Alpine Skiing - Bindings

Ski bindings are the device that connects/binds a ski boot to the ski. Bindings play a significant role as safety devices and transfer all the inputs as you make them in the skies. The ultimate reason from where do we get the control is nothing but the bindings.

Types of binding:

The three main types of bindings are –

1. Traditional alpine bindings are the most common binding type used for downhill skiing only.
2. Alpine Touring (AT) bindings are made with the ''touring'' ability, meaning that the boot's heel can get unlocked from the binding, or the heel of the binding unlocks from the ski so that you can hike uphill with climbing skins.
3. Tech, or Pin bindings, are more specific AT binding used for alpine touring and downhill/ alpine skiing. These bindings tend to be lighter than frame-style AT bindings, but the frame bindings are typically better for resort use. Tech bindings only go with the ski boots with pin inserts on the heel and toe.

Binding Technologies –

All the alpine touring bindings use two essential designs, called plate bindings and insert bindings.

Plate Bindings: These were the first to be developed and added a metal plate (or bars) under an alpine-style binding. These plates attach to the skis under the toe piece by a hinge so that the boot and binding can articulate in uphill mode.

Popular available plate bindings are:

1. Duke PT16: This is a perfect binding for the skiers, including neutral walking mode and 10o climbing aid.
2. Baron EPF 13: This binding is also known as the Baron with Extended Power Frame (EPF). Baron binding provides an extra-wide connection to the ski, giving it the power to go through any snow conditions.
3. Tour EPF 12: This is ideal for skiers who want to cross over from alpine touring to resort skiing on occasion.
4. Tour F10: This is an excellent choice for lighter weight skiers, as it is a light all-day touring setup with solid all-mountain performance.

Insert Bindings: Insert bindings are a little more fiddly to enter and exit than plate bindings and also require more excellent care when adjusting for boot size and release settings. Still, they are so much lighter that the vast majority of tourers now use insert bindings, and every year, more and more models are available.

The first commercial available insert binding is Dynafit TLT Speed 2.0 binding.