Imagine this: It's early morning, the Colorado sun is just beginning to peek over the peaks, casting long shadows on a blanket of fresh powder. You clip into your skis, the Atomic BACKLAND 89 SL, and take a deep breath of crisp, mountain air. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for.
Here's the main product — a standout in the 2026 lineup that’s ready to make waves in the world of all-mountain and freeride skiing. Let’s dive into why this ski is set to be your new best friend on the slopes.
Design & Build
When it comes to engineering skis, Atomic hit a home run with the BACKLAND 89 SL. This ski is a masterpiece of modern engineering, designed for those who live for the thrill of a downhill rush. If you're a gearhead, you'll appreciate the reductions in fiberglass and resin, showing off Atomic's commitment to sustainable ski design. But don't worry about jargon — we’re keeping it practical here.
The ski uses more poplar wood, cutting down on fiberglass, and they’ve managed to trim material-based CO2 emissions by an impressive 30%. All this without losing an ounce of performance. The HRZN 3D technology enhances the surface area, offering better float in powder and stability on the descent. The all-terrain profile, balancing natural wood and fiberglass ratios, creates agility for climbs and prowess for your downhill escapades.
Performance on Snow
Slide these babies onto the snow, and they truly come alive. Whether you’re carving up freshly groomed corduroy or navigating tight tree lines, the BACKLAND 89 SL has a way of making every ride feel like the right choice.
Groomers: On groomed terrain, these skis slice through with precision. Solid edge hold and minimal chatter, giving you confidence to edge a bit harder.
Powder: They’re your sidekick in fresh powder — the increased float means you can glide over the deep stuff, saving energy for more runs.
Trees: Maneuverability is where the BACKLAND shines. Nimble and agile, threading through trees becomes less of a chore and more of an art.
Bumps: While the skis handle bumps well for their class, some might find them a tad stiff when the moguls really stack up. Still, they've got enough flex for most to conquer without too much knee strain.
Pros & Cons of the Atomic BACKLAND 89 SL
Pros:
- Incredible maneuverability
- Lightweight for uphill efficiency
- Sustainable materials
- Excellent in powder and varied terrain
Cons:
- Slightly stiff for moguls
- Might feel too light for those used to beefier rides
Who It’s For
Let's cut to the chase: These are not your beginner skis. They’re made for the adventurous intermediate to expert skier who’s looking to tackle everything Colorado mountains can throw at him. If you're a freerider who enjoys a bit of uphill work without the gear dragging you down, the BACKLAND 89 SL is your ski. Racers will appreciate the precision and stability at speed, while all-mountain lovers will enjoy its adaptability across varied terrain.
In essence, if you see yourself tearing up Colorado's expansive and challenging terrain with finesse, you'll want a pair of these skis strapped to your feet.
Closing
If you’re the kind of skier who thrives on a mix of adrenaline and agility, the Atomic BACKLAND 89 SL should be on your radar. Ready to ride all day long through varied terrain, they’re made for skiers who know their limits — and like to push them.
Want to see them for yourself? Swing by our shop and see why this ski, among other all-mountain options, could be your best skiing companion for the Colorado spree. And while you're at it, check out articles on other ski giants like the Redster Q9.8 RVSK S and Faction Prodigy 2 Capsules. Happy skiing, friends!