MARKER, which enjoys overwhelming support from many skiers regardless of their skiing style, will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2022. Its history is a continuous stream of developments that seek to improve safety and performance. As MARKER reaches this milestone of its 70th anniversary, let's take a look back at the history of binding innovation
■MARKER's History
1952 | It all started with the founder's injury
The company was founded in 1952 in Garmisch, southern Germany, by sports journalist and ski instructor Hannes Marker, who aimed to create "safety bindings." The impetus for the creation of MARKER came from Hannes himself breaking his foot while using bindings without a release mechanism. This experience led to the creation of the Duplex, the first safety binding on the market with a toe release mechanism
1953 | Long-selling "SIMPLEX"
In 1953, the Simplex, an improved version of the Duplex, was released. It featured a spring-loaded, rotating heel piece with a cable mechanism to secure the boot, and became a long-selling product. This toe piece structure was used until the late 1960s
1965 | Heel pieces debut on the ROTAMAT
The Rotormat heel piece, which would later become the face of Marker bindings, was introduced. It was an improved version of the Simplex rotating heel piece, and its strong spring force secured the boot heel, helping to quickly release the toe piece in the event of a fall
The evolution of bindings as carving skis became more popular
Later, they released the "M46 RACING," which allowed for safer release, and the "M1 SC RACING," which allowed skiers to choose their ski flex in stages depending on the snow quality and slope conditions. Since then, with the spread of carving skis, system bindings with integrated plates have become mainstream in the racing scene. Marker also developed the "Piston Control," which uses a hydraulic piston to control the recoil of the ski's flex, and is still used today in racing and basic skiing
2007 | The model that took the freeski scene by storm
In 2007, in response to the growing demand for freeriding and touring, the company released the Jester, which featured a triple pivot toe with the spring in the toe piece positioned horizontally, and the Duke, a frame touring binding with a heel-up function. The Royal Family, with a horizontal toe piece and a vertical heel piece, brought the heavy spring closer to the boot, significantly reducing swing weight. The arrival of the Royal Family completely transformed the freeriding and backcountry scenes, and it's still fresh in our memory
2015 | MARKER's first Pin Tech bindings released
The Kingpin was released in 2015 and is considered a groundbreaking model, featuring a toe piece with six lightweight springs and a highly restraining step-in heel piece. Its superior gliding performance and safety make it a favorite among many backcountry skiers. The Alpinist, a climb and ride model that doesn't sacrifice gliding performance, was released in 2018. Its ultra-lightweight design, weighing just 245g without brakes, made it a popular choice
2020 | Introducing a groundbreaking hybrid model that combines skiing and climbing
In 2020, they developed the Duke PT, the world's first hybrid binding. This model combines the downhill performance of the Royal Family with Ping technology for easier climbing. This model solves the dilemma of making climbing easier but reducing gliding capabilities, while adding gliding capabilities limits climbing capabilities
Regardless of skiing style, from casual skiers to world-class skiers, the stability provided by their products has been highly praised for their functionality and safety. It is a brand to keep an eye on as it continues to evolve in the future
Gift campaign for STEEP users
To celebrate MARKER's 70th anniversary, STEEP will be giving away limited edition caps with the 70th anniversary logo to a total of five lucky winners
Application period: 12/1~12/7 23:59
How to apply:
Simply quote and tweet the campaign announcement posted on STEEP Twitter and write a message of your choice, such as a congratulatory message for MARKER or your passionate thoughts!
■Eligibility to apply:
Applicants must reside in Japan
■About the announcement and contact of winners
: After the application period ends, only winners will receive a direct message from the official STEEP Twitter account. Winners will be announced in early December 2022 with a winning message.
・Once you have confirmed the winning message, your win will be confirmed by replying.
■Email response period:
5 days from the date the winning message was sent.
■Notes
: Please note that if you do not reply to the winning message within the response period, your win will be invalidated.
・We will not accept inquiries regarding the results of the election.
■Other
: This campaign is not provided or sponsored by Twitter.
・The personal information collected will be used in the form of statistical information that does not identify individuals.