How to Choose the Best Touring Skis in 2027
This season, manufacturers continue to shift towards touring skis with waist widths of 90 mm and above, with an increasing number of models exceeding 100 mm underfoot. As a result, narrower and lighter skis are becoming less common. At first glance, this trend may seem surprising, since wider skis are generally less efficient on the ascent, especially on firm snow where increased leverage reduces both comfort and climbing efficiency. However, several recent snowy winters and the growing popularity of freerando have largely driven this evolution.
As our 2027 touring skis comparison once again confirms, there are very few poor-performing models on the market today. The real challenge is choosing the best touring skis for your needs, experience level and skiing style. A very stiff ski designed for aggressive skiing in steep terrain will not necessarily suit most backcountry skiers, while a more forgiving model often delivers greater enjoyment in everyday conditions.
That’s why our touring skis reviews evaluate much more than downhill performance. We assess uphill efficiency, edge grip, stability, maneuverability, ease of use, weight and overall versatility, giving you all the information you need to choose the right pair of touring skis.
Whether you’re looking for an ultralight 75 mm touring ski for big vertical days, a versatile model in the 85–90 mm range, or a wider ski built for powder and freeride descents, you’ll find the right option among more than 130 touring skis tested and compared.
The complete 2027 Touring Skis Test & Comparison will be published on October 1 in Ski Rando Magazine #65. In the meantime, you can download Issue #61 for free to discover our 2026 touring skis reviews, detailed testing methodology, comprehensive comparisons and expert advice on choosing the best touring skis.
BRANDS
ARMADA – ATOMIC – BLACK CROWS – BLACK DIAMOND – BLIZZARD – DECATHLON – DYNAFIT – DYNASTAR – ELAN – FACTION – FISCHER – FIZ– G3 – HAGAN – HEAD – KASTLE – K2 – MAJESTY – MOONLIGHT – MOVEMENT – NORDICA – OGSO – ROSSIGNOL – SALOMON – SCOTT – TRAB – VOLKL– ZAG
2027 BEST TOURING SKIS
Looking for the best touring skis of 2027? Our selection brings together the highest-rated models from more than 130 touring skis tested during a full winter in real backcountry conditions. Every ski is evaluated using the same testing protocol, taking into account uphill efficiency, downhill performance, edge grip, stability, maneuverability, weight and versatility. Whether you’re searching for a lightweight ski for long ascents, an all-round touring ski, or a wider model designed for powder and freerando, this selection highlights the skis that stood out during our latest touring skis reviews. Click on each model to read the complete review, detailed scores and technical analysis.
BACKCOUNTRY SKI TEST: TOURING SKIS OVER 100 MM WAIST
The widest touring skis designed for deep snow and freerando. These models deliver maximum float, stability and downhill performance in powder and soft snow, while requiring more effort on the ascent and on hard snow.
TOURING SKI TEST: 90–100 MM UNDERFOOT
The most versatile touring skis on the market. Once considered powder skis, models between 90 and 100 mm underfoot are now used as everyday touring skis thanks to their lower weight and improved uphill efficiency.
TOURING SKI TEST: 85–90 MM UNDERFOOT
A category that can be described as versatile. These are all-purpose touring skis, primarily intended for 100% touring use, though some models can also handle light freerando. Their width and lightness offer solid uphill performance, while still delivering reliable downhill capabilities.
TOURING SKI TEST: 70–85 MM UNDERFOOT
The lightest touring skis, designed for ski mountaineering, racing or long-distance tours where uphill efficiency is the priority.
WOMEN’S SKI TOURING TEST
Women’s touring skis are most often adapted versions of the men’s models, usually offered in smaller sizes. Their performance is generally very similar to the men’s versions. In some cases, we test both, but when we don’t, you can confidently refer to the corresponding men’s review—apart from the graphics, the differences are minimal!
WHERE TO BUY TOURING SKIS?
AU VIEUX CAMPEUR – SNOWLEADER – TELEMARK PYRENEES – MONTAZ
2027 Touring Ski Test Video
Go behind the scenes of Ski Rando Magazine’s 2027 ski touring test. Discover the real mountain conditions our testers faced throughout the winter and see how our annual ski testing campaign was carried out in the field.
Photos from the Touring Ski Test
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best touring skis in 2027?
The best touring skis depend on your skiing style, fitness level and snow conditions. Our comparison includes more than 130 models tested in real backcountry conditions, from ultralight touring skis to freerando models over 100 mm underfoot.
What is the best waist width for touring skis?
Skiers looking for versatility usually choose skis between 85 and 95 mm underfoot. Narrower skis are lighter and more efficient on the ascent, while wider skis provide better float in powder.
How heavy should touring skis be?
Most modern touring skis weigh between 1,100 and 1,700 g per ski. Lighter models are ideal for long ascents, while heavier skis generally provide better downhill stability.
How do you test touring skis?
Every ski is tested using the same protocol throughout the winter, both in ski resorts and in real backcountry conditions. We evaluate uphill efficiency, downhill performance, edge grip, stability, maneuverability, weight and overall versatility.