Can Marseilles Black VS survive zone 5a? I'm on a quest to find a fig that can survive up here. Last winter was probably a record low hitting -25F.

Welcome to the forum!

I've heard that Marseilles Black Vs is the same variety as Hardy Chicago so I guess it would do ok I've never grown it myself. You might have trouble getting fruit off of it without any winter protection. Do you have access to a greenhouse?
 
You might want to try Nordland its a variety from Switzerland that's supposed to be even hardier that HC

It would definitely need protection at those temps.  Even then it might not survive unless the protection was very extensive.  MvsB is a good choice to try but you might also try Florea.

Like Rewton said, with extensive protection it may,,,,

Any fig can survive there - if you grow it in a container and move it to safety come winter.  Safety = some place protected and above 25 degrees or so.

I agree with Ed. I am unsure weather it is possible or even worth the try. I would grow in pots, and then take them in for the winter. Then out in early spring... I do that currently, and I am in zone 6B.  all the varieties I have tried outside have vanished in this past few terrible winters.

However, all my potted trees are doing great!

My advice is that you grow in pots, and then root some cuttings from your plants. Once you have a established plant (3-4 year old) You try to plant that baby outside in early spring.  Let it stablish well in the ground, and then protect it extremely well that first winter. I think that there is a possibility that a more matured plant would make it. I think many people would and could disagree with me. But you will have cloned that plant, and you wont loose the entire plant.

Best wishes.