2016/2017 Atomic Backland FR 109 W ski review. OnTheSnow tested this ski as part of its women’s Powder Category.

The new model in Atomic’s freeride powder series is designed for the “back land” or in ski vernacular, the backcounty, or any powder day. “This ski has the energy of a high school cheerleader,” says Riley. “It’s an all-around fun powder ski.” The Backland FR 109 W is inspired by the former Century 109, but features new HRZN Tech—Atomic’s new horizontal rocker technology that adds surface area in the tip and tail for better float, while also reducing tip chatter in variable snow. Testers awarded the 109-mm-waisted ski high scores for flotation, but were less impressed with carving performance. “Backland is an appropriate name for this ski that likes to play off-piste,” says Muecke. “It surfs and smears better than it carves.” Construction details include a light poplar wood core along with Atomic’s stabilizing backbone-shaped carbon insert that runs the length of the ski.

Website: atomic.com