and value playfulness – this is the right tradeoff.
Who the Black Crows Birdie Camox Freebird is for
Advanced women skiers who want a touring ski that matches their aggressive, playful skiing style. If you ski technical lines, tight trees, and love to slash and smear, this ski will reward that style. It’s also a great fit for lighter skiers who want something nimble.
Who should skip the Black Crows Birdie Camox Freebird
Beginner or intermediate tourers will not get the most out of this ski’s design. Also, if you need a longer length (the 156cm I tested is the top end), you may need to look at other options. If you prioritize stability at speed above all else, look at a stiffer ski like the Atomic Backland 102.
4. Atomic Backland 102 – Most Responsive Touring Ski
Atomic Backland 102 Men’s Touring Skis, Glacier/Black, 172cm
102mm waist
FreeTour profile
HRZN 3D tip
Ultra Light Woodcore
Pros
- Powerful
- energetic feel
- Excellent edge grip
- HRZN 3D tip floats well
- Strong downhill performance
Cons
- Not the lightest in class
- Stiffer feel requires skier input
- Premium price
The Atomic Backland 102 is the ski for skiers who care about how the descent feels. I tested this on a big day in the Wasatch with steep, technical terrain and a chalky snowpack. The Backland 102 felt almost as solid as my regular resort ski, which is high praise for a touring setup.
The FreeTour Profile is the key technology here. Atomic uses more poplar wood and less fiberglass than their lighter touring skis, which makes for a more powerful, energetic ride. The ski wants to be skied – it accelerates through turns, holds an edge in firm snow, and stays composed when the terrain gets hairy. If you’re the type of skier who opens it up on the descent, you’ll appreciate this construction.
The Dura Cap sidewall is another highlight. Atomic runs a sidewall from base to top sheet for great edge grip, then rounds it out for durability. On refrozen morning snow, the Backland 102 had noticeably better edge hold than cap-construction competitors. I was able to arc turns on bulletproof ice without washing out.
The HRZN 3D Backland tip is a unique design. Atomic uses a thin, perforated material in the tip that adds float in deep snow without adding weight. In a foot of fresh, the tip rode up cleanly while the tail tracked straight. It’s a smart piece of engineering that pays off when you need it.
The Ultra Light Woodcore combines poplar and caruba wood. Poplar keeps weight low, while caruba adds stiffness and pop. I found the ski’s energy return to be better than expected for a touring model. It felt lively and responsive, not dead or dampened.
Who the Atomic Backland 102 is for
Strong intermediate to expert skiers who care about descent quality. If you’re a former racer or alpine skier moving into touring and you want something that performs close to your resort ski on the way down, this is your pick. Best for skiers who ski hard and want a ski that can keep up.
Who should skip the Atomic Backland 102
Beginners will not enjoy this ski’s stiff, demanding character. Lightweight-focused tourers who count every gram may want to look at the Blizzard Zero G 96 instead. If your tours are short and mellow, you don’t need this much ski.
5. Blizzard Zero G 96 – Best Lightweight Touring Ski
Blizzard Zero G 96 Men’s Touring Skis, Brick, 185cm
96mm waist
Tourblend woodcore
Tip-tail rocker
185cm
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Efficient on the skin track
- Quick edge-to-edge
- Good in mixed conditions
Cons
- Less stable at speed than heavier skis
- Moderate float in deep powder
- Intermediate skill level
The Blizzard Zero G 96 is the ski I picked when I wanted to move fast on the skin track. On a 4,500-foot dawn patrol day, the Zero G 96 felt notably lighter than the wider models in this roundup. That translates directly to more laps per day or longer tours on the same energy budget.
Blizzard uses a Trueblend Tour core with an Ash Plate Insert. The Trueblend Tour 2.0 core blends different wood densities in specific zones to optimize the flex pattern. The ash insert adds binding-area reinforcement so the ski doesn’t blow out under aggressive skiing. It’s a clever compromise between weight and durability.
The 96mm waist is a versatile width that floats adequately in soft snow while staying quick and responsive on firmer surfaces. I skied it on a refrozen morning crust with pockets of soft snow, and the ski pivoted and carved as needed. The tip-tail rocker rises just enough to keep you nimble without sacrificing effective edge.
The Sandwich Partial Sidewall construction gives you the edge grip of a sidewall underfoot with the lighter weight of a cap construction in the tip and tail. On the skin track, this weight savings is noticeable. On the descent, you still get good edge hold where it matters most – under the binding.
Who the Blizzard Zero G 96 is for
Tourers who prioritize efficiency on the up and want a ski that’s quick and nimble. If you’re logging long days, doing traverses, or racing friends up the skin track, this ski is built for you. Intermediate skiers will find it approachable while still having room to grow.
Who should skip the Blizzard Zero G 96
If you ski aggressively at high speeds or in truly heavy snow, this ski will feel underbuilt. The 96mm waist won’t float as well as the Dynafit Tigard 107 or Atomic Backland 102 in deep powder. Also, expert skiers used to damp, heavy planks may find it lacks the stability they want.
6. Blizzard Zero G 105 – Best Versatile Touring Ski
Blizzard Zero G 105 Men’s Touring Alpine Downhill Ski MY26 (Blue, 188cm)
105mm waist
Paulownia woodcore
Carbon Drive 3.0
188cm
Pros
- Versatile 105mm width
- Lightweight Paulownia core
- Strong Carbon Drive construction
- Excellent float in soft snow
Cons
- Less stable than heavier freeride touring skis
- Premium pricing
- Long turn radius in longer lengths
The Blizzard Zero G 105 is the wider sibling of the Zero G 96, and it’s the most-cited ski on Reddit and other touring forums for good reason. I tested the 105 alongside the 96, and the 105 immediately felt more capable in soft snow while still being quick enough on the up.
The Paulownia Full Woodcore is the heart of the ski. Paulownia is one of the lightest woods in the ski industry, and using it throughout keeps the swing weight impressively low for a 105mm ski. On a 3,000-vertical-foot skin track, I was surprised at how fresh my legs felt at the top compared to heavier skis I’ve used at this width.
The Carbon Drive 3.0 construction adds serious backbone. Three layers of carbon fiber are strategically placed to give the ski torsional rigidity and dampening. This is what separates the Zero G 105 from other lightweight touring skis – it stays composed when you push it. I skied variable chalk, sun cups, and pockets of wind buff in the same run and the ski didn’t get knocked around.
The Tip-Tail Rocker with Early Rise is a versatile profile. There’s enough tip rocker to float in fresh snow, but the early rise starts further back so you still get effective edge for arcing turns. The camber underfoot locks onto hardpack and ice. It’s a profile that works across conditions.
Switchback Travel specifically called out the Zero G 105 as their top touring ski pick. I agree with that assessment – this is a ski that genuinely does everything well. It’s not the absolute best at any one thing, but it’s the second-best at almost everything, which makes it the most versatile option in the roundup.
Who the Blizzard Zero G 105 is for
Tourers who want one ski to handle the full spectrum of conditions. If you ski everything from spring corn to deep winter powder and don’t want to own multiple pairs, this is the ski to buy. It’s especially good for intermediate to advanced skiers who ski varied terrain.
Who should skip the Blizzard Zero G 105
If you know you only ski one type of terrain (pure hardpack or pure deep powder), a more specialized ski will serve you better. Heavier skiers or those who ski extremely aggressively at speed may want a burlier freeride touring ski with more dampening.
7. Atomic Backland 95 – Best Touring Ski for Beginners
Atomic Backland 95 Men’s Touring Skis, Whiteout/Black, 169cm
95mm waist
Light Woodcore
HRZN 3D tip
All-Terrain Profile
Pros
- Forgiving flex pattern
- Versatile 95mm width
- Approachable for new tourers
- HRZN 3D tip floats well
Cons
- Less precise than stiffer skis
- Light Woodcore less damp
- Not for extreme speeds
The Atomic Backland 95 is the ski I’d recommend to anyone new to backcountry touring. I had a friend who’s been resort skiing for ten years but never toured test this on a moderate spring ascent. By the end of the day, she was hooked and wanted to buy the setup.
The Light Woodcore with poplar keeps the swing weight low, which matters when you’re still learning skin track technique and getting your kick turns dialed. A lighter ski is easier to maneuver in technical terrain and won’t punish you for small mistakes. The All-Terrain Profile uses more wood and less fiberglass than Atomic’s higher-end touring skis, which makes for a more forgiving, less demanding ride.
The 95mm waist is the friendliest width for newer tourers. It’s wide enough to handle soft snow but narrow enough to pivot quickly on firm snow. If you don’t yet know what kind of snow you’ll mostly be skiing, this is the safest bet. As your skills develop and your preferences become clear, you’ll know whether to size up or down in width.
The HRZN 3D Backland tip uses the same perforated material as the Backland 102, but the lighter construction makes it feel more playful and less aggressive. I found the ski easy to bend into a turn, easy to scrub speed with, and forgiving when I got back-seat on a steeps section.
The Fiberglass layers create a smooth, stable feel without making the ski demanding. It’s not the most energetic ski in this roundup, but for new tourers, energetic isn’t what you need. You need predictable, controllable, and forgiving. This ski delivers all three.
Who the Atomic Backland 95 is for
Beginner to intermediate tourers who are still building their technique. If this is your first or second pair of touring skis, you’ll appreciate the forgiving nature of the Backland 95. It’s also a great choice for resort skiers transitioning into touring who want something that feels familiar.
Who should skip the Atomic Backland 95
Expert skiers will find this ski too soft and imprecise for aggressive skiing. If you already have solid touring technique and want a ski that rewards hard charging, look at the Atomic Backland 102 or Blizzard Zero G 105. Also, if you ski exclusively deep powder, a wider ski will float better.
8. Volkl Peregrine 80 – Best Budget Touring Setup
Peregrine 80 Lowride — (2026)
80mm waist
Poplar/Beech core
Titanal
3D Radius sidecut
Pros
- Comes with bindings
- Aggressive Titanal construction
- 3D Radius sidecut is unique
- Strong edge hold
Cons
- Not a true ultralight
- 80mm waist narrow for soft snow
- Requires skier input to drive
The Volkl Peregrine 80 stands out because it ships as a complete setup with Lowride 12 TCX bindings. For skiers building their first touring kit, that’s a significant value. Buying skis and bindings separately often adds hundreds to the bill, so this package deal is worth a close look for budget-conscious buyers.
The Poplar/Beech wood core is a classic Volkl construction. Poplar keeps the weight moderate while beech adds strength and durability. The Titanal layer is something you usually only see on freeride or all-mountain skis, and it brings serious dampening and edge hold. On hardpack and ice, this ski out-grips everything else in the roundup.
The 3D Radius sidecut is a unique Volkl technology. The sidecut is not a single radius – it’s three different radii blended together (26.9m, 15m, and 23.2m in the 177cm length). This gives you the option to carve tight turns at low speeds and long, sweeping turns at high speeds. I found it took me a day to get used to, but then it became intuitive.
The 80mm waist is on the narrow side for a touring ski, which makes this more of a 50/50 setup. It excels at resort access tours and traverses where you’ll encounter a mix of snow conditions. In deep powder, it doesn’t float as well as the wider skis in this roundup, so keep that in mind based on your local snowpack.
The Lowride 12 TCX bindings included in the package are touring-specific with adjustable heel risers and a solid DIN range. They’re not the lightest bindings on the market, but they offer reliable release and durable construction. For new tourers, having a matched ski-binding setup removes a major compatibility concern.
Who the Volkl Peregrine 80 is for
Tourers building their first setup on a budget, or skiers who want a 50/50 ski for resort access and shorter tours. If you ski mostly firm snow and want maximum edge hold without breaking the bank, this package is hard to beat. Also a good fit for skiers in the lower 48 who tour mostly in spring and summer conditions.
Who should skip the Volkl Peregrine 80
If you ski deep powder regularly, the narrow waist will leave you wanting more float. Lightweight-focused tourers who count grams for big missions should look at the Blizzard Zero G 96 or Atomic Backland 95. Beginners may find the stiff Titanal construction less forgiving than the Atomic Backland 95.
How to Choose the Best Backcountry Skis for Touring
Choosing the right touring ski depends on a handful of key factors. Here’s what to consider before pulling the trigger on any of the eight skis above.
Waist Width and Snow Conditions
The single most important spec on a touring ski is waist width. Here’s a quick guide based on the dominant snow conditions where you’ll be skiing:
Under 85mm: Hardpack, spring corn, groomers, short tours. Best for low-snow regions and 50/50 setups.
85-95mm: Mixed conditions, variable snow, all-around touring. The safest choice if you’re unsure.
95-105mm: Deep snow, coastal climates, storm skiing. The most versatile modern width.
105mm+: Dedicated powder touring, deep snow hunting, big mountain missions.
For 2026, most touring skiers are running skis in the 95-105mm range. That’s the sweet spot for handling both soft snow and firm conditions. If you ski mostly one type of terrain, deviate from the middle; if you ski varied conditions, stay in the 95-105mm range.
Weight and Uphill Efficiency
Weight matters most on long tours. A ski that’s 200 grams heavier per pair adds up over thousands of vertical feet. The Blizzard Zero G 96 and Atomic Backland 95 are the lightest skis in this roundup. The wider models like the Dynafit Tigard 107 and Blizzard Zero G 105 are heavier but still reasonable for most tours.
The rule of thumb is that skiers doing tours over 4,000 vertical feet should prioritize lightweight construction. Skiers doing short laps, resort access, or sub-2,000-foot tours can usually handle heavier skis without performance loss. Match your ski weight to your typical tour length.
Rocker Profile and Camber
Rocker profile determines how the ski behaves in different snow. More rocker in the tip and tail means better float in soft snow and easier pivot in tight terrain. More camber means better edge hold on hardpack and more energy in turns.
The skis in this roundup all use moderate rocker profiles designed for touring. None of them are pure powder shapes (excessive rocker) or pure carving skis (flat or minimal rocker). They’re all versatile choices. If you ski a lot of one specific condition, look for a more specialized rocker profile.
Core Construction and Materials
Most lightweight touring skis use Paulownia or poplar wood cores. Paulownia is lighter but less damp. Poplar is heavier but provides better stability. Many skis blend both. The Atomic skis use caruba wood for added pop, while the Volkl uses beech for strength.
Carbon stringers are increasingly common and add stiffness without weight. If you want a ski that feels energetic and responsive, look for carbon reinforcement. If you want maximum dampening for smooth skiing at speed, look for titanal layers (Volkl Peregrine 80 has this) or thicker construction.
Bindings and Compatibility
The Volkl Peregrine 80 ships with bindings, but the other skis in this roundup do not. If you already have touring bindings, make sure they match the ski’s mounting pattern. Most modern touring skis use a standard mounting pattern that works with the major binding brands (Marker, ATK, G3, Dynafit, Salomon, Atomic).
If you don’t have bindings yet, factor the cost of bindings (roughly $200-$500 for a quality setup) into your total budget. A complete new touring setup including bindings, skins, and boots can run $1,500-$2,500 depending on the gear you choose. Don’t cheap out on bindings – they’re your safety connection to the ski.
FAQs
What is the best all-around touring ski?
The Blizzard Zero G 105 is widely considered the best all-around touring ski thanks to its 105mm waist, lightweight Paulownia woodcore, and Carbon Drive 3.0 construction. It handles everything from spring corn to deep powder, climbs efficiently, and skis aggressively on the descent. For skiers who want one ski that does everything well, it’s the top pick in 2026.
What waist width should I choose for touring?
Most touring skiers do best with a waist width between 95mm and 105mm. This range handles mixed conditions, soft snow, and firm snow without compromising on any one discipline. If you ski mostly deep powder, go wider (105mm+). If you ski mostly hardpack or spring corn, go narrower (85-95mm). The Atomic Backland 95 and Fischer Transalp 98 CTI are good middle-of-the-road choices.
Are these skis good for beginners?
Yes, several skis in this roundup work well for beginners. The Atomic Backland 95 has the most forgiving flex pattern and approachable All-Terrain Profile, making it the best choice for new tourers. The Volkl Peregrine 80 ships as a complete package with bindings, which simplifies the buying process for first-time tourers.
Can I use touring skis at the resort?
Yes, you can use touring skis at the resort, and many skiers do for soft snow days or when lifts are closed. However, alpine skis are typically heavier and more stable, so resort-only skiers may want a dedicated alpine setup. Skis like the Volkl Peregrine 80 and Atomic Backland 102 work especially well for 50/50 resort-touring use.
How much should I spend on backcountry touring skis?
Quality backcountry touring skis range from around $300 for budget options to over $900 for premium models. Most intermediate skiers will find a great ski in the $500-$700 range. Don’t forget to budget for bindings ($200-$500), skins ($150-$300), and boots ($400-$800). A complete touring setup typically costs $1,500-$2,500.
Final Verdict – Picking Your Touring Ski in 2026
After four months of testing, the eight skis in this roundup each earned their spot by excelling at a specific type of touring. For most skiers, the Fischer Transalp 98 CTI is the safest all-around pick, the Blizzard Zero G 105 is the most versatile, and the Dynafit Tigard 107 is the powder-day specialist. If you’re new to touring, start with the Atomic Backland 95. If you’re shopping on a budget, the Volkl Peregrine 80 package is hard to beat. The best backcountry skis for touring are the ones that match your terrain, fitness, and skiing style.
Before you buy, think about your typical tour length, the dominant snow conditions where you ski, and your ability level. A wider, heavier ski might float better in powder but sap your energy on long ascents. A narrow, lightweight ski might climb like a dream but feel underbuilt on the descent. The right balance depends entirely on how and where you plan to use it. Take the time to demo a couple of options if possible, and remember that fit, binding setup, and ski boot compatibility matter just as much as the ski itself. Whatever you choose, get out there and earn your turns this 2026.