If you’re searching for the best ski touring skis in 2026, look no further than the Elan Ripstick Tour line. Designed for skiers who want to move efficiently on the uphill without sacrificing too much control on the descent. Elan made a nice balance between lightweight construction and performance. Whether you’re an experienced backcountry guide or a passionate ski-touring enthusiast, the Ripstick Tour skis deliver versatility in every condition. In this review, we will explore why the Elan Ripstick Tour skis stand out as top choices for modern ski touring. And how to pick the right model for your next mountain adventure.
Why the Ripstick Tour series stands out
Here are the key factors that make this line special:
1. Lightweight enough for real touring
The series was developed to deliver freeride performance at a fraction of the weight.
For example, the Ripstick Tour 88 weighs in at 1210 g per ski in length of 170 cm.
That means less fatigue on the uphill. That is a big plus when you’re guiding or skiing long or even consecutive days.
2. Downhill performance that does not feel like a compromise
Elan did not simply make a lightweight ski that skis poorly. The technology shows the commitment:
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Carbon Bridge technology: a carbon rod placed on top of the ski to provide stability, vibration damping and downhill confidence.
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Amphibio Profile: asymmetric sidecut/edge design (camber on one edge, rocker on the other) gives grip where you want it and agility where you need it.
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Solid construction (wood core + carbon/fibreglass laminate + full sidewall) means these skis carve, hold an edge and ski variable snow well. For example, the Tour 88 was praised in testing for “stable at high speed while maintaining good manoeuvrability”.
3. Versatility across backcountry terrain
Whether you’re skinning up long slopes, traversing alpine ridges, or descending mixed snow (powder, crust, variable spring-snow), the Ripstick Tour line is tuned for you.
If you spend a lot of the time in the mountains (which we do), this balance is key — you want something that won’t feel like a toy on the descent but won’t slow you terribly on the ascent.
4. Which one to choose
For the Alps you could have all 3 skis to make the best out of the conditions that come around in one season. And if that sounds a bit much a jack of all trades is the Ripstick Tour 94. Wide enough to tackle varied snow conditions and not to wide for the icy slopes to feel to difficult. What size to get? If you are more advanced skier I would reccomend same length as your height. For example I am 175cm and have 178cm. If you are slightly less experienced I would reccomend one size shorter
On the other hand if you are more of a spring time skier or even into big multiday tours like the Haute Route then look no furhter than the Ripstick Tour 88. Lighter, narrower and with a shorter radius it is a playful ski that manages all kind of snow pretty well. Except if you wish to charge fast on the powder runs and for that look at the next paragraph. Size guide I have 170cm and I love the choice, they are great if I have to carry them and they are a real joy to ski.
And lastly there is the big gun the Glen Plake edition Ripstick Tour 104. Widest and with the largest turn radius they can be a great allround ski if you are lookingfor a more modern skitouring ski and want to ski faster and stable on any terrain. With the size they can get through all kinds of snow much easier and in control than other 2, especially the differnece is against the 88. Length is similat to 94, so same length or slightly longer.
So to sum it up… If you are more oldschool (meaning you make short turns in the powder) take the 88, newschool (charging fast) take the 104 and if you are somewhere in between take the 94:)
5. Last but not least… Ecology!
Elan emphasise that their production uses 100% green energy and more than 70% of the ski volume is made from natural or recycled materials. For a guide who cares about mountain ethics, that adds a nice touch.
So whatever you choose keep your equipment well maintained. Wax the skis and skins and dont forget to lube the bindings regularly.
See you on the slopes!
