With so many high-quality junior skis out there featuring the same innovations found in grown-up models, it’s a great time to get into the sport. Here are the sweetest smaller designs.
Tip: If you like any of these skis, jump online and read up on them further—on brands’ websites and quality retailers like evo.com. Better yet, visit a shop to talk to the experts and dial in the perfect setup.
Völkl Deacon Jr
Price: $26999–$300 (with a 4.5 or 7.0 vMotion Jr
binding; size 70 without binding, $165)
Lengths: 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 cm
DIM: 100 x 68 x 82 mm @ 120 cm
Radius: 12.7 m @ 120 cm
Two narrower carving skis designed to introduce kids to the sport (and develop a love for it), Völkl’s Deacon Jr and Flair Jr give kids a proven level of proficiency and turning ease, thanks to the scientifically optimized shape, flex, and tip-rocker design. Dimensions and flex are tailored proportionately for each size, and the vMotion Jr binding is GripWalk compatible. When your kid’s ready for the next ski up, Völkl’s Mantra Jr awaits.
Völkl Flair Jr
Price: $269.99 (with a 4.5 GW binding included)
Lengths: 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 cm
DIM: 100 x 68 x 82 mm @ 110 cm
Radius: 10.4 m @ 110 cm
Fischer Ranger Jr.
Price: $299–330
Lengths: 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 cm
DIM: 86 x 68 x 104 mm @ 120 cm
Radius: 10 m @ 120 cm
Effortless handling makes the Ranger Jr. the perfect ski for beginner freeriders. Fischer’s Air Power Construction ensures stability on hard and soft snow, with flex and weight specially calibrated for smaller skiers. Fiber Tech ensures even flex throughout, On-Piste Rocker simplifies turn initiation, and an easy-open binding (the new Junior Rail System) completes the package.
Elan Ripstick 86T/TW
Price: $400
Lengths: 138, 148, 158, 168 cm
DIM: 121 x 85 x 110 @ 148 cm
Radius: 12.9 m @ 140 cm
Elan’s Ripstick 86T is designed for junior freeriders who need a high-performance ski with a slightly wider footprint. It features a full laminated wood core, with fiberglass reinforcement and sidewall construction, and includes Elan’s Mountain Rocker, a blend of full tip and subtle tail rocker that excels in a wide variety of terrain. At 86-millimeters, it’s the sweet spot for strong, confident edge grip on firm snow and excellent float in soft snow. It’s also available in TW with topsheet graphics for the girls.
Dynafit Youngstar Ski Set
Price: $79995
Lengths: 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 cm
DIM: 111 x 79 x 96 mm @ 140 cm
Radius: 13 m @ 140 cm
Last winter, Dynafit launched the groundbreaking Youngstar Ski Set, offering kids a touring package (boots, skis, bindings, and skins) that’s as light, safe, and efficient as what their parents ride. With pre-mounted skis and pre-cut skins, the setup makes going uphill that much more approachable. Dynafit’s Rotation 7 is the only pin safety binding for kids and can be adjusted to a release value of anything from 2.5 to 7—both upward and laterally—to accommodate the lightest ski tourers.
Atomic Bent Chetler Mini
Price: $425–$480
Lengths: 133, 143, 153, 163 cm
DIM: 126.5 x 90 x 117.5 mm @ 153 cm
Radius: 13 m @ 153 cm
Built with the same specs as the full-size favorite, the Bent Chetler Mini was designed by skier, artist, and dad Chris Benchetler for playful skiers ages 8–13 looking to turn the mountain into their playground. The Mini combines powder rocker and a 90-millimeter waist for float and maneuverability, while a short turning radius encourages proper technique and a lightweight core will have them spinning 360s. Smaller skiers will want the Bent Jr (available in 110 to 150).
Salomon QST Blank Team
Price: $300
Lengths: 128, 137, 146, 152 cm
DIM: 119 x 88 x 109 mm @ 137 cm
Radius: 11 m @ 137 cm
The younger sibling of the popular QST Blank, the Blank Team is a one-ski quiver for young freeriders (ages 8–16) looking for a design that can handle everything from park to powder. A 92-millimeter waist (88 in shorter lengths) offers float on deep days, while a full poplar core and rocker in the tip and tail make hitting airs, railing turns, and landing switch easier than ever.
“When you’re in heavier or thicker snow, the Blank likes to drive through instead of pulling back or sinking under. It gives you the power to ski the ski instead of the ski skiing you.”
— Wyatt Gentry, Jackson Hole Junior Freeride World Championships
HEAD Joy Easy Jrs
Price: $375
Lengths: 67, 77, 87, 97, 107, 117, 127, 137, 147, 157 cm
DIM: 111 x 67 x 96 mm @ 127 cm
Radius: 8.7 m @ 127 cm
Head Monster Easy Jrs
Price: $400
Lengths: 67, 77, 87, 97, 107, 117, 127, 137, 147, 157 cm
DIM: 111 x 67 x 96 @ 127 cm
Radius: 8.7 m @ 127 cm
The goal behind Head’s new E4SY Kids system, which is found in both the Joy and Monster, is to make skiing more fun and less effort, for both kids and parents. The ski, binding, and plate work in harmony to create a softer-flexing ski for smaller riders, requiring less power to turn, steer, and stay balanced. The bindings are designed to click in and out of with ease, and the skis are lightweight, so kids can carry their own. With all that effort saved, everyone will have more energy for the fun stuff.
HEAD Kore Team
$550 (flat ski)
The KORE Team is a lightweight, agile choice for young freeriders, bridging frontside and backside skiing. Its strong yet lightweight materials provide stability and control for kids on the slopes. The durable topsheet withstands active use, and tip and tail rocker ensures easy turn initiation and better flotation.
HEAD Oblivion Team Jrs
w/ JRS 7.5 GW Binding
$475 (ski with binding)
The Oblivion Team JRS boosts confidence in the halfpipe and all over the mountain. It’s tough with a scratch-resistant topsheet for active skiers. The twin tip design offers versatility, while rocker enhances maneuverability on features and soft snow. Lightweight and flexible, it conserves energy, letting juniors hone their freestyle skills with ease.
Rossignol Blackops 92
$52995
Purposely built to push the next generation of freeriders forward. The new Blackops 92 is a weapon of one for progressive minded all-mountain freeride skiers. Combining a full sidewall construction and progressive rocker profile, this freeride weapon packs a perfect blend of power, pop, and playfulness. The lightweight paulownia wood core keeps the ski reactive and agile whether airing it out in the park or slashing through fresh powder fields.