Reviews You Can Rely On

Marquette Backcountry Ski Review

gearlab tested logo
Marquette Backcountry Ski Review (Marquette Backcountry Ski)
Marquette Backcountry Ski
Credit: marquette-backcountry
Price:  $189 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Snapperhead Inventions LLC
By Devin Chance ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Feb 20, 2012

Our Analysis

The Marquette Backcountry Ski is a hybrid of a ski and a snowshoe. It's short (140cm) with a fishscale-like tread that grabs at the snow when going up hill and won't let you slide backwards on moderate inclines. It was one of the most popular products at the 2012 Winter Outdoor Retailer show. Why? It is different than many other skis in three ways:
  • There is no metal edge. This improves its durability, especially in low snow conditions. It also means the ski will not perform as well in icy conditions.
  • No need for skins or wax to go uphill. This saves you time and hassle, but also limits the steepness of hills you can climb.
  • You can mount just about any binding on them. You can pick a telemark, randonee, or cheap plastic job for using the ski with your snow boots.

One downside is that the ski is heavy. At over nine pounds for a pair, it is heavier than most other backcountry and nordic ski options of comparable sizes.

It seems its best application is quick trips behind the house. It's basically a more exciting way to go snowshoeing.

Devin Chance