Gray Alpine Touring Skis

Waist width determines flotation and edge grip: narrower waists under 90mm suit lighter, more agile skiers while 95mm and up give better float in deep snow. Mid-widths around 82–95mm are the best compromise for mixed terrain, and models like the Atomic Backland 86 (86mm) are solid allround choices.

Ski-mountaineering skis under about 80mm are aimed at rando racing, steep climbs, and firm snow where uphill efficiency and low weight matter most. Allround touring skis in the 82–95mm range handle piste, light off-piste, and mixed conditions—Blizzard Zero G 88 is a good example of that versatile category.

Lengths typically run from 160–190cm and should be scaled to your height, weight, and ability, with shorter lengths favoring maneuverability and longer lengths improving stability at speed. Also consider turn radius—mid-width models often sit in the 17–22m range, which influences how quickly the ski turns versus how stable it feels.

Lightweight cores like paulownia with carbon or fiberglass laminates noticeably reduce swing weight, and many touring skis fall in the 1200–1600g per ski range to make long ascents easier. They can trade a bit of downhill dampness for big uphill gains, so if you do long tours the weight savings are often worth it—examples include 1250g-class models built for efficiency.

Yes, many alpine touring skis are designed for pin-style touring bindings and note ISO 5355 touring binding compatibility along with recommended DIN ranges around 4–12. Always verify the ski’s mounting pattern and choose a DIN that matches your weight and skill, since downhill-oriented, wider skis may call for higher settings.