TOURING SKIS TEST – UP TO 90MM 2022

Here is our test of touring skis up to 90mm waist, winter 2022. Versatile by definition, designed for all-round skiers, this range of skis allows you to gain height, as these skis are often light, even very light. But in the 86mm to 90mm segment you’ll find THE ski that can do a whole season, allowing you to venture into the January powder and do some big runs whatever the period. See also our ski reviews of wide backcountry skis.

If there was such a thing as an all-purpose ski, it would probably be around 90mm underfoot. That’s why we thought it was relevant to see this width as a tipping point: the more you move away from it in terms of narrowness, the more you are in the “collant-pipette” philosophy, with the desire to eat up the difference in altitude thanks to a very light ski. We were thus able to test skis derived from competition for those who never do less than 2 to 3000 metres of ascent. Then there are skis between 79 and 84mm underfoot, which are designed to accompany the skier on all terrain, in search of lightness. Between 85 and 90mm, versatility is the key word and this is undoubtedly the width that can be recommended for a single pair if you want to accumulate D+. Beyond 90mm, and the further away you go, the lift and ease of handling in deep snow allow for all kinds of daring. We will see that skis over 95, or even 100mm can be versatile, and for some still light.

Ski tests: welcome to Vaujany, french Alps. ©Jocelyn Chavy

©JC

Kästle ski test ©JC

The lightness of the ski, to come back to this first part of the test, is a constant among manufacturers. For a ski of about 1m75 size and 88mm underfoot, a weight of 1500g per ski was the norm a few years ago. Nowadays, we are more often around 1200g, and sometimes below that, close to a kilo. But beware! Lightness is not the only criterion to take into account! The skiability, this criterion gathering the accessible character of the ski while being the most powerful possible, is the key word of our tests. Skiability is also: the ease with which you can initiate a turn; the ability of the ski to change the type of driving, to vary the radius of the curve.

Ski tests 2021-22 ©Jocelyn Chavy

The feeling you get from skiing in all types of snow, with a backpack, is what counts, because for us, skiing is also, and above all, fun on the slopes. Don’t forget this when choosing your pair of skis. This was the spirit in which this test was carried out in partnership with Test4outside: the two editors, Alpine Mag and Test4outside, and their testers, joined forces to do the considerable work involved in testing touring skis. Because a ski is tested on the way down, we were able to benefit from the opening of the Vaujany (Isère, France, near Alpe d’Huez) ski lifts during two consecutive weekends. We would like to thank the resort of Vaujany for this, as well as the Espace Montagne shop in St-Martin-d’Hères for its logistics, advice and good humour. Some pairs of skis were skied longer in the spring. Have a good read, and good skiing.

Read also : our 2022 backcountry ski reviews

©Ulysse Lefebvre

Test and write on the spot ©Jocelyn Chavy

Ski tests: the excellent Hagan Core89 in the powder of Vaujany ©Jocelyn Chavy

Ski test : Dynafit Mezzalama

Ski test : Dynafit Mezzalama

Our test Size tested : 162 cm The Dynafit Mezzalama fits perfectly to its listed program: pure and hard racing! It has almost zero skiability but it offers incredible climbing performance. It is clearly and only made for skiers who line up for the Pierra Menta or the...

Ski test : K2 Wayback 80

Ski test : K2 Wayback 80

Our test Size tested : 170 cm The k2 Wayback 80 is an excellent ski, both lightweight and great skiability. It is well-balanced between the two. You can’t feel the ski underfoot, yet it is pretty fluid, and doesn’t have any nasty tricks up its sleeve. It pivots very...

Ski test – Wedze MT85

Ski test – Wedze MT85

Our test Size tested : 176 cm Wedze (Decathlon) offers this ski alone or in a pack with bindings (Dynafit Tour Light) and skins, for a very competitive price (575 €). The pair of skis alone is also sold at an attractive price (375 €). But does this mean we have a ski...

Ski test – Hagan Core 89

Ski test – Hagan Core 89

Our test Size tested : 170 cm The Hagan Core 89 rides on deep, hard, and groomed snow. It’s an excellent compromise between accessibility/skiability. It’s easy thanks to its pivoting, tip width, curve radius (18.5m), and flex distribution at the fore of the ski. All...

Ski test – Scott Superguide 88

Ski test – Scott Superguide 88

Our test Size tested : 170 cm A mixed review for this Scott Superguide 88 which needs a detailed analysis. You don’t feel immediately at ease on this ski. It’s very flat with a long edge length despite the front rocker. It feels like the ski is glued to the snow, a...

Ski test – Movement Axess 86

Ski test – Movement Axess 86

Our test Size tested : 169 cm The Movement Axess 86 is a very light ski with carbon weaving showing through fore and aft. This Movement Axess 86 showcase this noble fiber with this transparent effect that the designers have mastered the ski’s lateral and longitudinal...

Ski test – Hagan Core 84

Ski test – Hagan Core 84

Our test Size tested : 162 cm We were able to test the Hagan Core 84 in size 162 cm, a women’s length… Therefore, when you weigh 70kg you find yourself on a very flexible ski. The tip bends, which obviously is detrimental to its fluidity. Although, a skier who’s...

Ski test – SkiTrab Magico 2

Ski test – SkiTrab Magico 2

Our test Size tested : 171 cm The Trab Magico 2 is a light ski, just over one kilo. On the snow, it is flighty, you must force down at the front to not be taken by surprise. The only problem is if you put too much pressure on it, due to the construction in this zone...

Ski test – Blizzard Zero G 85

Ski test – Blizzard Zero G 85

Our test Size tested : 178 cm With the Blizzard Zero G 85, you are closer to a traditional ski touring ski that is efficient in the climb, stable on the edge and in steep slopes. We really liked its main characteristic, which is its stability. When crossing slopes and...

Ski test – SkiTrab Maestro.2

Ski test – SkiTrab Maestro.2

Our test Size tested : 171 cm The Trab Maestro.2 is a 100% touring ski that feels like it’s impressively light. It does : 953 g for 171 cm. At any rate, it is very pleasant, you can’t feel it underfoot. Its active edge is pretty long and contributes to a good grip on...

Ski test – Atomic Backland 80 SL

Ski test – Atomic Backland 80 SL

Our test Size tested : 170 cm The Atomic Backland 80 SL, strangely this is a ski that isn’t 80 mm at the waist but 79 mm. this fact doesn’t change a dime of how excellent this product is on the snow; we adored it. A 17.5m radius. This ski is perfect in all conditions,...

Ski test : Dynafit Beast 98

Ski test : Dynafit Beast 98

Our test Size tested : 184 cm The Dynafit Beast 98 doesn’t have a very lifted tip, when you find yourself in deep or crusted snow you are quickly taken by surprise. You mustn’t lean forward, and be sure with your balance. In wide turns at high speed, if you put...