MARKER ALPINIST 2018-2019: ultra-lightweight binding for ski touring

Presentation of the new MARKER ALPINIST 2018-2019

After the Duke launched in 2007, the Tour F12 launched in 2009, and the famous Kingpin in 2014, MARKER continues to innovate in touring bindings in 2018 by presenting the all-new ALPINIST range. Based in Penzberg, the company has 66 years of experience and a history of technological breakthroughs that resonate with enthusiasts and professionals.

Are you more of an intrepid or contemplative hiker? The ALPINIST has been designed for you: lightweight, downhill performance, and simplicity in ascent. To be frank: these bindings are not marketing gadgets. They result from two years of development after the success of the Kingpin, with targeted technical choices to reduce weight without sacrificing safety.

On the field, the weight gain is often compared to that of classic alpine ski equipment, especially when choosing your alpine ski equipment for a more versatile practice: the sensation is immediate, you walk longer, you climb faster. The ALPINIST weighs 245 grams for the lightest version and 335 grams with the Angle 0° brakes. This reduction weighs heavily on motivation during long approaches.

Specifically, the design of the toe and heel includes anti-ice pads, and the toe has a step-in aid. The 4 mm flex elastic respects the ski's torsional behavior, which is essential for those seeking precision in descent. The screw spacing is 38 mm, and crampon adapters are provided in the box.

The lateral release settings are clear: DIN 4-9 for the ALPINIST 9 and DIN 6-12 for the ALPINIST 12. The available brakes cover 90, 105, and 115 mm, each brake weighing only about 90 grams. All this results in a binding that respects the grip of demanding skiers without complicating installation.

If you are in the process of choosing your future setup, think about how you want to assemble your gear: for some, the reflection starts with how to choose a ski + binding pack that will provide you with the versatility and safety suited to your level. We accompany you in this reflection, no bullshit.

For those who want more technicality, the ALPINIST integrates a "Twin Spring" toe with two springs and a 30% carbon reinforcement, which increases reliability during lateral loads. The rental LT versions offer an extended adjustment range, useful for shops and users who straddle multiple shoe sizes.

Do you have a very light ski? Be careful with the naked touring ski: mounting a binding that is too heavy or poorly suited can negate the advantages of your ski. The ALPINIST is precisely designed to maintain the spirit of the naked ski while providing the necessary control in descent.

We also think about accessories: if you are going for committed outings, don't forget your ski touring poles to save your legs and gain stability on conversions. The balance of the whole is crucial for a smooth ascent and a serene descent.

At AlpinStore, we test every new product: our team of seasoned athletes mounts, dismounts, steps in, and repeats. The collective feeling serves as a filter. We love the ALPINIST because it meets a demanding specification, but also because it corresponds to a modern practice of mountain skiing.

To help you compare quickly, here are the standout technical points:

• Optimized weight: 245 g / 335 g with angle 0° brakes
• Adapted DIN settings: 4-9 and 6-12
• Anti-ice pads and step-in aid
• Brakes 90 / 105 / 115 mm, 90 g per brake

If you want to build your bag and toolbox, think about the essential ski touring gear: knives, skins, screwdriver, washer set, and a safety kit. Nothing complicated, but everything that reassures when you are far from ski lifts. You can also equip yourself more broadly by checking our selection of ski touring equipment to optimize every outing.

The commercial range is available in sales and rental versions, with differences in weight and adjustment range. The prices announced at launch were designed to make technology accessible: the pricing strategy aims to democratize high-performance equipment for a maximum number of practitioners.

Do you want to buy without making a mistake? Our advice: check the compatibility of your ski inserts, adjust the adjustment range to your shoe size, and evaluate the practice: if you do a lot of long approaches, prioritize weight savings; if you seek performance in pure descent, ensure good torsional behavior.

To complete your gear, we also recommend looking at the entire range of alpine and freeride bindings if your practice oscillates between steep slopes and technical conversions. The ALPINIST, however, is tailored for high-performance touring, not for extreme jumps in the park.

Buying good equipment is not just ticking a box: it is investing in safer, longer, and more fun outings. If you want to buy ski touring equipment without getting ripped off, come ask us questions, we will answer you like a climbing buddy: direct, precise, without beating around the bush.

In conclusion: the MARKER ALPINIST 2018 is an ultra-lightweight insert binding that shakes up the market thanks to a rigorous compromise between weight, safety, and ergonomics. It is aimed at demanding adventurers, those looking to push touring further, without compromising safety in descent. We advise you to test it if possible, measure the gain on your routes, and above all, have fun.