TOURING SKIS WITH INCREASED PERFORMANCE AND LOWER IMPACT

Atomic launches the next generation of its successful Backland all-round touring ski line for the 2023-24 season. Based on extensive testing and research, including a scientific life cycle assessment, the skis have been completely redesigned with a lower impact construction that offers greater all-terrain versatility, more uphill efficiency, and better floatation in powder. Cutting CO2 emissions by 30%, the new Backland skis are made with an increased amount of – locally sourced – wood and more recycled materials. Available as men‘s and women‘s skis in widths between 85 and 95mm, the lower-impact Backlands lead the way in Atomic’s responsible, purpose-built future ski design.

THE BACKGROUND

As a leading ski manufacturer Atomic cares deeply about its impact on the environment. Of all outdoor industries, winter sports are the most affected by the climate crisis. To better understand how to reduce impact, Atomic performed extensive research in 2021, including a scientific life cycle assessment (LCA) of its Backland 85 ski, validated by a certified third party in line with ISO 14040/44. The goal was to get an accurate picture of the ski’s environmental footprint ­– from raw material extraction to end of life treatment. The findings: raw materials were the biggest impact drivers, with fiberglass and resin components contributing most to the ski’s overall carbon footprint. Incorporating this knowledge, Atomic’s R&D team developed a new construction that not only reduces the impact of the ski but also improves its on-snow performance.

THE TECH

Compared with the original Backland 85, the 2023-24 Backland skis are built with more wood and recycled material and less metal, fiberglass, and resin. The new All-Terrain profile uses a core made of locally sourced poplar wood, two instead of three fiberglass layers, steel edges and top sheets with increased recycled content, new waste-reducing sidewalls and a reinforcing hard wood binding plate in place of the traditional metal binding reinforcement that significantly improves pull-out strength. This new material combination and construction not only cuts CO2 emissions by 30%. It also changes the ski’s sidecut and shape, adding torsional stiffness, and redefining the flex pattern for greater versatility both on and off piste. In addition, the broader, uniquely beveled three-dimensional tip called HRZN 3D increases the surface area for better float in powder and improved handling in variable conditions, while also reducing swing weight for easier, more powerful skiing.

HIGHLIGHT PRODUCT: BACKLAND 88

The new Backland 88 is a wildly versatile all-terrain touring ski with an 88mm waist that is lightweight on the way up yet reliable and stable with great float on the way down. Equally at home in the backcountry as on piste, it is built with an eye towards reducing environmental impact while at the same time increasing overall performance. It comes in a lower impact design that generates less production waste and cuts CO2 emissions by 30%, with a new wood-to-fiberglass ratio, more wood from local sources, and a higher recycled content. Its unique HRZN 3D tip shape significantly increases floatation in powder and facilitates handling in any snow condition. The new All-Terrain profile adds stiffness and redefines the flex pattern, allowing for efficient climbing and unrivalled downhill performance in any terrain. Powder, hardpack, groomed or any condition in between, the new Backland 88 is a purpose-built, all-round touring ski for ski tourers who crave adventure on every type of terrain.

Also available in a women’s version.

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SKIING

For now, the new, lower impact design is featured in all 2023-24 Backland skis waisted 85 to 95mm. Moving forward, Atomic has developed a road map towards more sustainable ski production and is committed to conducting LCAs on any product update, so that every new construction provides an opportunity to improve performance and reduce impact.

Learn all about Atomic's approach to suatainability in the 2023 impact statement.

The new Atomic Backland skis will be available for the 2023-24 season.