Movement Alp Tracks 98 Review

In our comparative tests, the Alp Tracks 98 ski performed about as well in firm and poor snow conditions as the previous award-winning Alp Tracks 100. Unfortunately, it just wasn't as lively in powder snow. The performance for the weight of the 98-millimeter-waisted ski is really darn good – few skis are this light and perform this well across the board. We still hope that some company will reintroduce a ski that offers the magic the Alp Tracks 100 seemed to possess. The Alp Tracks 98 comes close, but it just isn't quite there.

Performance Comparison

Weight

In our experience with backcountry skis of the last decade, the ratio of weight versus downhill ski performance is non-linear. From 800 grams – which is a reasonable weight for a skimo ski – up to 1300 grams, downhill performance rises rapidly with every additional gram. However, it begins to taper off at this point, with a second inflection point at around 1600 grams. For these reasons, we generally recommend all-around, human-powered skiers aim for around 1300 grams (if uphill-focused) and 1600 grams (if downhill-focused). On our calibrated scale, one of our test skis weighed 1291 grams and the other 1298 g – an average of 1295 g per ski, which translates to 2589 g or 5.7 lbs for the pair. The Alp Tracks 98 anchors the 1300-gram weight selection, making them a perfect selection for uphill-tuned touring skis.

Firm Snow

Edge hold on the Alp Tracks 98 isn't the tenacious attachment we want from skis we'll use on the steepest, iciest terrain, but that degree of edge hold is rare. On a late season on Wyoming's Rockchuck peak, our lead test editor enjoyed fast, firm, lightly softened corn snow over slope angles ranging from low 20 degrees up to 45 degrees. These skis stay very well centered on firm, steep snow; neither the tips nor the tails grab more than the other.

Powder

If it weren't for our experience with the older, 100 mm version of this ski, the Alp Tracks 98 would score higher in this metric. This may sound more subjective than we should be, but we simply know it can be done better. That said, we still liked the stability, float, and variety of turn shapes offered by the Alp Tracks 98. For their weight, we wish they were a bit more lively through short radius turns. Instead of being able to bob and float, we found ourselves steering these skis at higher speeds to keep these skis above the snow.

Crud and Poor Snow

To continue with the history lesson, the Alp Tracks 98 is infinitely better in tough snow conditions than skis of a similar weight 10 years ago. Sometime around 2016, 1200-1300 gram skis took a big leap forward as it pertains to skiing sloppy snow and busting through breakable crusts. We haven't necessarily seen a leap forward like that since, but we also haven't seen a regression. If your memory of superlight touring skis is based on experience from a while back, it's worth recalibrating with a ski like the Alp Tracks 98 – for the weight, these skis are excellent when the going gets tough.

Stability at Speed

You don't choose 1300-gram skis for their high-speed performance. However, in perfect snow conditions especially, you'll find that level of fun. More importantly, you don't have to size up to achieve stability at speed – if you're on the fence between two sizes, don't be afraid of the shorter version.

Should You Buy the Movement Alp Tracks 98?

Compared to any other backcountry ski in our review, the Alp Tracks 98 offers well-balanced performance across the board. More importantly, it does so at a very respectable weight. Although we consider this an exceptional all-around touring ski, it carries more of a specialty price tag. However, for ski guides or otherwise expert backcountry skiers, the Alp Tracks 98 may well be worthy of your investment.

What Other Backcountry Skis Should You Consider?

The Alp Tracks 98 fills an important market segment for lightweight touring skis, and there aren't many close competitors in our lineup. You'll have to add significant weight to get appreciably better downhill performance than you get with these skis. For an extra 130 grams per ski, the Atomic Backland 95 offers better performance in firm snow with the same well-balanced downhill execution in other conditions. Expect similar performance from the Black Crows Camox Freebird, although an additional 215 grams more per ski improves performance in poor snow conditions. Although you suffer a weight penalty, it is important to point out that both of these skis are significantly cheaper than the Alp Tracks 98. Otherwise, there's a whole host of skis around 1600 grams and 105 mm underfoot that will ski better in soft snow and similarly in firm snow but, of course, require more energy to lug uphill.