Ski Touring Bindings

Ski Bindings: A Guide for Touring

This guide explains the types of bindings, selection criteria, and trends. It is aimed at ski tourers as well as alpine practitioners who want to better understand their equipment.

Different Types of Bindings

• Alpine Bindings: designed for downhill, they prioritize safety and power transmission.
• Touring Bindings: lightweight, with ascent mode (mobile heel) and secured descent mode.
• Nordic Bindings: for cross-country skiing, with a front attachment point and complete heel mobility.

Key Differences Between Touring and Alpine

• Weight: touring bindings are lighter.
• Mechanics: mobile heel for ascent vs fixed heel for alpine.
• Compatibility: some touring bindings accept specific soles (ISO/AFNOR).

Important Characteristics to Consider

• Release Value (DIN): must be adapted to the weight, height, and level of the skier.
• Brake Width: must match the width of your ski.
• Weight: affects effort in ascent.
• Durability: materials, reliability of moving parts.
• Sole Compatibility: alpine, touring, GripWalk, etc.
• Adjustments: ease of adjustment and maintenance options.

For those purchasing a complete ski, check the options for packs with integrated bindings for simplicity and to ensure compatibility.

Advice Based on Level

• Beginner: prioritize safety and a conservative DIN setting.
• Intermediate: balance weight and performance, look for good reliability in descent.
• Advanced/Expert: reduced weight and fine adjustments for performance in ascent and descent.

If you have a ski around 100-115 mm at the waist, it is relevant to choose a 100-115mm binding suitable to avoid incompatible brakes.

Where to Find Bindings

• Specialized stores: advice and professional mounting.
• Online sales: wide range, pay attention to compatibility and mounting.
• Shops offering alpine bindings 100-125mm online for wide skis.

Comparison and Recommended Brand

Among manufacturers, ATK offers specific solutions for touring. To help your choice, here is our ATK selection for touring that covers several needs: lightness, durability, and alpine/touring options.

Trends and Innovations

• Weight reduction of parts without sacrificing safety.
• Modular heel systems that are easier to lock/unlock.
• Increased compatibility with different soles and standards.

Safety Criteria to Check

• Appropriate DIN setting and control by a professional.
• Absence of excessive play between boot and binding.
• Wear of moving parts and cleanliness of rails/contacts.
• Brakes adapted to the width of the ski.

FAQ

• What is the best binding for alpine skiing?

  There is no universal "best". Choose according to your level, weight, and type of skiing. Prioritize a robust and well-adjusted binding.

• What are the differences between touring and alpine bindings?

  Touring offers a mobile heel and a lightweight design; alpine prioritizes safety in descent with a fixed heel.

• How to choose a binding based on your level?

  Beginner: safety and ease. Intermediate: versatility. Advanced: performance and lightness.

• What safety criteria should be considered?

  Appropriate DIN, professional mounting, condition of parts, and compatibility of brakes.

If you are unsure, ask for advice in-store or make an appointment for mounting and adjustment. A good adjustment increases safety and enjoyment in the mountains.