Atomic Backland 98 W

Weighing in at 1120g per ski with a solid all-round 98mm underfoot, the new Atomic Backland 98 W offers the solution to that eternal backcountry quest – aka a ski that goes up as well as it descends.

With lightweight performance and genuine skiability at a cracking price, it has all the cred we look for in a do-it-all touring partner.

The combination of the ultralight wood core, carbon backbone and powder rocker offer a rig that climbs easily and responds swiftly and powerfully to the full spectrum of conditions when it’s time to descend. The 98mm platform inspires confidence in all but the steepest and iciest terrain and the powder rocker facilitates float in the fresh and charge over the chop. The topsheet may be a bit wishy-washy, but that apart the Backland 98 W is pretty flippin’ awesome.

We skied the Backland 98 W in fresh powder, crust and windblown snow and found it to be extremely capable, reassuring and heaps of fun. It’s more than light enough for the up and planted yet surfy on the descent. Super responsive with a 14.6m radius in the 164cm length we tested, it’s quick into the turn so you can negotiate variable snow at ease.

Brand:

Atomic

Model:

Atomic Backland 98 W

RRP:

£500

Width:

98mm

Lengths

156, 164, 172

Radius

14.6m @ 164

Dimensions

127.5-98-118

Weight per ski

1120g @ 164