Review: Völkl Rise Beyond 96

Overview

The Völkl Rise Beyond 96 is a lightweight touring ski that doesn’t forget the downhill. With a pronounced tip rocker, camber underfoot and through the tail, plus Völkl’s 3D Radius sidecut, it climbs efficiently and feels composed in soft and mixed snow, yet still bites on firm. It’s a balanced 96‑mm backcountry daily driver for long missions, powder touring, and spring corn.

Who it’s for

Tourers who prioritize low weight but still want trustworthy downhill performance.
Intermediate‑to‑expert skiers seeking a one‑ski touring quiver in the 95–100 mm class.
Less ideal as a primary resort charger or for heavy, cut‑up snow at high speeds.

On‑snow performance

Powder and soft snow

The 138 mm shovel and tip rocker keep the front riding high and easy to pivot. Carbon.Tip adds stability so the tip doesn’t flap. Ski it with a neutral, slightly centered stance—there’s supportive camber/flat tail for a solid finish, but it’s not a fully loose, twin‑tip feel.

Variable snow and crud

The light build pays off on the way up, but requires an attentive stance in refrozen or deep chop. Keep speeds sensible and the Rise Beyond 96 tracks cleanly. The 3D Radius lets you switch between quick, short‑radius checks and longer, arcing turns without feeling twitchy.

Hardpack and icy

For its weight, edge hold is impressive. Underfoot camber and decent torsional support provide bite; the tradeoff is limited damping from the full‑cap, lightweight construction. On firm pistes, drive it precisely and avoid straight‑lining rough sections.

Uphill efficiency

Sub‑1.3 kg per ski in common lengths = fast, low‑fatigue climbs.
Low swing weight helps with kick turns and jump turns in steep terrain.
Smart Skinclip accepts tip or tail attachment for quick transitions; compatible with Völkl Fiber‑Tech/Smart‑Glue skins.

Construction and specs explained

Rocker profile (Tip Rocker + camber underfoot/tail): Float and easy turn initiation up front with reliable edge contact and energy underfoot.
Dimensions (138/96/119 mm): Wide shovel for flotation and planing; 96 mm waist as an all‑around touring width; slightly narrower tail for grip and stability exiting turns.
Weight (approx. 1122–1373 g per ski by length): Lighter equals easier climbing and quick maneuvering; less innate damping in churned snow.
3D Radius sidecut: Different radii at tip/waist/tail to blend short, responsive turns with longer, stable arcs.
Light Multilayer Woodcore + Carbon.Tip + Full Cap: Keeps mass low while maintaining torsional stiffness for edge hold; durable and tour‑focused.
P‑Tex 2100 sintered base: Solid glide and serviceable for touring use.

Length and mounting advice

Length: Aim around chin‑to‑forehead for all‑round touring; go longer (close to body height) for float/stability, shorter for tight, technical terrain.
Mount: Use the factory line; it best balances uphill efficiency and downhill support.
Bindings: For pure touring (200–300 g), look at Marker Alpinist 12, ATK Raider/Haute Route, Salomon MTN Summit. For stronger descents, ATK Freeraider, Marker Kingpin, or Fritschi Tecton pair well.

Comparisons

Blizzard Zero G 95: Lighter‑feeling, stiffer and more technical on edge; less forgiving in chop.
Salomon MTN 96 Carbon: Slightly heavier and damper; more resort‑friendly, not as sprightly on the skintrack.
Black Crows Camox Freebird (~95 mm): Heavier and surfier in soft snow; calmer in crud, less efficient uphill.
Elan Ripstick Tour 96: Similar weight, softer tip, looser in pow; a touch less precise on ice.
Atomic Backland 100: More float and play; less bite on firm.

Key takeaways

Lightweight, real‑deal downhill: efficient on the climb, trustworthy on the way down.
3D Radius = versatile turns: quick pivots or long, smooth arcs.
Strong edge hold for the class; limited damping in rough resort chop.
Shines in powder, corn, and mixed touring snow; not a high‑speed resort hammer.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What size should I choose in the Völkl Rise Beyond 96?
A: For all‑round touring, pick around chin‑to‑forehead height. Size up for more float/stability (heavier riders included) or down for steeps and tight terrain.

Q: How does the 3D Radius feel on snow?
A: The short mid‑radius enables quick direction changes, while the longer tip/tail radii calm the ski at speed. It makes the Rise Beyond 96 adaptable from hop‑turns to open faces.

Q: Is it a good choice for frequent resort days?
A: It can handle groomers, but the lightweight, full‑cap build limits damping in heavy chop. If resort charging is a priority, consider a heavier, damper ski.