Backland 117 - Review 2025

The Backland 117 might not be the ski you ride the most often, but when conditions align it’s what you want on your feet. Where the Bent Chetler 120 is comparable in size and skintrack weight, the Backland series lets you put your trust in a more traditional shape should you run into any snowpack surprises.

I feel more comfortable with a directional ski in the backcountry, I usually save all the noodling around for inbounds. With that said, skis this wide are rarely all business. While you can rely on Atomic’s tech to get you up the skin track efficiently, there’s plenty of room for fun on the way down.

The same beveled tips found in Atomic’s freeride series and a well-balanced rocker profile allow for the same surfy downhill feel you’ve come to expect from Atomic powder skis. Their core is also a bit lighter than their counterparts in the Bent series.

Practical considerations aside, it’s still a fun, dynamic option for people looking for a wide touring ski. The only trick is waiting for conditions to line up to ski them hard out of bounds.