Fresh out of Straubing, Germany comes Volkl's newest flagship touring ski - the Rise High 88. To replace the VTA line of skis, Volkl challenged themselves to make a new ski that was light and fast yet offered the performance, reliability, and turn quality of a ski one could expect to see on the cable car at Zugspitze. And boy, did they do it. The Rise High 88 boasts a full carbon jacket that runs the length of the ski providing stability at minimal weight cost, and the full capped carbon layup encases the core of the ski made with Volkl's own recipe of lightweight beech, poplar, and paulownia woods - a core construction that was designed specifically with touring in mind. The 3D Radius Sidecut delivers versatile turning ability to the ski by using the long-radius tip and tail for high speed or large-arcing turns while the center of the ski is built for agile, short-radius, quick turning and smooth transitions from long to short turns. The result of these design choices is a ski that you could hop-turn down a couloir, use to carve big turns, or navigate the tight trees on the way back to the car. A modest tip rocker lets the ski float through powder and crud alike while the sturdy tail generates confidence by providing stability and edge hold on hard snow surfaces. As an added benefit, our friends in Straubing also designed the Smart Skinclip system allowing you to remove your Volkl Precut Skins by ripping from either the tip or tail, which can make it much easier to transition on ridgelines or summits that require careful balance. Sure, the Volkl Rise High 88 could be described with the overused term, "Quiver of One," but we prefer to think of it as a stand-alone Quiver of Fun.
- Core construction of beech, poplar, and paulownia create a lightweight ski that is perfect for touring.
- Volkl's Smart Skinclip system lets you rip your skin from the tip or tail.
- Full-cap carbon jacket construction with Tourlite Woodcore minimizes weight and maximizes performance.
- 3D Radius Sidecut helps the ski excel at long turns, quick turns, and transitioning in between.
- Fun and easy skiing, yet stable and light enough to be used as a mountaineering tool.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 160, 170, 180 |
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Weight |
1020g [160] 1075g [170] 1135g [180] |
| Weight (pair) | 2040g [160] 2150g [170] 2270g [180] |
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127-88-106 [All lengths] |
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Turn |
16.3m [160] 18.9m [170] 21.6m [180] |
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Skin |
Rounded tip with Volkl Smart Skinclip attach, flat tail with notch |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
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Tip rocker, underfoot camber, and slightly lifted tail |
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Rounded tip, 3D Radius Sidecut, and tapered tail |
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Full length carbon capped construction |
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Hybrid Tourlite Woodcore (beech wood underfoot with poplar + paulownia elsewhere) |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | From everyday touring to the occasional mountaineering venture |
| Notes | Much more damp than the previous VTA 88 series |
| Bottom Line | Super solid and stable plank for the weight class |
| Compare to other Mid-fat Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
I picked them up primarily for spring skiing. I live in California and springtime in the Eastern Sierra is a blast but the wrong ski can make life a lot harder on you. I wanted something light, stable and capable of quick turns (pick two, right?). I decided to take these out early just to get a feel for them and I am beyond impressed. These things handle heavy, maritime snow like a much heavier ski. The faster I go, the more they seem to come alive. I've been out on them three times now and my confidence in them has gone up every time. The only issue I have is that for tight radius turns, you cannot be lazy. They will put you in the backseat quick. Stay on top, stay aggressive and these will deliver.
Uphill they are killer as well. Mine came in under the advertised weight. Mounted with BD Helio 110s (with 30mm adjustment plate & ski crampon brackets), mine tip the scales at 2250g on the dot. Sub 5lbs for the pair is pretty darn good for a ski with this much beef.
Overall, this is a VERY capable ski but not a relaxed ski. I love it but you need to stay on your game.
Me: 5'8" 190lbs pretty Ok alpine racer a long time ago.
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