Best Backcountry & Touring Skis of 2025: Reviews & Guide

Backcountry skiing is booming, with lightweight, portable gear like Snowfeet products leading the charge. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, this guide helps you pick the perfect skis for your adventure. Here's what you need to know:

Top Picks:
- Mini Ski Skates (38 cm): Great for beginners, priced at $150.
- Snowfeet PRO (50 cm): Ideal for intermediate skiers, priced at $250.
- Skiblades (65 cm & 99 cm): Versatile for mixed terrain, starting at $450.
- POWDER (99 cm) & Short Skis (120 cm): Best for deep snow, up to $690.
Key Features:
- Compact, lightweight designs fit in backpacks.
- Compatible with regular winter boots.
- Easy to learn and maneuver.
Comparison to Traditional Skis:
- Snowfeet are smaller (38–120 cm vs. 150–190 cm) and more portable.
- No need for specialized ski boots or bulky transport gear.
- Affordable, starting at $150 compared to $600+ for traditional skis.

Model	Length	Price	Best For
Mini Ski Skates	38 cm	$150	Beginners, packed snow
Snowfeet PRO	50 cm	$250	Intermediate skiers
Skiblades (65 cm)	65 cm	$450	Mixed terrain, carving
Skiblades (99 cm)	99 cm	$490	Powder, stability
POWDER / Short Skis	99–120 cm	$490–690	Deep snow, advanced skiing

Snowfeet offers a practical, portable alternative to traditional skis, perfect for backcountry enthusiasts. Ready to hit the slopes? Let’s dive in!

2025 80-112 mm Alpine Touring Ski Comparison with ...

What Makes Good Backcountry Skis

When it comes to backcountry skiing, having lightweight and compact skis can make all the difference. The right features ensure better performance in remote areas while maintaining the balance between size and functionality.

Why Weight and Size Matter

In backcountry skiing, weight and portability are critical. Unlike traditional skis, which can be cumbersome, Snowfeet designs prioritize lightweight materials and ease of use.

"Snowfeet are small and light so you can take them anywhere. You don't need ski boots or any other heavy and expensive equipment." - Snowfeet Team ^[2]

Here’s how their compact design stands out:

Feature	Advantage
Lightweight Design	Helps reduce fatigue on long backcountry tours
Compact Size	Fits easily into most backpacks
Quick Setup	No need for specialized ski boots
Enhanced Mobility	Allows for better control in tight spaces

Adapting to Different Snow Conditions

Modern backcountry skis are designed to handle a variety of snow types, and Snowfeet products are no exception:

Performance on Packed Snow:
Snowfeet Mini Ski Skates (38 cm / ~15 inches) excel on groomed and packed snow. Their design ensures sharp control and quick turns, making them ideal for precision skiing.

Handling Deep Powder:
For deeper snow, Snowfeet POWDER (99 cm / ~39 inches) and Short Skis (120 cm / ~47 inches) provide the stability and floatation needed to glide smoothly over powder.

Versatility on Mixed Terrain:
Skiblades (65 cm / ~26 inches and 99 cm / ~39 inches) are built for:

Strong edge grip on firm snow
Reliable floatation in softer conditions
Stability on uneven or unpredictable terrain

Options for Different Skill Levels

Snowfeet products cater to skiers at every level, offering tailored features to suit both beginners and experts.

Beginner-Friendly Choices:
Snowfeet Mini Ski Skates are perfect for those starting out, thanks to their shorter length and easy-to-use bindings.

For Intermediate Skiers:
Skiblades (65 cm) provide added stability and better edge control, making them great for tackling steeper slopes.

Advanced Performance:
Snowfeet PRO (50 cm / ~20 inches) and Skiskates (44 cm / ~17 inches) are designed for experienced skiers, featuring:

Precision edge control for technical terrain
Quick, responsive turning across varying conditions
Better speed control on steep descents

Up next, we’ll break down the performance of each Snowfeet model to help you find the perfect fit for your backcountry adventures.

2025 Snowfeet Product Reviews

Snowfeet

Here’s a breakdown of the Snowfeet models, designed to meet a variety of backcountry skiing needs.

Snowfeet Mini Ski Skates (38 cm / 15 in)

At $150.00, the Mini Ski Skates are a budget-friendly entry point for winter adventurers. With a 4.9/5 rating from 1,128 reviews, they’re praised for being lightweight and compatible with most winter footwear. These are perfect for beginners or those looking for a simple, portable option.

Snowfeet PRO (50 cm / 20 in)

For $250.00, the PRO model offers a step up in stability, making it ideal for tougher backcountry conditions. Its 50 cm (20 in) length strikes a balance between portability and control.

"With these little skis, you feel much more agile, faster, and above all – comfortable. No buckles, no heavy boots – just strap in and go." - Jakub F, Snowfeet Skiblades Reviewer ^[2]

Skiskates (44 cm / 17 in)

Priced at $390.00, the Skiskates are aimed at professionals who need precision and control. Built with a durable wood core, their compact 44 cm (17 in) design is great for technical descents while keeping portability in mind.

Feature	Benefit
Wood Core Construction	Improves durability and performance
Compact Design (44 cm / 17 in)	Ideal for navigating steep, technical terrain

Skiblades (65 cm and 99 cm)

The Skiblades series offers two sizes to suit different skiing styles:

65 cm Skiblades (≈26 in) – $450.00

Great for carving and quick turns on varied terrain.

99 cm Skiblades (≈39 in) – $490.00

Provides better flotation in deep snow.
Adds stability at higher speeds.
Designed for open terrain performance.

Snowfeet POWDER and 120 cm Short Skis

The POWDER model (99 cm) is priced at $490.00 and built for deep snow. With a flawless 5.0/5 rating from 96 verified reviews, it’s a favorite for powder enthusiasts.

For those tackling the most challenging conditions, the 120 cm Short Skis deliver unmatched stability. At $690.00, they’re crafted for aggressive skiing in demanding backcountry environments.

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Snowfeet vs Major Ski Brands

Building on the portability and agility already discussed, let's see how Snowfeet stacks up against traditional ski brands like Rossignol, Atomic, and Elan. For backcountry adventurers, convenience in size, learning, and transport can make all the difference.

Size and Transport

Traditional skis usually measure between 150–190 cm (59–75 in) long, which can make storage and transportation a hassle. Snowfeet products, however, are designed with portability in mind:

Feature	Traditional Skis	Snowfeet Products
Length Range	150–190 cm (59–75 in)	38–120 cm (15–47 in)
Storage Needs	Requires a ski bag/rack	Fits in a backpack
Additional Gear	Ski boots required	Works with standard winter footwear
Transport Method	Car rack or special carrier	Fits in personal luggage

"I just really love this concept, as the snowfeet are small and lightweight, so you can walk uphill with your normal snowshoes and when you reach the top, you get the snowfeet out of your backpack and you're ready to go! They will def be packed as standard equipment for our next winter holidays." - the.bigwhite.wolf, Snowfeet Customer ^[2]

Not only are they easy to carry, but Snowfeet also simplify the process of getting started on the slopes.

Ease of Learning

Traditional skis often come with a steep learning curve, requiring lessons and practice to feel confident. Snowfeet's shorter design makes them much more beginner-friendly:

Aspect	Traditional Skis	Snowfeet Products
Learning Time	Several days to weeks	Just a few hours
Balance Control	More difficult	Intuitive and simple
Turn Radius	Wider, needs more space	Tighter, easier to maneuver
Edge Control	Takes time to master	Straightforward to handle

This ease of use makes Snowfeet a great choice for anyone looking to dive into backcountry skiing without a long learning period.

Product Comparison Chart

Here's a quick breakdown to show how Snowfeet compares to traditional skis:

Feature	Traditional Skis	Snowfeet Short Skis
Starting Price	$600+ (without boots)	$150–$690
Weight	6–9 lbs per ski	2–4 lbs per ski
Boot Compatibility	Requires specific ski boots	Compatible with winter shoes/boots
Terrain Use	Limited to ski slopes	Works on various terrains
Storage Space	Requires a dedicated area	Minimal space needed
Transportation	Needs roof rack or carrier	Fits in a backpack

"They are very practical because they are small, making them easy to carry with you. They are also easy to put on and take off, and you can use them with regular shoes. My son tried them on the ski slopes also and enjoyed them a lot." - G.S., Snowfeet Customer ^[2]

Thanks to their compact size and versatility, Snowfeet are especially suited for backcountry skiing. These comparisons highlight how Snowfeet products cater to the evolving needs of skiers looking for convenience and performance.

How to Pick Your Snowfeet Skis

Skill Level Guide

Choose your Snowfeet model based on your experience level:

Beginners:

Mini Ski Skates (38 cm) or Skiskates (44 cm): Designed for easy control and quick learning.
Great for simple turns and smooth maneuvering.
A forgiving design that’s perfect for starters.

Intermediate:

Skiblades (65 cm): Offers better stability for growing confidence.
Snowfeet PRO (50 cm): Provides more precise control for intermediate users.

Advanced:

Skiblades (99 cm): Built for speed and excellent stability.
POWDER or Short Skis (120 cm): Ideal for tackling varied terrains with ease.

"Shorter skis are more universal and they are easier to learn for all ages and types of skiers." - Snowfeet Team ^[1]

Once you’ve identified your skill level, consider the snow conditions and terrain where you’ll use them.

Snow Type and Location

Terrain Type	Recommended Model	Key Features
Groomed Slopes	Skiskates (44 cm)	Precise edge control and ski-like feel
Hiking Trails	Mini Ski Skates (38 cm)	Lightweight and easy to carry
Local Hills	Skiblades (65 cm)	Versatile and beginner-friendly
Powder Areas	Snowfeet POWDER (99 cm)	Great float and deep snow handling
Snowparks	Skiblades (65/99 cm)	Perfect for carving and landing tricks

Other factors to think about include snow depth, how far you’ll need to transport them, and the steepness of the terrain.

Cost and Equipment Needs

Model	Price Range	Gear Required
Mini Ski Skates (38 cm)	From $140	Regular winter boots
Snowfeet PRO (50 cm)	$230	Winter boots, poles
Skiskates (44 cm)	From $330	Ski/snowboard boots
Skiblades (65 cm)	From $400	Winter boots, poles
POWDER (99 cm) / Short Skis (120 cm)	$450-$650	Winter boots, poles

Additional gear to consider:

Wax for maintenance (starting at $6)
Replacement straps
Winter clothing
A carrying bag or backpack

One big advantage of Snowfeet is their portability. Unlike traditional skis, you won’t need ski racks or specialized transport gear, which can save you money in the long run.

Conclusion

Snowfeet brings winter sports to a broader audience, with over 50,000 skiskaters worldwide enjoying their products ^[2].

Their reputation for quality is backed by impressive ratings - 4.9/5 for Mini Ski Skates and a flawless 5.0/5 for Skiblades ^[2]. Snowfeet founder Zbyněk shares his enthusiasm:

"In my opinion, Skiskates is the best product for slopes we developed so far. I love how easy they are to ski and skate and how many different kinds of tricks I can perform without much effort and almost no restrictions." ^[3]

Prices range from $150 for Mini Ski Skates to $690 for Short Skis ^[2], offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional ski gear from brands like Rossignol and Atomic.

Snowfeet’s gear is designed to handle any terrain - whether you're cruising groomed slopes, trekking hiking trails, or tackling powder. Plus, with free shipping and delivery in just 3-5 days ^[2], getting started is hassle-free.

The compact design, ease of use, and compatibility with regular winter boots make Snowfeet an appealing choice for both beginners and seasoned adventurers. Explore the full range at snowfeetstore.com and find the model that fits your winter sports style.

FAQs

What makes Snowfeet products better than traditional skis for backcountry skiing?

Snowfeet products provide unique advantages over traditional skis, especially for backcountry skiing. Their shorter length, such as the Snowfeet WALKSKI Backcountry Touring Skis (99 cm), makes them highly maneuverable, allowing for better control in tight spaces and on difficult terrain. This increased agility is perfect for navigating the unpredictable conditions of the backcountry.

Additionally, Snowfeet skis are lightweight and portable, making uphill climbs and carrying them a breeze. Unlike traditional skis, they don’t require specialized boots - Snowfeet bindings are compatible with standard winter boots or snowboard boots, offering unmatched convenience and versatility. These features make Snowfeet a practical and innovative choice for backcountry adventurers looking to simplify their gear while enhancing performance.

How do I pick the best Snowfeet model for my skill level and the terrain I want to explore?

Choosing the right Snowfeet model depends on your experience and the type of terrain you plan to tackle. Skiskates (44 cm) are compact and versatile, blending skiing and skating movements. They're lightweight and portable, making them great for beginners, though their short length may require some getting used to.

For more varied use, Snowfeet mini skis are shorter and ideal for slopes, snowparks, hiking trails, or even local hills. They work well for both skiskating and cross-country skiing. If you're looking for something closer to traditional skis, Snowfeet Skiboards (available in 65 cm, 99 cm, and 120 cm) offer a balanced option with more stability and control, making them suitable for intermediate and advanced users exploring diverse terrains.

Consider your goals and skill level to find the perfect fit for your adventure!

Are Snowfeet products good for deep powder, and which models work best in these conditions?

Snowfeet products are versatile and designed for a variety of terrains, but they are not specifically optimized for deep powder conditions. Their compact size and lightweight design make them better suited for groomed trails, packed snow, and mixed terrain rather than deep, fluffy powder.

If you're planning backcountry adventures in deep powder, the Snowfeet Skiblades 120 cm offer the best performance among the lineup due to their longer length and improved stability. However, for consistently deep powder environments, traditional skis from brands like Rossignol or Atomic may provide more float and control. Snowfeet products excel in portability and agility, making them ideal for quick, fun rides in diverse conditions.