Little rippers will be excited for the Declivity Junior with Marker Free 7 GW Bindings, a lighter, kid-friendly version of the Declivity and Reliance models loved by adults. Featuring a poplar wood core, full sidewall, and an all-mountain rocker profile, this ski offers a high-performance feel tailored to smaller and lighter skiers ready to conquer the whole mountain. We paired the Declivity Jr. with the Marker Free 7 GW because of this binding’s well-known reputation for safety and ease of use, two characteristics that parents and kids alike will appreciate. The wider platform of the Free 7 makes it ideal for wider-bodied Junior skis, and allows young skiers to push their limits off trail, making it a great choice for this ski.

Why we like it:

The Declivity Junior is perfect for kids who are refining their skills and ready to transition to a more advanced ski. It provides the confidence they need to progress while still offering a high level of performance.

Who it's for:

Junior skiers who have outgrown beginner skis will appreciate the Declivity Junior’s progressive shape, even flex, and responsiveness. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to dial up their skills.

Highlights:

Mirroring its adult counterparts, the Declivity Junior features a poplar wood core for stability and a progressive taper and rocker profile that delivers an intuitive feel in soft snow. At 88 mm underfoot, it is responsive on firm snow while still wide enough to seek out powder stashes. This ski is designed to excel across all types of terrain. The Free 7 features a sliding toe piece for safe, consistent releases and an easy step-in heel for reliability. Designed to withstand rough use, they perform well in various conditions, from carving to navigating bumps and trees. Their sleek, Grip Walk-compatible design ensures compatibility with modern boots. Marker delivers here with a DIN range of 2-7, accommodating skiers up to about 165 pounds.

Things to consider:

For groms focusing on on-piste carving, the Declivity Junior’s 88 mm waist might feel a bit wide. While great for soft snow, this width can make it harder to engage the edges fully, making a narrower ski more suitable for those going from skidding to carving.

Fit & sizing considerations:

If skiers are moving from a fully cambered ski to the rocker profile of the Declivity Junior, sizing up slightly might be beneficial as the rocker can make the ski feel shorter than its length. Otherwise, the ski generally fits true to size.