A pick of the best 2023 Women’s Freetouring Skis, featured in our mega gear guide. Order your copy here for the full, in-depth reviews, as well as more Freetouring, Piste, All-Mountain, Freeride and Freestyle setups, as well as boots, poles, bindings, packs, airbags, goggles. It’s big…
Atomic Backland 107 W
£650
Lengths 159, 167, 175
Radius 15.8m @ 167
Dimensions 135-107-122
Weight per ski 1,470g @ 167cm
atomic.com
THEY SAY
For big lines and bottomless pow, the Backland 107 W is optimised to save weight for the ascent, and is downhill-proven on the Freeride World Tour. Light and playful, it’s our widest women’s freeride touring ski featuring HRZN Tech in the tip for maximum float in fresh snow. Go up comfortably, and send it as hard as you like on the way down.
WE SAY
A freeride shape with a touring-friendly weight, the Backland 107 W’s form, construction and profile makes them one of the lightest, most versatile and funnest skis we’ve tested. Easy going on the skin track and hard charging on the way down, use ‘em in bounds, beyond the ropes or deep in the backcountry – you’re sure to have an absolute riot.
BEST FOR
Out and out turn earners, first-time pow seekers, experienced freeriders – or any mix of the above. The Backland 107 Ws are ideal for anyone from intermediate to pro level skiers looking for a light, energetic mid-flex ride to handle a range of conditions.
Playful, fun and accessible, it would be an ideal partner to take to the likes of Japan or British Columbia, or pretty much anywhere where you’re likely to get an abundance of that life-affirming soft stuff!
If 107mm underfoot is a bit too much ski for you, or you’re less likely to be getting the all-time pow pow goods on a regular basis, have a gander at the narrower 98mm version. With a shorter radius and even less weight, it’s better suited to more technical terrain.
Faction Agent 3X
£649 Lengths 164, 172, 178 Radius 18m @ 172 Dimensions 134-106-124 Weight per ski: 1,680g @172 factionskis.com
THEY SAY
The Agent 3X is a must-have ski that can truly do it all. Forgiving on the uphill and highly adept in all snow conditions, this ski will enhance the way you experience the mountain, day-in and day-out.
WE SAY
At 1,680g per ski, the Agent 3X is still pretty light for its width, and while it may not be your go-to rapid touring option for multi-day trips, it’s bang on point for big mountain powder quests when you’re looking for maximum whoopage on the descent.
BEST FOR
It skis like a more flexible version of Faction’s Dictator 3X, meaning it could be a great freeride option for lighter women or juniors – as well as those looking for an out and out freetouring ski for steep and deep adventures.
Volkl Blaze 106 W
£660
Lengths 158, 165, 172
Radius 14m @ 165
Dimensions 146-106-128
Weight per ski 1,592g @ 165
voelkl.com
THEY SAY
A ski for the rad woman who wants to glide and playfully turn with ease off-piste in deeper conditions with the option to head further afield into the backcountry should her desire and fresh powder coincide.
WE SAY
Ideal for advanced to expert freeriders who like to explore beyond the ropes, mount it with a hybrid touring binding, like a Marker Kingpin or Kingpin Mwerks, and fire off into the backcountry.
BEST FOR
If you’re looking for an out and out touring ski then Volkl’s new Rise range is where it’s at. But for occasional short day tours, when powder hunting is the order of the day, the Blaze 106 W will get you to the goods.
Dynafit Free 97 W
£615
Lengths 163, 170, 177
Radius 18m @ 170
Dimensions 124-96-114 @ 170
Weight per ski 1,390g @ 170
dynafit.com
THEY SAY
Playful, nimble and still stable, too – the new Free 97 W touring ski for women makes the pulse of freeskiers race. It magically creates the purest skiing fun in diverse conditions.
WE SAY
A backcountry beaut with no additional burdens – if you want to explore further faster and higher this winter, then set the Free 97 W free!
BEST FOR
Perfect for advanced and expert-level skiers looking for a balanced ski that isn’t too much hard work on the up and has the necessary cred to shred the down, no matter the snow conditions.
