The goal: To find the backcountry skis that demonstrated the best balance of uphill and downhill performance. Our test crew included a mix of nine-to-fivers, weekend warriors, and self-proclaimed ski bums who cranked out laps in search of lightweight skis that held their own in soft snow and variable conditions alike. It was a good winter to be testing backcountry skis in and around Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Many were lucky enough to catch bottomless pow days, while others tested this year’s crop of backcountry skis in variable conditions between storms. Our testers hit the skintrack for pre-work dawn patrols on Teton Pass and long alpine missions in Grand Teton National Park.

We lucked out big time testing backcountry skis in the Tetons this winter, with record-breaking snowfall that had us reaching for powder sticks more often than not. Testing conditions: Deep powder, chalky windbuff, breakable crust, firm resort groomers, and spring corn Testing locations: Grand Teton National Park, Wyo., Teton Pass, Wyo., Hatcher Pass, Alaska, Snow King Mountain, Wyo., Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah Looking for the best women’s backcountry skis of 2024? You’ll find those here. Whatever adventure you’re in the market for, you can’t go wrong with any of these unisex backcountry skis designed to maximize fun on the ups and the downs. Trying to set a Fastest Known Time on your dawn and dusk patrols? Then you’re looking for something light and narrow underfoot. If you’re in it for the downhill, peruse the skis that are a little wider underfoot and weigh closer to 2,000g per ski.

Whether you’re looking for a dedicated backcountry ski that strikes the perfect balance between weight and performance, a lightweight ski to charge up the biggest peaks, or a slackcountry ski that will pull double-duty at the resort and beyond the ropes, you’ll find something right up your alley on this list of the best backcountry skis of 2024. Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!

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