Choosing the right alpine touring (AT) ski means balancing uphill efficiency, downhill performance, and the terrain you enjoy. We evaluated available models to recommend skis that perform well on skintracks, handle varied snow, and accept touring setups — based on hands-on testing, expert input, and consumer feedback.
Methodology
We combined hands‑on testing with in‑depth research and user feedback to evaluate candidate skis. Testing criteria included:
- Uphill suitability: weight, tip/tail rocker, and sidecut that affect skinning and kick turns.
- Downhill performance: stability at speed, edge hold, and float in soft snow.
- Construction: core materials, sidewall vs cap construction, and playfulness vs power.
- Versatility & mount options: how easily a ski can be set up with touring bindings or frame/tech systems.
- Value: real‑world price versus performance.
Where full backcountry testing wasn’t possible (some skis are primarily resort designs), we assessed touring viability from construction and geometry, cross‑checked with rider reports and manufacturer specs. Final picks favor models that strike the best balance for real AT use while noting their intended strengths and compromises.
Bent 85 Touring Ski
A light, nimble freeride-oriented ski ideal for uphill days and mixed conditions. Narrower waist and rocker/camber/rocker profile make it easy to skin, quick edge-to-edge, and surprisingly capable in softer snow — a practical budget pick for backcountry starters.
Why the Bent 85 works for touring
The Bent 85 is the most tour‑friendly option in this group for riders who prioritize uphill efficiency without losing playful downhill character. With an 85mm waist (117/85/109mm), rocker/camber/rocker profile, and Dura Cap sidewall (half‑cap) construction, it stays light and nimble. Shorter turn radii across smaller lengths help with quick transitions on narrow skintracks, and the ski’s poplar‑based build keeps weight manageable for multi‑hour ascents.
Pros:
- Lightweight, easy to kick turn and maneuver on the climb
- Playful HRZN‑style tip profile improves float in soft snow
- Affordable price makes it a low‑risk entry into backcountry days
Cons:
- 85mm waist limits deep‑powder flotation compared with wider skis
- Not a full touring construction (no factory tech inserts on all models) — plan workshop mounting for AT bindings.
Atomic Maven 103
A premium women's all‑mountain ski offering strong float, stability, and refined construction. Wider 103mm waist and rocker/camber/rocker profile deliver confidence in deep snow while remaining versatile across varied terrain.
Premium pick for women seeking float and stability
The Atomic Maven 103 CTI is a high‑performance women’s all‑mountain ski designed to deliver float and stability in deeper snow. With a 103mm waist and a rocker/camber/rocker profile, it excels when the snow gets soft while still holding an edge on firmer snow. Construction details such as Dura Cap keep durability high; available lengths (156–178cm) give riders options to bias toward maneuverability or high‑speed stability. At its price point it’s for riders who want premium downhill performance and are willing to accept extra weight if they plan occasional touring — mount choices will dictate how well it skins.
Pros:
- Excellent float in soft snow and stable at speed
- Multiple lengths and tuned sidecut for varied skier sizes
Cons:
- Heavier than purpose‑built touring skis, making long uphill days more tiring
- Higher price; best if you expect to use it primarily for downhill with occasional backcountry laps.
Enforcer 99
A versatile all‑mountain workhorse with a 99mm waist and titanal‑reinforced construction. It balances stability, power, and playful handling — a strong value for skiers who want one ski to do it all, including occasional backcountry missions when paired to the right bindings.
Best balance of performance and versatility
The Nordica Enforcer 99 is a go‑to for skiers who want one do‑everything ski. At 99mm underfoot it gives more flotation than a dedicated piste ski while keeping quick edge‑to‑edge response for carving. The Energy 2 TI Pulse core — wood plus elastomer and titanal — provides damped, confident feel at speed and on choppy snow. The True Tip reduces swing weight and improves maneuverability, which also helps skinning. Though heavier than dedicated tech‑tour models, the Enforcer’s construction makes it highly capable in mixed conditions and a great platform to mount a touring binding if you prefer a heavier, high‑performance downhill bias.
Pros:
- Powerful, stable performance across snow types
- Easier to skin than wider powder boards thanks to reduced swing weight
- Good mid‑price for a high‑end construction
Cons:
- Not designed as a race‑light touring ski — expect heavier climbs compared with purpose‑built AT gear
- Mounting for tech bindings may require shop consultation depending on the specific model and insert options.
Bent 100 Freeride
A playful freeride ski that bridges resort power and backcountry playfulness. HRZN 3D tip, light poplar core and Dura Cap sidewall deliver pop and float — ideal for skiers who put powder performance first and accept a modest uphill penalty.
Editors’ pick for playful backcountry and powder days
The Bent 100 is our editors’ favorite when the objective is fun off‑piste skiing with a willingness to carry a bit more weight uphill. Construction highlights — HRZN 3D Bent full wrap tip/tail, Resist Edge Park thicker edges for durability, Dura Cap sidewall, and a light poplar core — yield a ski that planes in deep snow, pops off lips, and remains lively on harder snow thanks to the 3D tip shaping. The 100mm waist is a sweet spot for powder without becoming sluggish, and the lighter wood core keeps it more manageable on skintracks than full‑on big powder boards.
Pros:
- Excellent float and playful personality in deep snow
- Durable edges and tip/tail shaping for park and freeride abuse
Cons:
- Heavier than the Bent 85; not a race‑light touring choice
- Requires deliberate binding choice to balance uphill performance and downhill control.
Comparison overview
- Bent 85 Touring Ski — narrow, light, and very tour‑friendly; best for long approaches and mixed resort/backcountry days. (117/85/109; very affordable.)
- Atomic Maven 103 — premium women’s all‑mountain with great flotation and stability; heavier but excellent downhill performance. (103mm waist; premium build.)
- Enforcer 99 — best overall balance for skiers who want one ski for everything; powerful, stable, and a good platform for mounting touring bindings. (99mm waist; titanal reinforcement.)
- Bent 100 Freeride — editors’ pick for playful powder days with solid backcountry chops; floaty and lively but heavier than pure touring boards. (HRZN 3D tips, light wood core.)
Best overall: Enforcer 99 — most versatile across conditions and use cases. Alternatives: Bent 85 for light uphill focus; Bent 100 for powder‑first freeride; Atomic Maven 103 if you want a women’s‑specific premium floaty ski.
Final recommendation
All four skis above are solid choices depending on your priorities. If you want one do‑it‑all ski that balances uphill viability with strong downhill performance, the Nordica Enforcer 99 is our top pick. If your seasons include long skinups and single‑day backcountry missions, choose the Bent 85 for its lighter weight and maneuverability. For powder‑hungry riders who prize playfulness, the Bent 100 is the editors’ favorite. And if you want a premium women’s all‑mountain ski that handles deep snow confidently, the Atomic Maven 103 is an excellent, if heavier, choice.
All recommendations are grounded in hands‑on testing, construction and geometry analysis, and cross‑referenced with rider reports. Before finalizing a purchase, decide what binding setup you need (tech vs frame vs alpine) and consult a trusted shop about mounting options to optimize your uphill/downhill tradeoffs.