Touring & backcountry skis

Lightweight and durable backcountry skis for winter adventures

Backcountry skiing encompasses everything from alpine touring and freeskiing to ski mountaineering and randonnée (also known as skimo or rando racing). In simpler terms, it means you’re in charge of getting yourself up the slopes you plan to carve, glide or race down. Backcountry skis offer exploration of untouched snow, hills free from crows and speedy wilderness exploration. Typically lighter and narrower than downhill skis, backcountry skis are built to improve your uphill climbing capability and downhill performance. MEC is your one-stop ski shop for everything involving backcountry skiing, and with skis from brands like Black Crows, FACTION, Blizzard and more, you’ll be all set for winter rides.

Alpine touring skis

Alpine touring backcountry skis are versatile, all-around performers designed to handle all types of terrain and winter conditions. They’re great skis for those who need a “do-it-all” option and are often the most popular type of skis for backcountry lovers. Whether it’s heavy snow, soft power or icy slopes, alpine touring skis are highly adaptable do well on steep climbs and long rides downhill.

Freeride and freeskiing skis

Freeride and freeskiing backcountry skis are built for the more adventurous skiers who love to tackle challenging terrain, making sharp turns and launching off big drops. They’re designed to handle a wide variety of conditions, with an emphasis on off-piste, powder-rich environments. They have a wide construction and rockered tips that allow them to float effortlessly through deep powder. These styles of skis also have a stiffer flex that provides stability and control at high speeds, so you’ll be zooming down the hills with confidence. However, freeride and freeskiing skis are on the heavier side compared to traditional touring skis. They’re lighter than your classic downhill skis, but might require more effort when skinning uphill. It all comes down to what you’re looking for in your backcountry adventures, so it can’t hurt to do some research and talk to our expert staffers in-store.

Don’t forget climbing skins

Climbing skins attach to your skis using a durable, reusable adhesive, along with clips at the tip and tail (or sometimes just tip clips). The fibers, made from either nylon or mohair, provide the grip needed for climbing uphill. They excel when it comes to floating through powder on the way down, making them a blast in deep snow conditions.