2025 Volkl Mantra Junior Ski

The Volkl Mantra Junior is a youth all-mountain ski for kids who want to follow their parents everywhere on the mountain, from groomers to soft snow in the trees. A wood core, sandwich sidewall construction, and tip and tail rocker with camber underfoot borrow the feel of an adult ski without the weight. Young skiers get a stable, easy-turning platform that floats in fresh snow and still holds an edge when the trail firms up.

Why we like it:

Volkl skips the metal layer found in the adult Mantra, which keeps the weight down so lighter kids can actually bend and steer the ski. We also like the multilayer wood core, which gives the ski a smooth, lively flex that feels like real gear rather than a toy.

Who it's for:

Junior skiers who are comfortable on blue and black runs and want to start exploring off the groomers. It's a great fit for kids who ski with older siblings or parents and want one ski that can keep up in soft snow, bumps, and trees.

Highlights:

A multilayer wood core runs the length of the Mantra Junior, with laminated wood on the sides and lighter wood in the center to keep weight low while still delivering a smooth, consistent flex. Full sandwich sidewalls sit over the edges for solid grip and better power transfer, which helps young skiers feel the ski respond when they tip it on edge. The tip and tail rocker lifts the ends of the ski for easier turn starts and float in soft snow, while camber underfoot gives it hold on groomed trails. An 86mm waist is generous for a junior ski and gives kids a stable platform in fresh snow and chopped-up conditions without making the ski heavy to swing around.

Things to consider:

The wider waist that helps in soft snow makes the Mantra Junior a little slower edge to edge than a narrow junior carver, so kids who mostly ski groomers or race may prefer something narrower. Very young or brand-new skiers will also be better served by a softer, simpler beginner ski like the Peregrine Jr before stepping up to this one.

Fit & sizing considerations:

The Mantra Junior follows standard junior sizing. Most kids do best on a length between their chin and nose; stronger, more aggressive skiers can go a little longer for stability, while newer or lighter kids should stay shorter for easier turning.