2025 Atomic Backland 109 Skis Review
By: evo Employees | Last Updated: June 8th, 2024
Review Summary
Avg. Tester Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
The new Atomic Backland 109 skis are designed for versatile backcountry performance, and feature a 109mm waist width that balances powder floatation with maneuverability in varied conditions. After our testers weighed in, they all agreed that these skis offer stability and control for deep powder explorations and challenging ascents, while also being playful and capable of a range of turn shapes for jumps, trees, and powder stashes on the descents. Going downhill, they perform confidently in fresh snow, chopped-up outruns, and groomers. The lightweight, low-impact construction with more wood and less metal provides added energy and pop, making them a reliable option for both inbound fun and efficient touring.
Shop the Atomic Backland 109 SkisTechnical Details
"Whether you're planning a day-tour or a quick lap after work, the all-around Backland series is designed so you'll enjoy every aspect of backcountry skiing, from the perfect kick-turn to the last descent of the day."
| Available Sizes (cm) | 176, 184, 189 |
| Dimensions (Tip - Waist - Tail, mm) | 135 - 109.5 - 124 (184cm) |
| Radius (m) | 19 (184cm) |
| Rocker/Camber Profile | Powder Rocker (25% Tip Rocker / 70% Camber / 10% Tail Rocker) |
| Construction | Ultra Light Woodcore + Fiberglass + Resin + Hardwood Binding Reinforcement |
| Weight | 1540g (184cm) |
Expert Testers & Methodology
Why should you trust evo's Field Tested Reviews? Great question! Over this past winter, evo employees from our various locations across Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado and Whistler were selected to provide long-term testing of next year's hottest new skis and snowboards. Employees were also invited to attend exclusive multi-day demo events where brands — like Atomic — showcased their upcoming products for the 2024/2025 winter season. By collecting unbiased, in-depth reviews from our most experienced skiers and snowboarders, we hope to help you find the best gear to maximize your fun in the mountains!
Testing the Atomic Backland 109 Skis:
We had five different testers with decades of snowboarding experience spend extensive time testing out the Atomic Backland 109. As advanced riders with a diverse background of skiing experience across a variety of mountains, conditions and terrain, they independently compiled their thoughts and each provided us their individual reviews below.
Brett Protheroe
Customer Care Lead
Tester Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Tester Ability Level: Expert
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 150 lbs
Size Tested: 189 cm
Testing Location: Brighton, UT
A versatile and reliable option built for backcountry skiing.
"The Atomic Backland 109 skis are a versatile and reliable option built for backcountry skiing in mind. With a 109mm waist width, these skis strike a balance between powder floatation and maneuverability in variable conditions. Whether you're exploring deep powder or tackling challenging ascents, the Atomic Backland 109 skis offer stability and control."
Jordan Sunshine
Ski Buyer
Tester Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Tester Ability Level: Expert
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 175 lbs
Size Tested: 184 cm
Testing Location: Snowbasin, UT
Don't pigeon hole this as a backcountry-only ski.
"I like to keep my skiing playful, looking for jumps, trees and pow stashes wherever possible. I ski fast but prefer skis that can easily let loose and perform a range of turn shapes. These Backland 109s allowed me to do all that with confidence whether I was cruising through fresh snow, charging through chopped up outruns, or just casually carving down groomers. Although I didn't take them on any uphill endeavors, they definitely have a lightweight feel that reassures me they'd be plenty efficient for average touring missions. Definitely a ski that you can have fun with both inbounds and out."
Pat Mahoney
Brand Manager, Product Marketing
Tester Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Tester Ability Level: Advanced
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 180 lbs
Size Tested: 184 cm
Testing Location: Utah
Fun & Versatile in All Conditions
"The all new Backland 109 is lighter, more fun, and all with a lower-impact construction. The new construction uses more wood & less metal which gives the ski a bit more energy & some pop. I was only able to spend a few days on the Backland 109 in variable snow conditions but found it to perform surprisingly which speaks to it's maneuverability & versatility. If I could only choose to tour on one ski the Backland 109 is for sure in the conversation."
Pros
- Versatile Performance: Handles deep powder, variable conditions, and challenging ascents with stability and control.
- Playful and Fun: Suitable for jumps, tree skiing, and various turn shapes, providing confidence and enjoyment in different snow conditions.
- Lighter Weight Construction: Efficient for touring missions with a low-impact design, offering energy and pop due to the increased wood content and reduced metal.
Cons
- Potential Limitations in Extreme Conditions: Limited feedback on performance in more extreme conditions, with emphasis on versatility over specialization. Lightweight skis tend to get thrown around more in icy and/or variable snow conditions too.
- New Construction Uncertainty: The new design is definitely lighterweight and more nimble, but the jury is out as to whether this new design will hold up to abuse over time.
Who Is It For?
The 2025 Atomic Backland 109 skis are ideal for skiers who want a versatile backcountry option whether conditions are soft or firm. Whether you're looking to balance powder floatation with maneuverability in varied conditions. They are perfect for those who want efficiency on the uphill journey but don't want to compromise on fun when it's time to go back down. On the descents, these skis are ideal for those who ski playfully, seeking jumps, tree runs, and powder stashes while maintaining control and confidence at high speeds. Skiers who appreciate a lightweight and energy-efficient construction will find these skis well-suited for touring missions. Additionally, these skis cater to individuals who value a fun and lively ride, with the ability to handle both inbounds and backcountry terrain.
Shop the Atomic Backland 109 Skis