Völkl Rise Above 88 W — Women’s Touring Ski Review

The Völkl Rise Above 88 W targets skiers who value big vert days, precise edge hold, and predictable behavior on firm and mixed snow. It blends a Tourlite hybrid wood core, full sidewalls, and Völkl’s 3D Radius Sidecut to deliver efficiency on the skintrack and confidence on the descent—all at impressively low weight.

Key takeaways

Uphill efficiency: around 1,180 g per ski (170 cm) makes long climbs and tight kick turns easier.
Edge hold & control: camber and full sidewalls inspire trust on hardpack and in icy traverses.
Turn versatility: 3D Radius Sidecut supports both quick short turns and composed long arcs.
Limits: at 88 mm underfoot, float is modest; the very light build can feel a bit chattery in refrozen or heavy chop at higher speeds.

Construction and tech

Tourlite/Hybrid multilayer wood core (poplar/paulownia/beech): low weight with targeted stability.
3D.Ridge with carbon elements: reduces swing weight while preserving stiffness where needed.
Full sidewall with mini-cap: direct power transfer and durability.
3D Radius Sidecut: different radii in tip/waist/tail for adaptable turn shapes.
P-Tex 2100 sintered base: reliable glide and easy maintenance for touring.
Smart Skinclip: quick, intuitive skin attachment/removal at tip or tail.

Uphill performance

Light, balanced, and skin-friendly. The Rise Above 88 W feels nimble in kick turns and secure on sidehills. The Smart Skinclip speeds transitions in windy ridgelines, and the flat tail bites well on firm traverse tracks.

Downhill performance

Hardpack & spring snow: excellent edge hold from the cambered platform and sidewalls; precise feel with a respectable speed ceiling for its weight.
Variable & windbuff: predictable, easy to place, and lively without being twitchy if you stay centered.
Powder: at 88 mm with modest tip rocker, float is serviceable but limited—keep speed up or size longer if soft snow is your priority.
Chop & crust: can transmit vibrations; slightly beefier bindings/boots help add damping.

Who is it for?

Ideal for: fitness touring, big spring missions, ski mountaineering, and anyone touring on firm or mixed snow who prioritizes efficiency and precision.
Less ideal for: frequent deep powder, high-speed freeride lines, and heavy resort days—look to a wider or heavier all-mountain tour ski for that.

Comparisons

Blizzard Zero G 85 W: lighter and torsionally stiffer; incredible edge hold but more demanding. The Völkl is friendlier and more forgiving.
Black Crows Ova Freebird (~85–90): a bit heavier and more damp in chop; the Völkl climbs easier and feels snappier.
Dynafit Blacklight 88 W: even lighter with a carbon-forward feel; rockets uphill, harsher downhill. The Völkl is calmer and more versatile.
Salomon MTN 86 W / Atomic Backland 85 W: similar waist class; MTN is heavier/more damp, Backland is lighter/softer. The Völkl strikes a balanced middle ground.

Mounting and setup

Bindings: Marker Alpinist 10, ATK Raider 10/11 Evo, or Salomon MTN Pure for light, dependable touring; Marker Kingpin M-Werks if you want more downhill muscle.
Boots: modern 3–4-buckle touring boots (~1,000–1,350 g) match the ski’s intent and support.
Mount point: the factory line works well for a slightly forward, precise stance.

Sizing advice

Choose near your height for stability and edge hold; size down one step for technical ski mountaineering or tight terrain. Going longer adds composure at speed and a touch more float.

Durability and tune

Full sidewalls handle rock encounters better than cap-only constructions. The P-Tex 2100 base likes regular wax. As with most light tour builds, damping is limited compared to heavier all-mountain skis.

Specs and what they mean

Rocker profile: tip rocker with camber underfoot. Easy turn initiation and some float at the shovel with strong edge grip and rebound underfoot.
Dimensions (tip/waist/tail): approx. 130.6–131 / 88 / 111–111.4 mm. Quick edge-to-edge with precise grip; 88 mm excels on firm snow with workable but modest float.
Weight: ~1,176–1,190 g per ski (170 cm). Excellent for long approaches; slightly less damping at speed.
Radius: 3D Radius Sidecut (~25 m tip / ~15 m underfoot / ~22 m tail @170 cm). Bites into short turns yet remains stable for long arcs.
Lengths: 149, 156, 163, 170 cm. A useful size range for most skiers.
Extras: Smart Skinclip and a sintered base suited for touring.

Note: minor spec variances exist across retailers (weight and single-number radius). Völkl’s 3D radius data per length is the most accurate reference.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is the Völkl Rise Above 88 W good for beginners to touring?
A: Yes for touring beginners with at least intermediate downhill skills. It’s light, predictable, and grips well. Total novice skiers might prefer something softer and a touch wider.

Q: What bindings pair best with this ski?
A: For light, reliable touring, try Marker Alpinist 10, ATK Raider 10/11 Evo, or Salomon MTN Pure. If you want more downhill drive, consider Marker Kingpin M-Werks.

Q: Can I use the Rise Above 88 W inbounds?
A: You can, but it’s not a resort carver. Expect some chatter at higher speeds on groomers compared to heavier skis; as an early-season fitness setup, it’s great.

Q: How does 3D Radius compare to a single-radius ski?
A: It blends quick, confident short turns with calm, longer arcs. Some shops list a single “effective” radius (~14–17 m), but the real advantage is its adaptability.