Touring backcountry skis
Product 2025
Woman, Man
UL for Ultra Light. From the moment you pronounce the name Atomic Backland 86 UL, it’s clear that the designers focused on minimizing weight. It’s a joy on the ascent, where it almost feels weightless. On the descent, its lightness allows for ultra-easy and effortless pivots. Of course, it’s important not to compare it to heavier skis with more substantial skiing capabilities due to their structure.
Its pure skiing performance is somewhat lower, but with 86mm underfoot, the Atomic Backland 86 UL does quite well, as long as you keep things reasonable: moderate speed, and not too aggressive on the edges.
Flat pivots are instinctive; as soon as the turn is initiated, the Atomic Backland 86 UL is already on the other side. On moderate slopes, you can engage the edge, even on hard snow. The ski is well-balanced, the tip doesn’t surprise, and the transition is smooth. The ski responds fairly quickly to the skier’s impulses. All flat transitions are very good. Drifting control has its limits on steep slopes and hard snow, where stability needs to be managed when shifting weight.
At sustained speeds on tricky, variable terrain with old snow, the Atomic Backland 86 UL does the job, but its overall stability starts to degrade. You should avoid loading the front too much and being too aggressive.
Tip notch for skins. It’s a pity the edges don’t extend a bit higher to protect the extremely light tip. Very good glide.
Ideal for the skier who wants a lightweight, all-around touring ski. Skiability is in line with its light weight. Don’t go too short.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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