The narrower of the two options in the women’s Backland collection, the 98 W is impressively lightweight and highly versatile, giving avid backcountry skiers access to uphill efficiency and aggressive downhill performance. With a larger focus on edge grip and agility, the Backland 98 W features less width underfoot than the 107 W with the same great build and shape. Standing out amidst a heavily populated market of touring skis, this ski combines a lightweight construction with Atomic’s HRZN tech tips and powder rocker to deliver the ideal strength to weight ratio for big climbs and reliable stability and power on the way down. Atomic has maintained a reputation for designing top tier race-oriented skis with a high-performance ceiling and this certainly plays into the performance of this ski. Despite it being a freeride touring ski, its carving capabilities and edge grip prove Atomic’s ability to tie in their race background, giving the Backland 98 its impressive feel.

The noticeable lightweight nature of this ski is all thanks to Atomic’s use of ultra-light woodcore, combining both caruba and poplar wood to deliver a low weight with ample maneuverability plus reliable stability. To enhance the overall flex and stiffness of the ski, a carbon insert was incorporated, running the length of the ski, to stabilize even further. This use of carbon keeps the weight down while providing maximum agility and edge grip for a strong descent. To provide dampening qualities, Atomic took the construction one step further by adding layers of fiberglass to keep things smooth and stable, despite the conditions. Finishing off with dura cap sidewalls for dynamic power transmission, the foundation of this ski allows skiers to drive and flex with strength without sacrificing agility and energy. While it’s all about weight savings when it comes to efficient touring skis, companies such as Atomic have recognized the importance of a happy medium as far as the uphill and downhill capabilities and the Backland 98 W is the perfect example.

It’s all about shape when it comes to freeride performance and with the Backland 98 W, we get 20% rocker in the tip, 10% in the tail and 70% camber underfoot. A directional shape with less rocker in the tails allows for more edge contact for ideal grip and stability, which is what you want for efficiency on the uphill climb. Rocker in the tips plus Atomic’s HRZN tech tips create more surface area for better flotation, as well as decreased tip deflection in crud or chopped up snow. As for turn radius, in the 164 cm length, we get a 14.6 m radius which allows skiers a wide range of options for turn styles and shapes. This is ideal, especially in the backcountry, allowing for plentiful versatility.

The 2024 Atomic Backland 98 W is truly one of the lightest, most versatile touring skis for advanced female skiers. Featuring an all-mountain shape and lightweight, stable construction, it is designed to assist on the climb and outdo performance on the descent. The ideal strength to weight ratio combined with exceptional edge grip and power puts this ski at the top of the list.