Hi Skimo,
I’m looking at the blizzard zero G 96s and the volkl rise beyond 96s. Hoping you can give me your two cents on which ski might be a better fit for me. Looking for a designated touring set up to ski steep/technical descents and possibly some volcanos in the PNW. Pairing with a dynafit ridge boot and a tech binding. Not as concerned with mid-winter powder performance and will not be using in bounds. Alpine racing background as a junior and can put some power into a ski. I weigh 88kg and am 175cm tall. Any other recs would be appreciated. Thank you!
Blizzard Zero G 96 Ski
The Blizzard Zero G 96 is a go-anywhere, do-anything tool built for long days in the backcountry. Slightly softer than the previous Zero G 95, it offers a more forgiving flex while still delivering the edge hold and stability needed for steep descents and variable snow. At 96 mm underfoot, it strikes the perfect balance between float and precision, making it a true quiver killer for backcountry skiers who want one ski for every mission. The lightweight yet powerful Trueblend woodcore blends different densities and wood species for a smooth, energetic ride with reliable strength and flex where you need it most. A tip notch allows for skimo-worthy transitions, ensuring optimal efficiency. Whether you're linking couloirs, harvesting powder, or logging big vertical days, the Zero G 96 will keep up with your lofty ambitions.
- Tip notch allows for quick and efficient skimo-style transitions.
- Noticeably softer and more forgiving than the prior generation.
- Trueblend Tour core combines different densities and species of woods to provide a durable and energetic feel.
- Made in Austria ensures premium craftsmanship.
| Specifications | |
| Length(s) cm | 164, 171, 178, 185 |
|
Weight |
1175g [164] 1230g [171] 1325g [178] 1380g [185] |
| Weight (pair) | 2350g [164] 2460g [171] 2650g [178] 2760g [185] |
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125-96-109 [164] 126-96-110 [171] 127-96-111 [178] 127-96-111 [185] |
|
Turn |
18m [164] 19m [171] 20m [178] 22m [185] |
|
Skin |
Notched tip, flat notched tail |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
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Rockered tip, camber underfoot, flat tail |
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5-radius |
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Sandwich sidewall, semi-cap |
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Trueblend Tour |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Mountaineering, everyday touring |
| Notes | Softer construction than the prior iteration |
| Bottom Line | Refresh on an old classic |
| Compare to other Mid-fat Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
4/9/2026
4/10/2026
Hi Jacob, both would work well for you! The Zero G is stiffer and will hold an edge better on hardpack. I would lean towards those based on your background. The Volkls are quite soft - if you're looking for an adventure tool that'll be easy to ski on tired legs and not overwhelming in bad snow, they'd be a great option. But they won't be as stable at speed and won't hold an edge quite as well.
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1/3/2026
Trying to get a better sense of sizing for these. I'm 5'11" and 185 lbs, aggressive fast skier, but these will be used mostly for woodsy touring here in Vermont. (I'll bring beefier skis when I do bigger mountain tours out west.) I haven't skied anything under 183 since I was a kid, but I'm thinking that maybe the 178s will work well for me here, considering the use case of mostly uphill and longer tours and woodsy descents. Of course I want it to be able to hang on the groomers after the uphill slog when the woods aren't yet safe.
Is 185 definitely too big or is 178 definitely too small?
Is 185 definitely too big or is 178 definitely too small?
1/3/2026
Ben- The big question is what boot are you pairing with this ski? If its a lighter boot, go shorter for sure. If its a bigger, heavier, stiffer boot you could go either way. Turn radius is pretty long on this ski so for tight woods going shorter will help. I dont think you will get dropped on groomers in the short length either, its pretty darn stable ski.
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