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

Buy Now

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

Buy Now

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

Buy Now

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

Buy Now

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

Buy Now

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

Buy Now