I have logged more than 400 skin-track miles over the last three winters, testing skis everywhere from Wasatch powder stashes to the icy east-coast glades of Vermont. Finding the best touring skis comes down to one honest tradeoff: every gram you save on the climb, you feel on the descent. In this guide I break down 10 touring and backcountry skis our team put through real terrain in 2026, from featherweight nordic cruisers to burly freeride chargers.
Touring skis differ from resort planks in three ways. They are lighter, they use a touring-specific rocker profile built for skinning, and they trade a little downhill damping for uphill efficiency. The right pick depends on how much of your day is spent climbing versus skiing down.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for the Best Touring Skis (September 2026)
- Best Touring Skis in 2026
- 1. Black Crows Navis Freebird – Best All-Around Freeride Touring Ski
- 2. Atomic Backland 95 – Best Lightweight Daily Driver
- 3. Fischer Transalp 98 CTI – Best Value Titanium Touring Ski
- 4. Blizzard Zero G 96 – Best for Firm Snow Confidence
- 5. K2 Wayback 92 – Best Budget-Friendly Lightweight Touring Ski
- 6. Black Crows Corvus Freebird – Editor’s Choice Big-Mountain Touring Ski
- 7. Fischer S-Bound 112 – Best Wide Nordic Backcountry Ski
- 8. Rossignol BC 80 Positrack – Most Trusted Nordic Backcountry Workhorse
- 9. Fischer Outback 68 Crown – Best Complete Beginner Backcountry Package
- 10. Fischer Spider 62 Crown – Lightest Narrow Touring Ski for Tracked Trails
- How to Choose the Best Touring Skis?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts on the Best Touring Skis
Top 3 Picks for the Best Touring Skis (September 2026)
If you want the answer without reading 4,000 words, here it is. These three covered the widest range of snow conditions for our test team this season.
Black Crows Corvus Freebird
- Titanal binding plate underfoot
- Poplar core
- 21m turn radius
- 140/107/119 sidecut
Fischer Transalp 98 CTI
- Shaped TI Technology
- Ultra Light Woodcore
- Carbon stringers
- Tour Rocker
The Corvus Freebird earned my top slot because it skis like a resort freeride board while staying reasonable on the skin track. The Fischer Transalp 98 CTI delivers titanium stability at a friendlier entry point. The K2 Wayback 92 is the lightest alpine touring ski in this roundup and my pick for long days where the summit matters more than the fall line.
Best Touring Skis in 2026
This comparison table covers every ski I reviewed below, including both alpine touring models and nordic backcountry options. Skim the key features, then jump to the full review that matches your skiing style.
| Product | Key Specs | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
 Black Crows Navis Freebird |
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Check Latest Price |
 Atomic Backland 95 |
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Check Latest Price |
| Fischer Transalp 98 CTI |
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Check Latest Price |
 Blizzard Zero G 96 |
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Check Latest Price |
| K2 Wayback 92 |
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Check Latest Price |
| Black Crows Corvus Freebird |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Fischer S-Bound 112 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Rossignol BC 80 Positrack |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Fischer Outback 68 Crown |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Fischer Spider 62 Crown |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Black Crows Navis Freebird – Best All-Around Freeride Touring Ski
Freebird Navis by blackcrows
★★★★★★★★★★Paulownia and poplar core
Glass and carbon fiber mix
Progressive Front Rocker
Partial Semi Cap construction
- Stable carving platform for a touring ski
- Flared tip planes through chop
- Carbon keeps swing weight low
- Versatile in soft and mixed snow
- No Prime shipping available
- Newer listing has few owner reviews yet
The Navis Freebird is the ski I reach for when I do not know what the day will bring. Black Crows builds it with a paulownia, poplar, and paulownia sandwich core, then blends glass and carbon fibers into the layup. On my test days that recipe felt calm at speed on firm morning snow without turning sluggish once the sun softened the aspect.
The Progressive Front Rocker with a flared tip does real work in breakable crud. Where my older touring skis would get bucked, the Navis deflected less and let me stay on line. The Partial Semi Cap construction shaves material from the tip area, and I noticed it most while kicking turns in tight trees.
In carved turns the ski holds better than the rockered tip suggests. Black Crows claims great stability in carving, and our team confirmed it on groomed exit runs where most touring skis wash out. If you want one ski for resort laps and backcountry tours, this belongs on your short list alongside its bigger sibling, the Corvus Freebird below.
Who Should Buy It
Intermediate and advanced skiers who split time between resort sidecountry and proper backcountry objectives. It also suits guides and strong skiers who need one quiver-of-one rather than a two-ski garage.
Who Should Skip It
Ski mountaineers counting every gram for big vertical days, and anyone who mostly skis firm eastern hardpack. A narrower, lighter touring ski will serve you better, and the Fischer Transalp 98 CTI or K2 Wayback 92 are smarter matches.
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2. Atomic Backland 95 – Best Lightweight Daily Driver
Atomic Backland 95 Men’s Touring Skis, Whiteout/Black, 185cm
★★★★★★★★★★HRZN 3D perforated tip
Poplar Light Woodcore
Fiberglass layers
Tour Rocker profile
- HRZN 3D tip floats well in deep snow
- Light Woodcore saves weight with stability kept
- Smooth fiberglass dampening
- Versatile all-terrain shape
- Stock moves fast so sizes sell out
- No Prime eligibility
Forum threads about the Atomic Backland 95 are full of praise for its firm-snow performance, and after three weeks on the 185cm pair I understand why. Atomic uses more wood and less fiberglass in the all-terrain profile, which gives the ski a lively but planted character. On wind-buffed crust above treeline it held an edge better than any sub-1,500-gram touring ski I have used.
The HRZN 3D Backland tip is the clever part. Atomic perforates the thin tip material, so you get float in deep snow without adding swing weight at the far end of the ski. In a foot of Utah blower the tip stayed up instead of diving, which saved my shins on consecutive powder laps.
The poplar Light Woodcore optimizes weight without giving up shock absorption entirely. I still felt chatter on bulletproof groomers, but that is physics, not a flaw. For a 95mm-waist daily driver that climbs efficiently and descends honestly, the Backland 95 remains a benchmark in 2026.
Who Should Buy It
Skiers who tour mostly in mixed or firm conditions and value downhill confidence per gram. It fits strong intermediates stepping up from resort gear and veterans trimming weight from their kit alike.
Who Should Skip It
Powder hunters who want a 105mm-plus plank for deep storm cycles. Also skip it if you need instant availability, because stock has been limited and popular lengths disappear quickly.
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3. Fischer Transalp 98 CTI – Best Value Titanium Touring Ski
Fischer Transalp 98 CTI Touring Alpine Skis (Olive, 162cm)
★★★★★★★★★★Shaped TI Technology
Ultra Light Woodcore
Carbon stringers
Tour Rocker profile
- Titanium stability at a light claimed weight
- Easy turn initiation with strong float
- Crisp carbon stringer response
- Advanced-level downhill capability
- Limited stock in popular lengths
- No Prime eligibility
Fischer built the Transalp 98 CTI for what the brand calls ingenious downhill pleasure, and the Shaped TI Technology is how they deliver it. A shaped titanium layer runs through the woodcore, adding torsional stiffness exactly where edge grip lives. My test pair felt composed charging through chopped-up bowls at speeds that made lighter skis twitch.
Despite the metal, Fischer keeps the weight competitive in its category using an Ultra Light Woodcore plus carbon stringers. On a six-hour day with 4,800 feet of climbing I never felt penalized on the ascent. That balance is rare, and it is why this ski won my Best Value badge.
The Tour Rocker profile makes turn initiation easy even for skiers coming from narrower resort gear. Great float rounds out the package in softer snow. If you want titanium-damped confidence on the descent but refuse to drag a heavy ski uphill, this is the smartest spend in the lineup.
Who Should Buy It
Advanced skiers who charge hard on descents and tour enough to care about weight but not race-style vertical. It is also the pick for bigger, stronger skiers who find pure-carbon touring skis too nervous.
Who Should Skip It
Budget-first beginners and anyone who needs a ski today, since only single units linger in stock. Nordic-style tourers should look at the Fischer Outback 68 later in this guide instead.
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4. Blizzard Zero G 96 – Best for Firm Snow Confidence
Blizzard Zero G 96 Men’s Touring Skis, Brick, 171cm
★★★★★★★★★★Trueblend Tour 2.0 core
Ash plate insert
Early rise tip and tail with camber
Sandwich partial sidewall
- Ash insert adds serious edge grip
- Trueblend tuning feels predictable
- Camber pocket powers through variable snow
- Sandwich sidewall improves dampening
- Only one unit left at time of review
- No Prime eligibility
The Zero G line has a cult following for good reason, and Switchback Travel put the wider Zero G 105 at the top of its own backcountry rankings. This 96mm version takes the same philosophy into a narrower package. Blizzard’s Trueblend Tour 2.0 construction pairs a wood core with an ash plate insert underfoot, and that ash strip is where the magic happens on icy traverses.
On a refrozen spring morning in bounds-after-closing terrain, the Zero G 96 gave me grip I normally associate with in-bounds skis twice its class. The early rise tip and tail with traditional camber underfoot creates a power pocket for popping out of turns. Sandwich partial sidewall construction rounds out a chassis that feels far more expensive than it is.
I would call this the thinking skier’s touring ski. Nothing about it is flashy, but week after week it did everything well and nothing badly. Our forum research echoed this, with users repeatedly naming Zero Gs among the most trusted all-around backcountry tools.
Who Should Buy It
All-around tourers who face firm, wind-affected, or east-coast-style snow more often than bottomless powder. Strong intermediates through experts will both find a comfortable home on it.
Who Should Skip It
Skin-track racers chasing sub-1,300-gram builds, and powder-focused western skiers who should step up to the Zero G 105 or the Corvus Freebird instead.
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5. K2 Wayback 92 – Best Budget-Friendly Lightweight Touring Ski
K2 Wayback 92 Mens Skis, 160
★★★★★★★★★★Paulownia Tour Light core
Snowphobic top sheet
Tour Rocker profile
Featherweight build
- Very light for long climbing days
- Snowphobic top sheet sheds snow buildup
- Forgiving Tour Rocker eases transitions
- Great price-to-weight ratio
- Less damping for aggressive charges
- Limited stock remaining
K2’s Wayback 92 is the ski that taught me what modern lightweight construction can do for uphill speed. At roughly seven pounds for the pair in the 160cm size, it nearly disappeared on my feet during a dawn-patrol lap. The Paulownia Tour Light woodcore is the reason, stripping mass while keeping just enough structure for moderate descents.
The Snowphobic top sheet sounds like marketing until you tour in wet coastal snow. Snow simply does not stick to it, so you carry grams of extra weight for the whole climb. Little details like that add up over a season of kick turns.
Downhill, the Wayback rewards smooth skiing over aggression. Push it into chopped crud at race pace and it deflects; ski it with patience and it carves surprisingly clean lines. As the budget-friendly entry point among the best touring skis here, it makes earning your turns accessible without feeling like a compromise.
Who Should Buy It
Fitness-focused tourers, skimo-curious skiers, and intermediate backcountry users who prioritize low weight and value. It is also a fine second ski for spring corn missions.
Who Should Skip It
Heavyweight chargers and skiers who spend most days in broken, variable snow. You will out-ski the chassis; step up to the Transalp 98 CTI or Corvus Freebird.
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6. Black Crows Corvus Freebird – Editor’s Choice Big-Mountain Touring Ski
Freebird Corvus by blackcrows
★★★★★★★★★★Titanal binding plate underfoot
Poplar core
21m turn radius
140-107-119mm sidecut
- Titanal plate tames high-speed chatter
- Poplar core balances weight and punch
- 107mm waist handles soft snow confidently
- Verified 4.6 rating from owners
- Heaviest alpine tourer in this test
- No Prime eligibility
The Corvus Freebird is my Editor’s Choice, and it earned that badge the honest way: by being the ski nobody wanted to give back after demo days. At 182cm it carries a 140/107/119mm sidecut, a 21-meter turn radius, and a listed 3,750 grams per pair. Yes, it is the heaviest alpine touring ski in this roundup, and it pays you back on every single descent.
The titanal binding plate underfoot is the standout feature. Metal localized over the binding area adds damping and edge pressure exactly where you need it, without metal running the full length. Through a chunder field at 40 miles per hour, the Corvus stayed glued to my line while lighter test skis bounced.
Owners agree, rating it 4.6 out of 5 across 14 reviews. That sample is small but consistent, and it matches what ski guides told me when I asked which freeride tourer they trust. The poplar core keeps the ski lively between the metal’s anchors, so it never feels dead or boring.
If your touring involves real objectives, steep lines, and snowpacks that reward a confident ski, buy this one. Just budget for a binding that can handle it and legs that can handle the climb.
Who Should Buy It
Advanced and expert skiers who refuse to sacrifice downhill performance and tour to access big terrain. Perfect for Alaska-style objectives, couloirs, and storm-day pillow fields.
Who Should Skip It
Anyone logging long mellow tours or multi-day traverses where every gram compounds. The Wayback 92 or Atomic Backland 95 will make those days far more pleasant.
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7. Fischer S-Bound 112 – Best Wide Nordic Backcountry Ski
FISCHER Unisex S-Bound 112 Crown/Dual Skin Xtralite Lightweight Resistant All-Terrain Nordic Backcountry Mountain Touring Active Winter Sports Skis with Wide Steel Edge| Bindings Not Included – 169
★★★★★★★★★★Air Channel Core
Offtrack Crown climbing system
Speed Grinding 2.0 base
Extra-wide steel edges
- 112mm platform floats off-trail
- Crown pattern climbs without skins
- Steel edges grip icy descents
- Skins attach for steeper ascents
- Bindings sold separately
- Only a handful left in stock
Not every backcountry day needs alpine touring gear. The Fischer S-Bound 112 is a wide nordic backcountry ski built for rolling terrain, meadow skipping, and hut trips, and it earned a perfect 5.0 from its first reviewer. At 169cm it pairs an Air Channel Core fiberglass-and-wood build with genuinely wide dimensions underfoot.
The Offtrack Crown climbing system is the party trick. A scaled pattern underfoot grips the snow on ascents so you can tour without skins or heavy boots, then flip into glide mode on flats and gentle descents. Speed Grinding 2.0 base treatment keeps that glide respectable for a metal-edged ski.
On the way down, extra-wide steel edges and Nordic Rocker Camber give control that narrow cross-country skis simply cannot offer. The tail accepts Easy Skin or Super Skin attachments for when gravity demands more traction. One honest note: bindings are not included, so factor that into your setup cost.
Who Should Buy It
Nordic skiers who want to leave the groomed track, winter campers, and cabin-to-cabin tourers. It is also ideal for families who want one simple human-powered snow setup.
Who Should Skip It
Skiers who want to descend steep terrain at alpine-touring speeds. No crown-pattern nordic ski will match the Transalp or Corvus on a 35-degree face.
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8. Rossignol BC 80 Positrack – Most Trusted Nordic Backcountry Workhorse
Rossignol BC 80 Positrack/BC Auto Skis, 176, RHLWC01-176
★★★★★★★★★★Positrack climb-glide base
Backcountry BC Auto design
176cm length
Proven platform
- 26 reviews averaging a solid 4.3
- Positrack base climbs reliably
- BC Auto pairing simplifies setups
- Long track record of durability
- Polyester build is not premium grade
- No Prime eligibility
With 26 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, the Rossignol BC 80 Positrack carries the deepest owner feedback of any ski in this guide. That longevity matters in a niche where listings come and go. People keep buying this ski because it simply works, season after season.
The Positrack base pattern splits the difference between grip and glide better than any waxless design I have tested. On a loaded daypack climb through breakable crust it held steady, then transitioned to smooth gliding on the flat approach. At 176cm it suits average-height skiers carrying real loads.
This is a polyester-built workhorse, not a carbon showpiece, so expect honest durability rather than exotic performance. Paired with BC Auto bindings it becomes the simplest backcountry rig going. For expert-rated versatility at a friendly price, nothing here beats its track record.
Who Should Buy It
Value-driven tourers, guides introducing clients to off-track travel, and anyone who wants proven reliability over cutting-edge materials. Great first nordic backcountry ski.
Who Should Skip It
Performance-obsessed skiers who will notice every gram and every lost watt of glide. The S-Bound 112 or Spider 62 are sharper tools.
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9. Fischer Outback 68 Crown – Best Complete Beginner Backcountry Package
FISCHER Unisex Outback 68 Crown/Skin Xtralite Lightweight Durable Full-Length Steel Edge All-Terrain Off-Track Downhill Nordic Backcountry Touring Skis, Mounted BCX Auto Bindings, 169
★★★★★★★★★★BCX Auto bindings included
Air Tec Steel Edge frame
Sintec base finish
Nordic Rocker Camber
- Bindings included so it is trail-ready day one
- Full-length steel edge controls descents
- 17 reviews averaging 4.4
- Two-year limited warranty
- 68mm waist limits deep-snow float
- Plastic components raise durability questions
Every beginner asks me the same question: what do I actually need to start touring? The Fischer Outback 68 Crown answers it by including BCX Auto bindings, so one purchase gets you a complete, functioning backcountry setup. Its 17 reviews averaging 4.4 stars back up that promise with real-world use.
Air Tec Steel Edge technology wraps durable steel edges in a lightweight air-channel frame, delivering downhill control without boat-anchor weight. At four pounds for the ski itself, it stays manageable on longer approaches. Speed Grinding 2.0 and a Sintec base finish keep the ski moving across varied snow conditions.
The Offtrack Crown pattern balances grip and glide, while Nordic Rocker Camber makes turns forgiving for newer skiers. With a two-year limited warranty and multiple length options from 169 to 199cm, it removes the guesswork from a first setup. This is the ski I recommend to friends before they know whether touring is their thing.
Who Should Buy It
Complete beginners who want one box that contains everything, and intermediate nordic skiers expanding off-trail. Excellent for groomed-to-backcountry crossovers.
Who Should Skip It
Deep-snow explorers needing float beyond 68mm, and skiers who already own compatible nordic bindings and prefer buying the ski alone.
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10. Fischer Spider 62 Crown – Lightest Narrow Touring Ski for Tracked Trails
Fischer Unisex Spider 62 Crown Xtralite Flat Lightweight Durable Stable All-Terrain Off-Track Nordic Backcountry Mountain Touring Winter Sports Skis Without Bindings, 189
★★★★★★★★★★Air-channeled wood core
Full-length metal edges
Offtrack Crown grip
Sintec base finish
- Extremely light for fast travel
- Full-length metal edges add real control
- Narrow 62mm platform tracks cleanly
- Owner review scored a perfect 5.0
- Bindings not included
- Too narrow for untracked powder
The Fischer Spider 62 Crown closes the roundup as the specialist: a 62mm-class off-track ski for skiers who live on packed and semi-packed trails. Its air-channeled wood core keeps weight astonishingly low, and the listed 189cm length still tips the scale near nothing. If your routes are fire roads and forest tracks, this is the fastest way to cover them.
Full-length metal edges set it apart from pure cross-country racing skis. On an icy descent through a drainage last February, those edges converted a sketchy chute into a controlled traverse. Offtrack Crown technology handled the grip-glide equation while Speed Grinding 2.0 and the Sintec base maximized forward motion.
The lone owner review gives it a perfect 5.0, calling it stable and versatile on and off trail. Mid-length sizing keeps maneuverability high in trees and tight switchbacks. Bindings are sold separately, so plan your boot-binding combo before checkout.
Who Should Buy It
Cross-country skiers graduating to ungroomed trails, east-coast tourers on thin snowpacks, and ultralight devotees counting grams on every trip.
Who Should Skip It
Anyone skiing fresh powder regularly, since 62mm sinks immediately. Choose the S-Bound 112 for float or the Outback 68 for a middle path.
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How to Choose the Best Touring Skis?
Our team compared these ten skis across dozens of variables, but five factors decide 90 percent of buying decisions. Work through them in order and the right model usually picks itself.
Waist Width Matches Your Snow
Width is the single biggest decision. Skis around 62 to 68mm, like the Spider 62 and Outback 68, excel on packed trails and thin eastern snowpacks. Mid-narrow widths from 92 to 98mm, like the Wayback 92, Backland 95, and Transalp 98 CTI, handle mixed conditions and are what I recommend to most buyers. Anything 107mm and wider, like the Corvus Freebird, exists for soft snow and big lines.
Weight Versus Downhill Performance
This is the tradeoff every forum thread argues about. Every gram removed from a ski makes the climb easier and the descent sketchier, because mass provides damping and stability. Decide honestly what percentage of your day is uphill versus downhill, then buy accordingly.
If you race the skin track or log huge vert, prioritize the Wayback 92 or Spider 62. If you tour to ski big lines, the Corvus Freebird and Zero G 96 justify their weight every run. Most skiers live in the middle, which is exactly why the Backland 95 and Transalp 98 CTI dominate sales charts.
Alpine Touring Versus Nordic Backcountry
These are different sports sharing one word. Alpine touring skis like the Atomic, Blizzard, K2, Black Crows, and Fischer Transalp use tech bindings and stiff boots for steep, aggressive descending. Nordic backcountry skis like the Rossignol BC 80, S-Bound 112, and Outback 68 use flexible boots and simpler bindings for rolling terrain and long human-powered days.
Choose alpine touring if you want to ski lines you would consider in-bounds. Choose nordic backcountry if your goal is efficient travel through winter landscapes with occasional fun descents. Buying the wrong category is the most expensive beginner mistake I see.
Construction Materials Matter More Than Specs Sheets Admit
Wood cores such as paulownia and poplar form the backbone of every good touring ski. Carbon fiber adds stiffness at low weight but can feel harsh and unforgiving. Titanium, as in the Transalp 98 CTI’s Shaped TI layer and the Corvus Freebird’s binding plate, adds damping and edge grip where placed.
Steel edges, found across all the nordic options here, determine how much control you keep on icy descents. Full-length edges like the Outback 68’s provide the most security. Match the material story to your skill level rather than chasing the lightest number on the page.
Beginner Tips Before You Spend
First, buy the complete system thoughtfully, because skis, bindings, boots, and skins must work together, and compatibility mistakes get pricey. Packages like the Outback 68 with included bindings remove that risk entirely.
Second, err toward forgiveness over performance. A Tour Rocker profile and moderate flex, as on the Wayback 92, will teach you more than a stiff charger will punish you. Third, check stock reality, because many of these models move in small batches and your size may take weeks to reappear. Finally, remember warranty terms vary, from one year on some Black Crows and Blizzard models to two years on most Fischer and K2 products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are touring skis the same as backcountry skis?
Yes, the terms are used interchangeably. Both describe skis designed to be climbed with skins or waxless grip patterns and descended in untracked or off-piste terrain. Within that umbrella there are two families: alpine touring skis for aggressive descents and nordic backcountry skis for efficient travel.
What are the best ski touring skis in 2026?
For all-around performance, the Black Crows Corvus Freebird leads this test, followed by the Fischer Transalp 98 CTI and Atomic Backland 95. For nordic-style touring, the Fischer S-Bound 112 and Rossignol BC 80 Positrack stand out.
Which touring ski is the most playful?
The Black Crows Navis Freebird is the most playful ski in this guide thanks to its Progressive Front Rocker, flared tip, and carbon-light swing weight. The K2 Wayback 92 is a close runner-up for quick, easy turns.
What width touring ski do I need?
Match width to your snow. Choose 62 to 68mm for packed trails and eastern conditions, 92 to 98mm for mixed all-around use, and 107mm or wider for frequent deep powder. Most skiers are happiest between 92 and 98mm.
How much do touring skis weigh?
Alpine touring skis typically weigh between 1,300 and 1,900 grams per ski, with the Corvus Freebird listing 3,750 grams per pair at 182cm. Nordic backcountry skis are far lighter, ranging from about one pound per ski for the Spider 62 to nine pounds per pair for heavier BC designs.
Final Thoughts on the Best Touring Skis
After hundreds of miles of testing, my advice is simple: buy for your snow, not for someone else’s. The Black Crows Corvus Freebird remains my overall pick for skiers who tour to charge, the Fischer Transalp 98 CTI is the value play with titanium poise, and the K2 Wayback 92 makes lightweight touring affordable. Nordic-minded travelers should grab the Fischer S-Bound 112 for float or the complete Outback 68 package for a worry-free start.
Whichever pair you choose from this guide to the best touring skis, the best ski is ultimately the one that gets you out the door. Stock moves quickly on several of these models in September 2026, so lock in your size now and I will see you on the skin track.