2025 Men's Touring Ski Comparison

For our 2025 Touring Ski Comparison, the list is long and fun. Basically, touring skis come down to the blending of uphill efficiency and downhill performance. If you are focused on blasting uphill in more of a randonee style, then the lighter the better. If you are a distant-mountain peak bagger who needs flotation, strength, and power, heavier is fine, just so long as you pair them with lighter components. Mostly, we’re veering away from metal in the construction and focusing on lighter woods, carbon, and thinner core profiles. While some of the heftier skis on this list may still fall into the hybrid category from a practical sense, touring skis in general have separated themselves and have made their own way into the ski catalogs.

At a Glance:

2025 Armada Locator 104 Skis

Overview:

At 1450 grams in the 178 cm length, the Armada Locator 104 is a very light ski for being this surfy. We talk a lot about the shovel shape and how it leads to spoony flotation, but we don’t talk as much about the energetic and directional flatter tail. Like most good touring skis, the Locator’s flatter tail allows for better purchase in the softer snow while the softer and more rockered shovel keeps the ski on top of the deepest of snows. We love the 22-meter turn radius as it only amplifies the sideways and slashy nature of the ski. Built with a light caruba wood core, a Ti binding damper and carbon reinforcement throughout, the Locator 104 is a good all-around touring ski with some light resort implications.

Who it's For:

Surfy and smeary skiers who want a good amount of pop and pep to accompany a slashy and freeridey mentality.

Price: $899.95

Buy Now

At a Glance:

2025 Armada Locator 112 Skis

Overview:

As the widest and floatiest of the Locator skis, the 112 follows the same theory as the narrower versions, just with more of a surfy mentality in mind. Built with a caruba wood core, a Ti binding damper, and carbon reinforcement, the Locator has all the necessary goods to mix uphill efficiency with amazing downhill flotation. The taper shape and rocker profile of these skis is the biggest thing that separates itself from the herd, and the 24-meter arc takes it to the next level when it comes to drifty and floaty character. While it’s on the wide side for non-fresh snow, if you find yourself in an area where you need a few light surfboards on your feet, the Locator 112 is the way to go.

Who it's For:

Smooth and floaty skiers who are looking for easy powder use and a high-performance ceiling. There’s no mountain too deep for you and your skiing preference.

Price: $949.95

Buy Now

At a Glance:

2025 Atomic Backland 102 Skis

Overview:

Slightly updated for 2025, the Atomic Backland 102 is built with a blend of poplar and caruba in the wood core, the ski uses less fiberglass to rely more on the woody and natural feel of the poplar. New this year as well, the use of HRZN 3D Backland allows for easier turn initiation and lower swing weight overall. The thin perforated material used in Backland HRZN tech reduces weight and increases efficiency. In the 179, the ski hits a 19-meter turn radius and loves to be used in a variety of turn shapes and styles. Also in the 179, the ski sits on the scale at a stated 1430 grams per ski, keeping it in the lightweight range of skis. Sure, you can use it as a hybrid ski if you wish, but most purists will find that the Backland 102 works great in a touring-specific category.

Who it's For:

Backcountry and adventure enthusiasts who are looking for a versatile and energetic ski for all sorts of touring outings.

Price: $749.95

Buy Now

At a Glance:

2025 Atomic Backland 109 Skis

Overview:

Built with the same lightweight construction as the narrower 102, the 109’s caruba and poplar wood core focuses more on wood in the feel rather than fiberglass or carbon as we’ve noted in the past. While this may take a bit of the snap out of the ski, it also increases the surfiness and playfulness while keeping the weight down. In the 184, the Backland 109 hits 1540 grams on the scale, a nice place to be for mixing uphill efficiency with downhill flotation and stability. The 109 uses Atomic’s 25/55/20 rocker profile to maximize fun in soft snow and deliver grip for more technical zones. It’s nice to have that camber underfoot if the going gets sketchy, then it’s great to have the somewhat symmetrical rocker profile in the tips and tails for deep big mountain snow. The HRZN tech in the ski is perforated to reduce swing weight and increase efficiency. This works awesome for long skins and smooth descents.

Who it's For:

Fun-loving freeriders who see a distant mountain and want to climb it. You value flotation and a surfy feel at the slight expense of weight and efficiency.

Price: $799.95

Buy Now

At a Glance:

2025 Black Crows Navis Freebird Skis

Overview:

The Black Crows Navis Freebird is a unique ski in the lineup, as are most of the Crows touring options. While there are a lot more lightweight skis out there, the whole point of Navis is to blur the line between uphill efficiency and downhill power and security. Built with a blend of poplar and paulownia, leaning more to the lighter paulownia, the Navis also gets a blend of carbon and fiberglass. Underfoot, the ski contains a titanal binding reinforcement, but it doesn’t really do much in terms of adding power or damping. The ski is kind of damp and smooth already. In the 179, the ski weighs 1750 grams and produces a 19-meter turn radius. Paired with a 102 mm waist, this ski is right on par with a lot of lighter alpine skis when it comes to weight, shape, and profile. We get a long camber profile for smooth turning and predictable behavior.

Who it's For:

Touring and hybrid skiers who are looking for a more predictable and stable ride. You want a lighter ski, but not at the expense of downhill performance and smoothness.

Price: $949.95

Buy Now

At a Glance:

2025 Black Crows Camox Freebird Skis

Overview:

In the 183, the Black Crows Camox Freebird sits on the scale at just over 1500 grams. It also produces a shorter turn radius of 17-meters, making it very different from the alpine ski that bears the similar name. Narrower, too, at 95 mm underfoot, the Camox Freebird could just as easily have been called something totally different. Built with a paulownia wood core with carbon and fiberglass, the Camox FB also gets a titanal reinforcement for binding retention. Built with a classic and flatter profile than some other skis here, the Camox FB is easy to pivot but also retains its smoothness and predictability in more of a carved turn. Not too stiff, nor too flexible, the Camox Freebird is a great middle-ground ski for tourers and hybrid skiers who are looking for light, fun, and simple.

Who it's For:

Skiers looking for a mix of attributes and don’t want to think too hard about it. While it’s capable of handling a hybrid binding, skiers will still likely be more at home in the tech world.

Price: $849.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Black Crows Corvus Freebird Skis

Overview:

The Black Crows Corvus Freebird has always stuck out to us as an interesting ski in the touring world. In the 183, the ski weighs just about 2000 grams. This, by the numbers, is far more in line with a normal alpine ski, so what makes it a touring ski? Actually we’re not so sure. It’s built with a full poplar wood core, has a titanal plate under the bindings, and uses a mix of carbon and fiberglass. The 107 mm waist width produces a 21-meter turn radius and the ski has an overall directional shape. We suppose that compared to the alpine version of the Corvus, this Freebird is lighter and more flexible. Aggressive tourers are the most likely candidates for this ski, as skis like the Backland 109 are considerably lighter and more efficient on the climb but won’t quite hold up to as serious of a descent.

Who it's For:

Strong and aggressive and adventurous touring skiers who want no compromise when it comes to downhill stability and confidence.

Price: $1,049.95

Buy Now

At a Glance:

2025 Black Crows Draco Freebird Skis

Overview:

As a big touring twin tip, the Black Crows Draco Freebird is another unique ski within the touring category. While slightly lighter than the Corvus Freebird, the Draco is still on the heftier side of the touring spectrum. The 181 hits 1900 grams on the scale so it can be considered more in line with a lighter alpine ski, but that just adds to the downhill prowess of the Draco. When you add in the 110 mm waist and a 21-meter turn radius, this is a big time freeride ski with tons of creativity involved. As more of a freeride ski with freestyle notes, the –5cm mount point and the turned up tail allow for greater creativity and fun when on big mountain faces. Built with a blend of paulownia and poplar in the wood core, the ski contains carbon for stiffness and response.

Who it's For:

Nicolai Schirmer is the target here—big mountain performance at very high speeds. That you?

Price: $1,149.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Blizzard Zero G LT 80 Skis

Overview:

Coming in at 1097 grams per ski in the 178 cm length, the Blizzard Zero G LT 80 is the lightest ski on this wall, and not surprisingly, ends up being the most efficient. In deeper snow, the 80 is going to struggle, but for a randonee-style ski that is lightning fast on the uphills, the LT 80 is going to dominate. Built with Blizzard’s Trueblend Tour wood core consisting of paulownia stringers and a unidirectional carbon drive frame, the skis are ready for running uphill. There’s not a lot of downhill performance to touch on here, as these skis will be hanging on for dear life if you ever try to put some speed and aggressiveness to them. You’ll get to the bottom, sure, as physics dictates you shall, but if you’re looking for any type of performance, this is more of an uphill specialist.

Who it's For:

Randonee skiers and uphill racers who are looking to break Strava records on all climbs.

Price: $799.95

Buy Now

At a Glance:

2025 Blizzard Zero G 105 Skis

Overview:

Built with a blend of beech, poplar, and isocore in the construction of the Zero G 105, this ski takes some notes from more stable and powerful skis but keeps it fairly efficient. By utilizing their Carbon Drive 3.0 laminates, they bring a bunch of pep and snap to the mix. In the 180, we’re at just over 1500 grams and the ski produces a 23-meter turn radius. This, when combined with the 105 mm waist creates a pretty darn surfy and smeary ski. It’s easy to throw sideways while the carbon keeps the ski true to energy and grip. By incorporating a full carbon layer in a 3D format, Blizzard is able to fully garner the stiffness of the material to create a very responsive feel. We also get two carbon reinforcements in the binding zone, one in the toes and one in the heels, further boosting underfoot stability and power transfer.

Who it's For:

Freeride/Touring blend of skiers here. You are looking for a mix of attributes for both uphill ease and downhill confidence.

Price: $899.95

Buy Now

At a Glance:

2025 Blizzard Zero G 95 Skis

Overview:

With a similar overall character to the 105, but blending in lightweight properties of the 80, the Zero G 95 is a well-rounded tourer with adventure on the mind. Like most skis, alpine or otherwise in the 95 mm range, the Zero G 95 is a mix of all good things. Built with a light paulownia wood core, the skis get the Carbon Drive 3.0 with three different carbon components to it. We get a full laminate of carbon in a 3D format and two additional pieces in the toes and heels where the bindings go. This delivers more confidence and precision to the mix and keeps the ski energetic and peppy. Weighing in at a paltry 1300 grams per ski in the 178, the Zero G 95 is incredibly efficient and easygoing on the climbs, while the carbon build keeps the ski fun and agile on the descents. Add a fun-loving 22-meter radius to the mix and this ski simply does it all.

Who it's For:

Middle-of-the-road touring skiers looking for versatility and ease of use. You want peace of mind and a high-quality product.

Price: $799.95

Buy Now

At a Glance:

2025 DPS Pagoda Tour 100 Skis

Overview:

For many years, DPS’s construction has been light due to carbon. Now that they’re putting more eggs in the touring basket, they’re able to utilize lighter wood and different materials to further push their uphill agenda. The Pagoda Tour 100 is built with a paulownia wood core and two layers of their new CFL/Carbon Flax material. The flax takes the ping out of the carbon without removing energy, with the end result being a poppy and predictable flex with a damp sound. DPS’s use of these high-end materials combines well with their “traditional” Pagoda shaping. By adhering to the 15-meter arc in this ski, the Pagoda 100 has a dramatic set of rocker profiles and taper shapes. This makes them floaty, fun, and reactive. The 179 finds itself under 1500 grams at 1480g/ski, increasing the efficiency and making this a wonderful ski to blend the ups and the downs.

Who it's For:

Precision and quality-oriented skiers who like the feel of sophisticated construction and unique shaping.

Price: $1,695.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 DPS Pagoda Tour 105 Skis

Overview:

By sporting the same build as the Tour 100 but with a more traditional shape and profile, the DPS Pagoda Tour 105 brings a bit more of a directional and aggressive downhill character to the mix. Constructed with a paulownia wood core, two sheets of Carbon/Flax laminates, a binding reinforcement plate and high-end bases and edges, this quality build will take your backcountry skiing to the next level. In the 179, we’re a bit over 1500 grams at 1550g/ski, but given the width and how well it performs and floats, that’s going to be an acceptable bargain for most skiers. This Pagoda Tour 105 has less drama in the taper and in the shape, resulting in an 18-meter arc at all lengths. This makes more directional and faster skiing part of this ski’s makeup. It’s still pretty darn rockered and tapered, just not quite as much as the 100.

Who it's For:

More directional skiers looking for quality and precision and power all in a lighter package.

Price: $1,695.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Dynastar M-Tour 100 Skis

Overview:

By sharing a similar shape and build to the M-Pro 100 Ti, the M-Tour 100 brings a lighter weight and more accessible uphill efficiency to the mix. Mainly, this is the same ski as the M-Pro but without metal. We get the same light poplar Hybrid Core 2.0 with three different uses of wood flanked by smooth and precise Polyurethane on the sides. By using friction to hold the wood together instead of glue, the amount of adhesive is reduced, lowering the carbon footprint of the ski. In the 178, the ski sits on the scale at 1400 grams per ski, making it a light option in this width range that can withstand some strong use. Like the M-Pro, the Tour version hits 17-meters in the radius, allowing it to feel rounder and more eager to turn than the older versions of these skis.

Who it's For:

Active touring skiers who are bordering on hybrid. You could use this ski in the resort, but that’s what the M-Pro 100 is for.

Price: $699.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Dynastar M-Tour 108 Skis

Overview:

Coming in at 1600 grams per ski in the 179, the Dynastar M-Tour 108 is a more directional and aggressive version of the 100 built with big mountain lines in mind. We get Hybrid Core 2.0 consisting of three layers of poplar wood. These are milled together in order to create friction-based energy as well as reducing the need for additional fiberglass and associated epoxy. The central core is sandwiched between two layers of polyurethane material which deliver an uncommon amount of smoothness and predictability. When you hold these individual layers, they feel impossibly light, but somehow, they translate into amazing performance. The 179 features a longer turn shape of 20-meters, bringing a more fall-line mentality to the mix. With long tip rocker you get great float but the flatter tail keeps you engaged.

Who it's For:

Smooth skiers with big mountain aspirations will love the blend of performance and comfort. You love fresh snow and aren’t afraid to climb for it.

Price: $799.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Fischer Transalp 98 CTI Skis

Overview:

As a returning ski for 2025, the Fischer Transalp 98 CTi is a great option for those that are looking for the slight feel and performance of metal but still don’t want too hefty of a ski. We’re built with a paulownia wood core, carbon stringers, and a .5mm shaped Ti laminate. This metal is strategically placed, much like what we see in the Rangers, but for more of a touring efficient character. Also like the Ranger, the Transalp 98 CTi has more of a directional shape and style to it, keeping rocker in the shovel and tail where needed, but camber underfoot for delivering a smooth ride and ample energy to the edges. In the 176, the ski sits on the scale at 1430 grams, making it versatile, well-rounded, and smooth from bottom to top and back to the bottom.

Who it's For:

Skiers looking for a combination of smoothness, power, and efficiency will like the sophistcation and technology involved in the Transalp 98 CTi.

Price: $849.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Fischer Transalp 105 CTI Skis

Overview:

Featuring the same build as the 98 CTi but in a wider and more rockered overall package. The Fischer Transalp 105 CTi takes the flotation to the next level. In the 178, the 105 hits 1530 grams per ski on the scale, so you do pay for it slightly with the weight, but if the extra flotation is worth it to drag the extra grams up the hill, then you are likely a 105 skier. Similar to the Ranger series, as the Transalp gets wider, it also gets slighlty more rockered. This delivers smoother flotation and a smearier feel even though the turn radius is roughly the same at 22-meters in the 178. While many touring skiers may not seek out metal in their products, the Transalp does a nice job of making it blend in with the rest of the ski’s lighter weight materials. We still get carbon stringers and a light paulownia wood core here, so adding the metal is an acceptable move for most advanced and expert touring skiers.

Who it's For:

If you’re in search of smooth, predictable flotation, the Transalp 105 CTi is the place to be. With a nice flex, it has some freeride flair to it as well.

Price: $899.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 K2 Wayback 98 Skis

Overview:

Like we saw in the Transalp, not all touring skis are devoid of metal. The K2 Wayback 98 takes it another step with a somewhat robust metal laminate that mirrors how they use it in their titanal I-Beam, just shorter. Built with a light paulownia wood core, the Wayback holds up its end of the deal when it comes to mobility and ease of climbing. In the 179, we’re looking at a product weight of 1390 grams per ski, making it a light and capable tourer for a lot of different applications. In the 179, we’re getting a 22.1-meter turn radius, and when combined with the flexible nature of the ski, Wayback does a great job of combining smearing, surfing, and gradual carving into your descent.

Who it's For:

Skiers who are looking for a tried-and-true product that has stood the test of time when it comes to making for a strong and predictable ski.

Price: $799.95

Buy Now

At a Glance:

2025 K2 Wayback 106 Skis

Overview:

The K2 Wayback 106 is a smooth and capable performer for softer and deeper snow, providing a great platform for making the full day both adventurous and fun. Built with a light weight paulownia wood core, the Wayback 106 gets carbon overdrive stringers—basically long longitudinal stringers that are a bit wider than most. The Ti Spyne is found mainly in the binding zone, so it does adhere to the “reinforcement” aspect, but it also extends fore and aft for more power and smoothness. In the 179, the skis sit on the scale at 1475 grams per ski, allowing for easy and efficient climbing, not just for this width, but for any width of ski. The 106 gets a slightly longer turn radius than the 98, slotting in at 22.3 meters. As a wider ski, it’s nice to have this straighter cut, especially in the deeper snow.

Who it's For:

Fun, creative, and playful skiers who are looking to spend most of their time in softer and deeper snow will love the Wayback 106.

Price: $849.95

Buy Now

At a Glance:

2025 Salomon QST Echo 106 Skis

Overview:

The Salomon QST Echo 106 is a carryover model for 2025, bringing lightweight energy and a smooth performance to the mid-100's. While the weight of the ski is on the heavier side, the performance is a lot stronger than the grams may indicate. Built with a blend of poplar and caruba in the wood core, Salomon adds basalt fibers to the mix in order to stiffen the ski, add responsiveness, and keep the ski light and mobile. Underfoot, the skis use a titanal binding reinforcement plate and in the tips and tails we get cork damplifier to minimize vibrations and chatter. On the sides, the recycled sidewalls are both eye-catching and eco-friendly. In the 189, the Echo hits 1950 grams per ski and hits a 20-meter turn radius. Since it has a similar shape and profile to the QST 106, the Echo is a proven performer with greater uphill efficiency.

Who it's For:

We see a lot of Cody Townsend shredding huge mountain peaks and rugged couloirs on these skis. That you?

Price: $799.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Salomon MTN Carbon 96 Skis

Overview:

The Salomon MTN Carbon 96 is a full-on touring product from Salomon that makes quick work of the ascents. Built with a full karuba wood core, the skis are light to start. We get a Ti binding reinforcement to keep you attached and carbon/basalt fibers through the ski to boost stiffness and response. In the tips, the MTN Carbon 96 uses cork to filter out unwanted vibrations. In the 182, the ski’s weight of 1500 grams is right on the mark for blending uphill ease and downhill fun. That, paired with a 19-meter turn radius allows skiers the benefit of being playful and surfy in the fresh. Underfoot, with a decent amount of camber, the skis operate well in technical zones and steeper terrain. In the mid-90's the name of the game is versatility, and the MTN Carbon 96 has a ton in common with that term.

Who it's For:

Touring-specific skiers who are looking to make the most out of the ups but don’t want to forget completely about the downs will love the easy-going MTN Carbon 96.

Price: $799.95

Buy Now

At a Glance:

2025 Stockli Edge FT Skis

Overview:

It’d be somewhat simplistic to state that the Edge FT is the touring version of the Stormrider 95, but that’s kind of what’s going on here. This makes the Edge FT an incredibly capable downhill performer, and while it’ll take a bit of a hit when it comes to uphill efficiency, fans of smooth, powerful, and precise skis will gladly accept that compromise. We get a mix of light weight wood in the core here and a full sheet of metal along the top. This keeps the smoothness high and the weight relatively low. In the 185, Stockli states a weight of 1635 grams, about 200g lighter than the Stormrider with two sheets of metal. Thin Glass Laminate is also used here, as is a lighter polywall sidewall to make the ski more efficient on the ups. This is a great option for a hybrid binding as there’s definitely a resort potential use here.

Who it's For:

Quality-oriented skiers who want the feel and stability of a full sheet of metal in their touring skis.

Price: $1,299.00

Buy Now

At a Glance:

2025 Volkl Rise Beyond 96 Skis

Overview:

Volkl’s Rise Beyond 96 has been a battle-tested touring ski that has an interesting cap construction, a lot of pep, and a very light weight for easy climbs. By using a light hybrid multi-layer wood core with a carbon shovel, the skis get a nice light build at a paltry 1320 grams per ski. While we do get Volkl’s 3D Radius Sidecut, it’s not as dramatic as some of the Mantra or Blaze series of skis. We get a 24m arc in the tips, 17m underfoot, and 22 in the tail for easy steering and predictable behavior. The cap construction allows for quick and cohesive turns, and this 96 excels in a multitude of areas and zones. By providing a slight amount of edge angle on the sides, the leverage is increased for technical turns and more sketchy terrain. This is most definitely a touring specific ski as there’s not a whole lot of hybrid use here outside of resort skinning.

Who it's For:

Dedicated tourers looking for light weight precision will fall right in line with the Rise Beyond 96. In the mid-90's, this equates to versatility and varying snow depths and terrain choices.

Price: $749.99

Buy Now

At a Glance:

2025 Volkl Katana V.Werks Skis

Overview:

Any Volkl ski with the V.Werks moniker is going to expand and test the limits of ski engineering, and the Katana V.Werks is no different. This ski looks wildly different than anything on the market, and it’s one of the few fully rockered skis left out there today. With razor-thin carbon sidewalls, a central spine of light wood, and a central sidewall, these skis are built with precision, thinness, and uniqueness in mind. For this year, the skin hole is removed from the shovel, but other than that we’re still looking at the same 112 mm underfoot fully rockered, full carbon build that we’ve known in the past. In the 184, the skis sit on the scale at just shy of 1900 grams, so not the lightest, but the rockered profile allows them to be floaty and drifty in any depth of snow. We also get a longer turn radius of 23.5-meters in that 184, making the ski impossibly smeary for being so thin and sharp.

Who it's For:

Technology-oriented skiers who are looking for the ultimate in sophistication and smoothness. You want something fairly different from anything else out there.

Price: $1,349.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results