2022 Atomic Backland 107

This is one of those unique skis that doesn’t seem like it can do what it can do, but it can! The Atomic Backland 107 returns unchanged for 2022, and skiers who are looking for a light, wide, and surfy ski that is impossibly quick and snappy are totally stoked. Built with an ultra-light wood core, the skis also add a carbon backbone that applies a good amount of power and strength to the ski. As a result, the 182 cm length weighs in at 1550 grams per ski, making it about as versatile as it comes for a skier looking to dominate both the in and out of bounds terrain. In the powder, the HRZN tech tips act like a boat hull, keeping the shovel of the ski up and out of the snow, with more displacement than similarly wide skis. That 182 also generates an 18.5-meter turn radius, so it’s actually quite a turny ski, and can really get up on edge and dialed into a carve. The carbon backbone holds true—even to aggressive skiing, and we’ve seen some really race-like turns on these skis. The pilot matters, for sure, but the capabilities are there, and if you’re thinking that a non-metal 107 mm underfoot ski can’t rip a turn, then that’s just wrong. As a result, touring and backcountry applications come right to the forefront for skiers who have thought that they need something burly for adventure skiing. Our testers, like in years past, are pretty darn impressed with the overall composure, quickness, grip, and flotation of these really unique skis.

Dana Allen skied the 182 and noted it was a good size for him. Flotation was the high-mark for Dana, with a 5 out of 5. A 4 for overall impression was copied with other 4’s in stability, playfulness, and forgiveness. Pretty consistent and high scores for this ski from Dana. And for his comments, “Although this ski is designed for soft snow and powder, it more than held its own on a soft groomer and in slush. It was relatively easy to lay over and carve. Torsionally,it felt quite stiff for such a wide ski. I expected the tip to be softer and deflect more than it did - the fact that it didn’t speaks well of the tip to tail flex pattern. While it might not be a great icy condition ski, this could easily be a daily driver for locations with soft snow conditions or an Eastern powder day ski. Felt pretty playful as well. Kinda has a speed limit on hard snow but likely none in soft stuff.” It is a pretty surprising flex, that carbon back bone really does work in making the ski act a lot burlier than it feels when you pick it up, at which point the thing feels like a feather in your hand.

Phil McGrory had some similar scores and thoughts as to his 182 cm test length, also noting that it was true to size and a good length for him. The next one up, the 189, is a pretty long ski. Phil’s top score was a 5 out of 5 for versatility, with 4’s given for flotation, stability, playfulness, forgiveness, torsional stiffness, edge grip, and overall impression. Again, we’re seeing those consistent high scores across the board, which is impressive enough for any ski, but even more so for a 107 without metal. Phil sees this more as an exclusive backcountry ski based on his comments: “The backland 107 is a lightweight touring ski that doesn't feel like one. The weight gives the ski the ability to provide a great uphill experience. The skis feel stable on hard snow but are also very nimble through variable terrain. Great for the skier who wants a lightweight ski to tour with and feels like their resort ski or to have one ski to do everything.”

I think when companies make a ski that is supposed to have a touring-specific application, it is a pleasant surprise when that ski rips in the resort as well. This gives skiers more choices and better choices and greater range when it comes to ski selection. When paired with a hybrid touring binding, these skis become that ultimate setup in terms of true all-mountain freeride versatility, whether you only ride lifts or never come within fifty miles of one, and that’s a true success in terms of ski engineering.