K2 WAYBACK 89 W Ski Set + Bindings

Designed for advanced female skiers who don’t want to choose between efficiency on the ascent and fun on the descent, the K2 WAYBACK 89 W is part of the versatile freerando lineup: a touring ski built to tackle consecutive ascents independently and descend varied slopes with confidence. Its 89 mm waist width provides all-terrain versatility that handles everything from groomed snow to light powder. Redesigned with input from athletes and mountain guides, it strikes a balanced compromise between lightness on the ascent and stability on the descent.

Intended Use and Performance: Versatile freerando ski for experienced female skiers

The WAYBACK 89 W is designed for skiers who practice ski touring with high demands on their downhill performance, without sacrificing fluidity on the ascent. Its All-Terrain Rocker profile makes it easy to initiate turns and ensures adequate float in a variety of snow conditions: cold snow, heavy snow, or mixed snow. With a turning radius of 15.8 m for the standard 160 cm length, it produces sharp, committed turns, suitable for both open slopes and moderate couloirs. This isn’t a racing ski or a minimalist high-mountain tool: it’s a terrain-oriented, versatile ski designed for long days when the descent itself is the ultimate reward.

Construction: Structured lightness for stability on the descent

The construction of the K2 WAYBACK 89 W is based on a combination of materials that directly addresses the demands of the ascent-descent cycle. Here are the key elements that define its performance:

• Paulownia core: a lightweight wood species that reduces the ski’s overall weight and eases the effort on long ascents.
• Titanal Touring Technology: an integrated metal strip that provides stability and absorbs vibrations during descents on hard or crusty snow.
• Carbon Overdrive Reinforcements: Carbon fibers that add snap and responsiveness to the flex without adding weight to the ski.
• Organic Resin: a low-carbon-footprint bonding material that does not affect mechanical performance.
• Snowphobic Topsheet: A water-repellent surface that limits snow buildup on the top of the ski during transitions or when carrying the skis.

This overall design results in a weight of approximately 1,150 g per ski in the 160 cm size, which remains a key benchmark for female skiers who cover significant elevation gain and want to minimize muscle fatigue on long runs.

Dimensions and Geometry: A Profile Designed for Varied Terrain

With dimensions of 121-89-107 mm (tip, waist, tail), the WAYBACK 89 W features a generous tip profile that facilitates turn initiation and float in fresh snow, while the 107-mm tail ensures sufficient grip for support when exiting turns. The 89 mm waist places this ski in an intermediate category—neither too narrow for off-piste descents nor too wide to compromise efficiency on the ascent. It is available in 153- and 160-cm lengths, allowing each skier to choose the length that best suits her build and skiing style.

Skin and Equipment Compatibility: A System Designed for Independence

The K2 WAYBACK 89 W features a skin attachment system called Skin Grommets, with a notch at the tip and a tensioner at the tail. This system ensures the skin stays securely attached along the entire length of the ski, even on rough terrain or during quick transitions. A dedicated, pre-cut skin—the K2 Wayback 89 Skins (designed by Pomoca)—is available as a companion accessory: it fits the width of the ski exactly without requiring any adjustment, simplifying preparation before heading out. The ski is also compatible with lightweight touring bindings with inserts, offering flexibility in mounting depending on the system chosen.

For an experienced skier looking for a touring ski capable of handling a variety of conditions without unnecessarily weighing down her stride, the K2 WAYBACK 89 W offers a well-rounded solution: lightweight thanks to the Paulownia core, stability ensured by Titanal Touring, and an All-Terrain Rocker profile that doesn’t require ideal conditions to perform at its best. Whether for self-guided outings on snow-covered slopes or challenging freerando days, this ski delivers on its promises on both sides of the ridge line.