Freeride backcountry skis
Woman, Man
The Atomic Backland 95 is a ski that is difficult to fault in all the conditions it is designed for: freerando, combining skiability with a lightweight design for its length and width.
Depending on one’s physical condition and fitness, it is conceivable to tackle up to 1000 meters of elevation with the guarantee of true skiability. The Atomic Backland 95 may not necessarily be aimed at newcomers to ski touring; one should already possess a certain level of technical skill, although it is not exclusive. Testers have described it as facilitating. Even when skied in a larger size, the Atomic Backland 95 retains its qualities and does not require pulling out heavy artillery.
This ski is remarkable, offering an excellent compromise between the ability to navigate in deep snow and challenging terrains where it is forgiving, allowing for smooth transitions. The Atomic Backland 95 is also comfortable on more compact, harder terrains requiring grip: in this configuration, the grip is exceptional. A true pleasure! Whether in phases of drifted turns, with more or less angle, or in carving turns, you have remarkable security and grip.
The medium radius of 18 meters allows for playing with all turn sizes. Certainly, after laying the Atomic Backland 95 flat (which it does very well), pressing the tip a bit to accentuate the entry into the turn yields a responsive and angled result. It’s a bit more delicate to open up the turn than to tighten it, considering that 18 meters is already a bit substantial.
The flex is well-designed with no stiff points: it provides fluidity. It encourages the skier to stay in the center, in the operational center of the ski, to get all the responses it offers.
The design is somewhat commonplace, with undulations reminiscent of contour lines on the back, already present on many models and brands, and not particularly appealing.
It would have been desirable for the edge to rise a bit more on the edges of the tip to avoid contact with rocks.
The Atomic Backland 95 is, of course, capable of executing less elaborate, even simple, turns through pivoting; it works well even with feet close together (old-school stance). It is accessible, but if a more technical, powerful skier decides to push it for performance, it will respond.
The Atomic Backland 95 satisfies many skiers. The tip remains stable. We were impressed by its lightweight, shape, the convenient notch for skins, the justified 18-meter radius, its climbing abilities within the norm for this width underfoot, and its clear skiability, which led us to award it the FIRST Test4outside.com award.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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