Backcountry skiing, in its essence, is about freedom — the freedom to break away from the bustling resorts, venture into remote landscapes, and carve your tracks in the untouched snow. But for those just starting, it’s easy to imagine that this pursuit is all about chasing pristine powder. The truth, however, is that backcountry skiing often presents you with a wide range of snow conditions, many of which will test your skills and your equipment to the limit. As an experienced backcountry skier might tell you, choosing the right skis is about more than just finding the widest platform for those dreamy powder days.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key factors to consider when selecting your backcountry skis — from ski width and versatility to the technical challenges of the terrain. This guide is rooted in the advice of seasoned skiers who have logged countless days in challenging backcountry conditions.

The Myth of the Wide Ski for Powder

Many newcomers to backcountry skiing fall into the trap of believing they need the widest skis possible for floating through powder. While this idea seems enticing, it’s only part of the story. Sure, wider skis are great when you’re blessed with deep, fluffy snow, but more often than not, backcountry conditions are far less predictable. Wind-scoured ridges, sun-baked slopes, and icy, hard-packed trails are far more common than you might expect. A veteran skier from the Breckenridge area puts it best: “The truth is, you’re going to experience the worst snow conditions you’ve ever skied on in the backcountry.”

Think of the backcountry as an unpredictable wilderness. One moment you’re gliding through soft snow, and the next, you’re navigating icy, hard-packed slopes or descending through steep, dense trees. And remember, your exit from a run is often the trickiest part, with narrow, icy trails that are nothing like the wide-open bowls you dreamed of when you set out.

For these reasons, opting for skis that are too wide can be a liability when the snow isn’t perfect. Wider skis make it more challenging to maneuver through tough conditions, particularly when navigating tricky descents or tight tree lines. They may float beautifully in the powder, but in the varied and often unforgiving terrain of the backcountry, you’ll need something more versatile.

Side-Hilling and Kick Turns: The Hidden Challenges

One of the most technical aspects of backcountry skiing is the ascent, where side-hilling and kick-turning are common techniques you’ll use to navigate steep terrain. Side-hilling involves traversing a slope that’s too steep to climb straight up, and kick turns are used to change direction when you switchback up the mountain.

Here’s where wider skis can become a real challenge. When side-hilling, wider skis can make it harder to maintain your grip on a steep slope. A wider ski places more of your weight away from the slope, meaning less of the ski is actually in contact with the snow. This reduces your traction and makes it harder to maintain your balance. Narrower skis, on the other hand, keep your weight closer to the slope, giving you better control and stability.

Kick turns can also be more difficult with wider skis. The added width requires more effort to lift and turn the skis as you reverse your direction, which can quickly become exhausting, especially on steeper pitches. In the backcountry, efficiency is everything. You want a setup that allows you to conserve energy for the descent, rather than burning yourself out on the climb.

A Personal Lesson: Wide Isn’t Always Better

One experienced skier shared their own backcountry ski evolution. Their first touring setup was 114 mm underfoot — a width they thought would allow them to chase powder. “They were ok, but far from ideal,” they recalled. Over time, they realized that the best days in the backcountry aren’t always about deep snow. Instead, they found that narrower skis (around 100-105 mm) offered a better balance, allowing them to handle a variety of snow conditions with more ease and control.

The beauty of backcountry skiing is that it doesn’t always require ultra-wide skis to enjoy soft snow. In fact, most skiers will find that a ski in the 100-105 mm range is perfectly capable of floating through powder while still providing the edge control and stability needed for firmer snow and technical descents.

Versatility is Key: Finding the Sweet Spot

When selecting your backcountry skis, it’s important to consider the full range of conditions you’re likely to encounter, not just the dream of fresh powder. For most backcountry skiers, versatility is key. A ski width in the range of 100-105 mm underfoot strikes a balance between flotation in softer snow and the ability to navigate trickier terrain when the conditions are less than ideal.

For those who are particularly focused on spring skiing or tackling steeper, more technical lines, a narrower ski (90-95 mm underfoot) can be even more advantageous. These skis are lighter, more agile, and excel in firmer snow conditions. They also allow for quicker, more precise movements, which can be a lifesaver in high-consequence terrain.

However, if you’re looking for a true powder-specific setup and you’re frequently accessing your runs with snowmobiles or helicopters (or if you’re fortunate enough to be skiing in consistently deep snow), then a wider ski (110 mm or more) may still be the right choice. Just remember, the trade-off for extra width is decreased maneuverability and performance in variable conditions.

Balancing Weight and Performance

Weight is another critical factor when selecting your backcountry skis. The lighter the ski, the less energy you’ll expend on the climb — which can make a significant difference on long tours. But there’s a trade-off: lighter skis often sacrifice some downhill performance, particularly in challenging snow conditions. A ski that’s too light may chatter or lose stability when descending icy or rough slopes.

That said, advancements in ski construction have led to lightweight options that still perform well on the downhill. Look for skis that offer a balance between weight and stiffness. If you’re primarily concerned with big, technical descents, a slightly heavier, stiffer ski might be worth the extra effort on the climb. Conversely, if your main focus is long tours and efficient travel, prioritize lighter models that still have enough backbone to handle variable conditions.

Final Thoughts: Selecting the Right Tool for the Job

Choosing backcountry skis isn’t just about picking the widest model to float through powder. It’s about understanding the full spectrum of terrain and snow conditions you’ll encounter, and selecting skis that will perform well in all of them. Versatility, control, and weight are key considerations that will help you make the most of your backcountry adventures.

A ski in the 100-105 mm range underfoot is often the sweet spot for those looking to explore diverse terrain and conditions. It offers enough width to float in powder while maintaining the precision and stability needed for tricky descents. If your heart is set on steep, technical lines or spring skiing, don’t be afraid to go narrower for added control. And if deep powder is truly your goal, just be aware of the sacrifices you’ll make when the conditions aren’t ideal.

At the end of the day, the backcountry is unpredictable. But with the right skis, you’ll be ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way — from powder-filled bowls to wind-scoured ridgelines, icy trails, and beyond.