TL;DR: When choosing which Marker Ski bindings are right for you, you’ll want to consider your skill level, terrain needs, boot type, and ski width. The prices typically range from $100 to $800. Higher-cost bindings include advanced technology such as Triple Pivot Elite, ISI Toe, and Cruise Heel (all of which are specific to Marker), and low-cost options give you the best bang for your buck with great performance to boot.

Have you ever tried to ski without bindings? Doesn’t work out too well in my experience! Ski bindings are an essential part of your ski set-up, and choosing the right ones can help you tackle the mountain in your preferred way! After 20 years on the ski slopes, I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to test some of the greatest binding technology out there. Today, we will be talking about an all-time favorite and go-to for me when it comes to bindings: Marker. I enjoy giving skiers the right information they need to conquer the slopes, so let’s get into it!

Who Is Marker?

The Bavarian company Marker has been around since 1952 when Hannes Marker debuted the first ever ski binding with a releasing toe at the Germany Sporting Goods Trade Fair. As Marker progressed throughout the years, we saw releases such as the first freeride-specific binding (The Marker Duke) as well as a full collection of freeride bindings to solidify their presence in the ski industry. With innovation, quality, and sustainability at its forefront, Marker bindings are sure to keep you skiing for many years to come.

What to Consider When Buying Marker Ski Bindings

1. What type of skiing will you be doing?

The type of skiing you will be doing determines the best binding to suit your needs. Different technology and features are packed into different types of bindings to elevate your experience. Whether you are racing, touring, or freeriding, Marker has an option for all styles of skiing.

If you are backcountry skiing, climbing, and scaling up the mountain on your skis, Marker has the Duke, Cruise, and KingPin bindings that feature a releasing heel to help with touring. Traditional freeride bindings like the Jester, Squire, and Griffon will suit the downhill skier, while racing options, such as the Race and Comp bindings, will help the most athletic skiers on their way to gold.

2. What is your skiing ability level?

Your skiing ability has a big effect on which option will be best for you. Are you a beginner, intermediate, or expert skier? Determining this will help you select the technology you may need or don’t need.

Beginner bindings focus on ease of use and safety, while expert-level options will put performance and precision in front. The DIN (binding release force) also varies based on your skill level and riding style. Opt for a lower DIN if you are a beginner.

3. Are the bindings compatible with your ski boots and skis?

Boot and binding compatibility can be a confusing topic! This connection is essential if you want your bindings to work the right way. Make sure to know which type of boot you have and that it aligns with the binding you choose. Not sure if your boot fits with a certain binding? Ask one of our Ski Experts by chatting in!

Additionally, bindings have a choice of ski brake sizes. Ensuring you pick a ski brake size that is the same width as your ski or no more than 15mm wider will help with installation and performance when your boot is locked in or is released from your binding.

What Are the Different Types of Marker Ski Bindings?

Marker offers four different categories in their ski binding line-up. These bindings make up Marker’s “Royal Family” and benefit each rider's style and skill level. The main types are included below.

1. Freeride/Freestyle

This category suits freeride and all-mountain skiers. Whether you are hitting the terrain park, carving groomers, or deep in the trees, this category has you covered. The names you see in this category are the Marker Squire, Griffon, Jester, and Duke PT. These bindings offer great downhill skiing performance with Triple Pivot Elite Toe and Inter Pivot Heel technology for power transmission and precision.

• Benefits:
  • The best option for freeride and freestyle applications
  • Strong energy transmission from boot to binding
  • Versatile, catering to both park and powder enthusiasts
• Keep in Mind:
  • Built for durability, these might be heavier than other bindings
  • Not ideal for backcountry skiing

2. Touring

Marker’s Touring bindings include technology that helps the backcountry explorer skin up the mountain and head back down with equal performance. These options will focus on lightweight construction and heel release for hiking and durability. Marker Duke, Kingpin, Cruise, and Alpinist selections feature an innovative pin-tech toe piece and a unique heel piece design perfect for the backcountry skier.

• Benefits:
  • The go-to option for backcountry and touring applications
  • Equal performance in hiking and skiing modes
  • Balance of lightweight construction and durability
• Keep in Mind:
  • Not a great option for alpine or resort skiing
  • Complex design decreases intuitiveness for beginner skiers

3. Race

Feeling competitive? Marker’s Race bindings offer optimal performance and advanced technology for the increased demands of slalom skiing. Marker uses their classic 4-linkage toe piece for precise centering on the ski, while the Twincam heel piece keeps you locked in on edge-to-edge transitions. Fast times require fast gear, and these bindings blend innovation and top-notch performance into one package.

• Benefits:
  • The optimal choice for athletes and racers
  • Stability and control unmatched by other Marker options
  • Power transmission and a locked-in feel
• Keep in Mind:
  • Do not perform as well on varied terrain
  • Built for racing, these bindings won’t tend to beginners

4. Junior Series

Like many brands, Marker caters to youth skiers as well and offers selections that focus on safety, ease of use, and lightweight design. Whether your young skier is tagging along on backcountry adventures, racing slalom, or learning the ropes, Marker has options for all of these categories within their Junior line-up.

• Benefits:
  • Specially designed for young skiers
  • Lightweight and safe
  • Prevents premature release
• Keep in Mind:
  • Not suitable for adult skiers
  • Lower DIN settings limit their use for more advanced young skiers

Features to Look for in Marker Ski Bindings

Marker is all about innovation, and this leads to stand-out technology and features only offered by this brand. Some of these unique technologies are included below.

1. Triple Pivot Elite Toe: This toe piece design results in high retention and unmatched power transmission. The horizontal spring technology reduces early release, while the large supporting sole plate stands up to large stress and strains while carving.
2. Inter Pivot Heel: Designed for the demands of freeriding, this heel piece design focuses on superior hold. The Inter Pivot Heel directs the hold power to the weak side of your boot based on your carve, preventing early release.
3. Gliding AFD (Anti-Friction Device): All Marker bindings come with this advanced technology feature. This feature allows precise adjustment for predictable release unhindered by snow, ice, or debris.
4. Multi-Stance Adjuster: With 60mm of adjustment, this technology allows you to change the placement of your boot on your ski. Adjust it to be centered on your ski for freestyle and park, or move the binding back for better flotation on powder and all-mountain skiing.
5. Backcountry Technology: Marker is a leader in touring technology. ISI Toe helps you step in and lock in easily for touring and skiing transition. The heel piece offers 7° and 13° height adjustment walking platforms that can be easily changed by your ski pole.

All of these features from Marker create a wide range of options for your skill level, terrain, and needs! They’ve got you covered for whatever adventure you find yourself on.

How to Choose the Right Marker Ski Bindings

To give you some examples of what the right type of binding is for you, let’s take a look at two skiers who have different needs on the mountain. Below, you’ll see some products from Marker that best suit these skiers based on their skiing style, terrain, and skill level.

Jake:

Jake is an advanced skier who charges through tree lines, tackles ungroomed natural terrain, and likes to go fast. Jake is looking for a predictable binding that releases when needed, has excellent power transmission for aggressive off-piste skiing, and has the ability to accept different boots in their collection.

Features Jake should look for:

• Toe and Heel technology that stays locked in and prevents a premature release
• Bindings that are compatible with various boot types
• Has a high DIN range for advanced skiers

Products to consider:

• Marker Jester 16: The highlight in Marker’s “Royal Family” line-up featuring the Triple Pivot 3 and Inter Pivot Heel for aggressive freeride or freestyle skiing
• Marker Griffon 13: Has a mid-range price with on-par technology as high-end options
• Marker Squire 11: A budget-friendly option that has technology features to get you going

Melissa:

Melissa is an avid backcountry skier who will go on several touring adventures this season. Melissa is looking for a binding that is lightweight, can transition from skiing to hiking easily, and is simple to use.

Features Melissa should look for:

• Touring-specific binding that can ski and climb efficiently
• Lightweight construction
• Pin technology to keep the toe locked in
• Easy to use when transitioning between skiing and climbing

Products to consider:

• Marker Kingpin 13: The high-end option with advanced technology for uphill and downhill performance.
• Marker Duke PT 13: This binding balances downhill use with touring use perfectly and is best for the resort and backcountry skier combined
• Marker F10 Tour: Entry-level tour binding blending a lightweight set-up and all-mountain performance

Find the Best Marker Ski Bindings for You

Marker bindings excel in innovation, safety, and performance for every demand on the mountain. Look out for budget-friendly bindings that perform like high-end options and advanced technology features such as Triple Pivot Elite 3, Pin Tech, and Inter Pivot Heel. Need some guidance on the right binding? Chat with one of our Ski Experts here on Curated anytime, and we can answer all of your binding questions!