The Best Women’s Backcountry Skis, Boots, and Bindings of 2017
Superior setups for heading beyond the ropes.
Dynafit Meteorite
It’s not a women-specific ski, but testers preferred it to the Sphinx—the Meteorite’s softer, lighter sister. One of Dynafit’s new freeride offerings, it has an ash and poplar core overlaid with carbon at the rockered tip and tail for added float and lower swing weight. 125.5/97/115.9; 8 lbs
Price $699
Salomon MTN Explore
Last year, Salomon introduced the 120-flex, unisex MTN Lab. Now women get another option: the 90-flex, two-buckle MTN Explore. With a shorter cuff, lighter liner, and 63-degree walk mode, it’s designed for the backcountry but packs plenty of downhill punch. 5.6 lbs
Price $725
Dynafit Radical TLT ST 2.0
Dynafit updated the classic Radical with a noteworthy new feature: improved safety. A rotating toe absorbs impact and reduces the risk of pre-release, meaning it meets the international DIN standard. 2.9 lbs
Price $550
Rossignol Soul 7 HD
We thought the old Soul 7 was the best tool ever made for glade skiing, but the new Soul 7 HD is even better—and lighter. Combine a honeycomb tip and carbon-paulownia core with tip and tail rocker, and you get skis that surf happily in powder but don’t feel outgunned when conditions firm up. 136/106/126; 8.3 lbs
Price $850
Scarpa Freedom SL 120
Want to lay down mean turns rather than set records on the up? This is your boot. A stiff liner and large strap allow for optimal power transfer, while it shows off its Scarpa backcountry heritage with tech inserts and a broad walk mode. 7.4 lbs
Price $779
Tyrolia Ambition 12 Carbon
The Ambition 12 topped our test two years running. With a carbon bar underfoot, this light frame binding skis like a true alpine model. When you’re ready to go up, it’s easy to switch to tour mode. 3.9 lbs
Price $1,150
