Völkl Rise 99 V‑Werks review

Völkl’s Rise 99 V‑Werks is a freetouring tool that climbs efficiently and descends with authority. At 99 mm underfoot with a pronounced tip rocker, full‑length carbon and a titanal band, it delivers rare stability and edge grip for a ski that still feels light on the skintrack.

Who is it for?

Ski tourers who want one ski to tour most of the season, from powder to firm mornings.
Riders who value downhill confidence and edge hold more than chasing the lowest weight.
Steep lines, mixed snow and long days where predictability matters.

Design and construction

Hybrid multilayer wood core (light paulownia plus beech/poplar) keeps mass low but power high.
Full Carbon Jacket + titanal band boost torsional stiffness and damping.
3D.Ridge with Center Sidewall transfers energy directly without excess weight.
Tip & tail rocker: pronounced tip rocker, long/low camber underfoot, light tail rocker.
Smart Skinclip lets you attach/remove skins from either end—great in wind or tight spots.

On‑snow performance

Powder: 135 mm tip and generous tip rocker offer quick planing; 99 mm is enough float for most storm cycles.
Chop & variable: unusually composed for the weight; the titanal strip mutes carbon “ping,” so it tracks cleanly at speed.
Firm snow: for a 99‑mm tour ski, edge hold is excellent. The mid‑section sidewall bites; it rewards deliberate inputs.
Steeps/tech: supportive tail without being a hooky handful, easy to pivot thanks to rocker and moderate radius.

Uphill and touring

Around 1.64–1.66 kg per ski (178 cm) isn’t class‑leading light, but the balance and low swing weight feel efficient on long climbs.
Smart Skinclip is genuinely helpful for quick transitions and awkward kick turns.

Comparisons

Blizzard Zero G 105: lighter and more razor‑edged on ice, but noticeably twitchier in chop; the Völkl is calmer and more forgiving.
Salomon MTN 96 Carbon: lighter and friendlier; the Völkl is stiffer and more stable at speed.
Black Crows Navis Freebird: heavier with a surfier feel; the Völkl tours lighter and bites harder on firm.

Potential drawbacks

Not the lightest; pure weight weenies have leaner options.
The stiff, carbon‑rich build prefers an active pilot—casual cruising on boilerplate can feel lively.
For ultra‑deep, low‑speed tree skiing, something wider will be easier.

Sizing and binding ideas

Length: go true to size. Most skiers will be happy on 178 cm; lighter/technical routes can go 170 cm; bigger/aggressive riders 186 cm.
Bindings: ATK Raider or Marker Alpinist for light/strong touring; Marker Kingpin or Salomon/Atomic Shift if you want more downhill muscle.

Specs explained

Tip/waist/tail (135/99/117 mm): wide tip for float, versatile 99‑mm platform, supportive tail for security in steeps.
Radius (18/20.8/23 m): stable at speed yet still pivotable in tight terrain.
Rocker profile: fast planing and easy turn initiation, camber for grip and rebound.
Weight (~1640–1660 g per ski, 178 cm; ~3.28–3.32 kg per pair): a sweet spot between climb efficiency and descending stability.
P‑Tex 4504 base: fast, durable sintered base for mixed backcountry conditions.

Key takeaways

Balance: climbs well, descends like a bigger ski.
Grip: standout edge hold for a 99‑mm touring ski.
Personality: forgiving enough, but best with a confident, active stance.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Who should buy the Völkl Rise 99 V‑Werks?
A: Freetourers who prioritize downhill performance without giving up touring efficiency. It shines in variable snow, steeps and faster lines.

Q: What length should I choose?
A: Most will be best on 178 cm. Go 170 cm if you’re lighter or value tight maneuverability; 186 cm if you’re heavier, fast, or skiing bigger terrain.

Q: What skins work best?
A: Völkl Rise skins with Smart Skinclip are a perfect fit. A 70/30 mohair/nylon mix is a great balance of grip and glide for long tours.

Q: How does it compare to ultralight tour skis?
A: It’s a bit heavier, but far calmer and more confidence‑inspiring on the descent—ideal if downhill quality is a priority.