The Dynastar M-Tour 99 is the largest ski in the new M-Tour series. This ski features a new-age shape and construction that makes it a unique backcountry touring tool. The M-Tour 99 shape has a modern five-point design which brings the widest part of the tip and tail closer to the center of the ski. The ski has a moderate tail rise and big tip rise profile. What does all this shape and profile jargon mean? The M-Tour 99 is designed for backcountry versatility. This ski will wiggle through powder but also be able to hope through a corn snow couloir. The M-Tour construction is a unique blend of paulownia/PU in the core with a layer of basalt for stiffening. Paulownia is a lightweight wood to save weight and PU is a dampening polymer to reduce chatter. PU is typically used in sidewall construction (this ski has a full sidewall as well), but incorporating PU into the core gives this featherweight touring ski a disproportionately stable feel. On top of that core is a layer of uncommonly used basalt. Basalt has similar mechanical properties to fiberglass but with 25% less weight. It also offers dampening properties, which creates great reinforcement to the lightweight core. At 1300 grams, the M-Tour 99 is a backcountry specific lightweight touring machine that brings expert-level downhill performance. If you need some inspiration of what this ski can do, watch ski movement technician Vivian Bruchez use this ski to create backcountry skiing art throughout the Western Alps.