Völkl Rise Above 88 – Review

Overview

The Völkl Rise Above 88 is a purpose-built touring ski for long days, spring missions, and technical objectives where uphill efficiency and reliable edge hold matter. Tip rocker with camber underfoot, a full sidewall, and Völkl’s 3D Radius sidecut deliver a light, precise feel with real composure on firm and mixed snow.

Key takeaways

Efficient on the skintrack: low weight and balanced swing make kick turns easy.
Trustworthy on hard snow: full sidewall and camber provide strong edge hold.
Versatile turns: 3D Radius transitions naturally from quick slashes to long arcs.
Limited float: 88 mm waist isn’t built for deep storm days.
Light, not bulldozer: precise and calm for the weight, but not as damp as heavier skis.

Who is it for?

Ski tourers prioritizing vertical, spring conditions, and alpine objectives over bottomless powder.
Riders who appreciate a precise, responsive ski and can carve a clean edge.
Less ideal if you want maximum flotation or a freeride, high-speed “plow through anything” feel.

Construction and specs (what they mean on snow)

Rocker profile: Tip rocker / camber underfoot with cambered tail. Quick initiation in variable snow with strong on-edge security and energy from the tail.
3D Radius sidecut: Three radii in one ski. Shorter underfoot for quick pivots, longer in tip/tail for stability at speed and smooth, longer turns.
Full ABS sidewall: Continuous sidewall for better bite on ice and improved durability versus cap-only touring builds.
Hybrid multilayer wood core (poplar/paulownia/beech + Isocore): balances low weight for the climb with enough stiffness for downhill confidence.
P-Tex 2100 sintered base: durable, fast-gliding base with a structured finish.
Smart Skinclip: Völkl’s tip/tail skin interface (works with Völkl Fibre Tech/Smart Glue skins) for fast transitions.

Sizes and numbers (performance translation)

Dimensions: 131-88-111 mm – narrow-to-mid touring width; quick edge-to-edge with limited deep-snow float.
Weight per ski (w/o binding):
- 156 cm: 1051 g | 163 cm: 1137 g | 170 cm: 1186 g | 177 cm: 1280 g | 184 cm: 1358 g (Lighter climbs easier; a bit more mass yields more composure downhill.)
3D Radius (m):
- 156: 20/12/17 | 163: 22/14/19 | 170: 25/15/22 | 177: 28/17/23 | 184: 31/18/25 (Short center radius = quick steering; longer tip/tail = stability and calm.)
Available lengths: 156, 163, 170, 177, 184 cm – size down for technical/steep touring, size at/above height for more stability.

Uphill performance

Light swing weight and an efficient platform make the Rise Above 88 excellent for big vert days. The subtle tip rocker and balanced flex help with clean kick turns, and the Smart Skinclip streamlines transitions.

Downhill performance and feel

Firm/spring snow: Excellent edge hold. The camber and full sidewall inspire confidence on icy traverses and no-fall zones; the ski remains composed at moderate speeds.
Mixed/chopped snow: Predictable tip engagement; the 3D Radius helps you vary turn shapes on the fly. In truly chattery refrozen surfaces, it’s less damp than heavier skis.
Powder: Up to ~20 cm is fine, but the 88 mm waist limits flotation beyond that. This is an alpinist/touring specialist, not a soft-snow surfboard.

Comparisons

Dynafit Blacklight 88: lighter and faster uphill, but less planted and less damp on the descent; Völkl offers stronger hardpack hold.
Salomon MTN 86 Carbon: very approachable and light; the Völkl feels crisper on ice and a touch more supportive at speed.
Blizzard Zero G 85/95: stiffer and more hard‑charging, but also more demanding; Rise Above 88 is friendlier and more versatile for many tourers.
Fischer Transalp 90 Carbon: similar mission with a hair more float; the Völkl often wins on edge hold and turn versatility.

Mounting and skins

Sold flat. Pairs well with a lightweight tech binding (~250–300 g) for efficient touring; more downhill‑oriented riders can choose a slightly burlier tech option. Smart Skinclip interfaces with Völkl’s skins for quick on/off.

Sizing advice

Technical/steep objectives: 5–10 cm below body height.
All‑around touring/downhill balance: around body height or slightly above.
On the fence? Lighter skiers or tighter terrain: shorter. Heavier or faster skiers: longer for stability.

Verdict

The Völkl Rise Above 88 blends uphill efficiency with real downhill confidence on firm and variable snow. If you want a precise, light touring partner for alpine missions, it’s a standout. If your priority is deep-snow float or maximum high-speed damping, look elsewhere.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How does the Völkl Rise Above 88 handle icy spring mornings? A: Very well. Full sidewalls and underfoot camber provide strong edge hold, and the 3D Radius adds control for both short and long turns. Hardpack performance is a key strength.

Q: What does the 3D Radius sidecut do? A: It blends three radii in one ski. A shorter center radius enables quick pivots, while longer tip/tail radii add stability at speed and smoother long arcs—making the ski versatile across speeds and snow types.

Q: What length should I choose? A: Go shorter (−5–10 cm) for technical tours and steep skiing; choose around your height for a balanced mix of stability and maneuverability. Heavier/faster skiers benefit from sizing up.

Q: Which bindings pair best with the Rise Above 88? A: A lightweight tech binding (about 250–300 g) keeps the setup efficient. If you emphasize downhill performance, a slightly heavier, stiffer tech binding can add support and confidence.