Carving on the trail meets all-mountain capability in the Dynastar M-Cross 88. A poplar and PU hybrid wood core, an H-shaped titanal reinforcement underfoot, and a distinctive pin-tailed shape combine to create a frontside-leaning ski that's still genuinely useful when the snow softens up. The relatively short turn radius makes it eager to enter and finish a carve while the rocker/camber/rocker profile adds maneuverability when terrain gets tighter.

Why we like it:

The pin-tailed shape gives the M-Cross a personality that's hard to find in this category. It hooks into a clean carve when you load it up but still lets you break the tail loose and pivot when terrain or snow conditions call for it, which is rare in an 88-mm ski with this much edge grip.

Who it's for:

Advanced and expert skiers who want a versatile carver that can also handle bumps, trees, and softer snow when the chance arises. Particularly well-suited to East Coast and Midwest skiers whose days are mostly groomer-focused but don't want to carry a separate freeride ski for the occasional storm day. Strong intermediates ready to push toward expert technique will find a real progression ceiling here.

Highlights:

Inside, the M-Cross 88 uses the same Hybrid Core 2.0 found across the Dynastar performance line, blending tri-directional poplar wood with PU around the perimeter for a damp but lively feel. Where it differs from the metal-free M-Free siblings is the addition of the H-shaped titanal frame underfoot, which delivers the kind of edge grip and torsional stability that makes a ski feel locked into a carve. The shape is the other distinguishing feature: a wider shovel paired with a noticeably narrower, pin-tailed shape produces a relatively short turn radius for an 88-mm ski and creates a smooth release character through the end of the turn. Adaptiv Sidecut, a sandwich full sidewall, and a Sintered HD base round out the build. The result is a ski that genuinely earns its all-mountain billing while still feeling sharp and engaged on groomers.

Things to consider:

The pin-tailed shape rewards skiers who pressure the front of the boot and finish their turns naturally. Skiers who prefer to drive the back of the ski may find it a touch loose. For skiers who want more of a dedicated frontside experience, the Speed series in the Dynastar lineup leans further into trail-only carving.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Pick your usual carving or all-mountain length. Skiers who frequently ski at higher speeds and want longer-radius edge engagement can step up a size.