2021 Atomic Backland 107 W

Fans of light weight powder performance will instantly fall in love with the 2021 Atomic Backland 107. While this ski has existed on the men's side for a couple of years, the ladies get their own version for 2021, which is just a different graphic. It's still the same light, floaty ski that has a ton of uses and is incredibly capable. When you first pick these skis up, they feel impossibly light, and when you put them on your feet, the same feeling occurs. But, at the end of the day, it's all about how they perform, and for the Backland 107, it's all pretty good. Thanks to a great blend of materials used and interesting shaping techniques, the Backland 107 W sticks out from the crowd, representing a fantastic alternative to some of the bulkier skis out there in the world.

With a very floaty tip and a more business-like tail, the Backland 107 has kind of a dual-nature to it, and we like it that way. In the tip, the skis have Atomic's HRZN Tech, which angles up the sides of the tip, creating more surface area and a boat hull-like shape. As a result, the skis cut through the snow like a boat through water, displacing the fluff and creating a smoother experience in fresh snow. These things simply motor through fresh, chopped, and broken snow like much heavier skis. This type of soft-snow performance is truly what sets the Atomic apart from some other mid-100's skis out there.

With the wood core bolstered by the carbon backbone, the Backland 107 is actually stiffer and more responsive than the weight would indicate. Nonetheless, hard charging skiers will likely over power the ski at the highest of velocities, but it's okay for a ski to have a limitation like that, especially for this build and shape. Caroline Kessler skied the 175 and noted that the "tails are a little floppy when trying to make quick fast turns on edge. Holds an edge well at high speeds, best in pow and off-piste. Best for a very confident skier who wants to get off groomers." 5 out of 5 for flotation, and 4's for stability, playfulness, and versatility. These consistently high scores are pretty impressive for these skis, and especially important to note is the high flotation score-there's a lot to that HRZN tip shape.

Adding to the versatility of the ski is the potential for a backcountry/resort ski. Throw an Atomic Shift binding or even something lighter on this thing, and you've got a fantastic touring option. Or, go the other route and go full-alpine. Either way, the Atomic Backland 107 W is an awesome choice for skiers looking for ultimate flotation, light weight, and a snappy turn style.