How to Choose the Right Alpine Ski Binding
Alpine ski bindings are a crucial to your safety and performance on the slopes. See the main points to consider when purchasing a new pair.
Alpine ski bindings are high-tech devices made of metal and plastic and an essential piece of gear for your safety and skiing performance. They keep your feet attached to your skis when you’re descending and release when you fall. They also help dampen vibrations, absorb shocks, and transfer power. Without them, your skis would be just a pair of unwieldy sleds! Here’s an overview of the main points to consider when purchasing alpine ski bindings.
Binding Types
There are various binding types for different types of skiing. Those who want to put skins on their skis and climb the mountain under their own power use either tech or hybrid bindings. To learn about these bindings, see our article “ If you use mechanical means to get to the top—chairlifts, gondolas, snowcats, helicopters, and so on—an alpine ski binding is the best choice for your safety and enjoyment on the slopes.
Anatomy of an Alpine Ski Binding
Alpine ski bindings are composed of a toe piece, a heel piece, brakes, and an AFD plate. As you would guess, the first two hold and can also release the boot’s toe and heel. The brakes are part of the heel piece and keep skis from gliding when deployed. The AFD (anti-friction device) is built into the toe piece and allows the forefoot to easily slip out of the binding when needed.
Boot Compatibility with Bindings
If you already own ski boots, be sure that they’re compatible with your new bindings. There are three common alpine ski boot soles: flat alpine soles, WTR (walk to ride), and GripWalk. Flat alpine soles work with flat alpine sole bindings and GripWalk bindings. WTR bindings, which are becoming less prevalent, are compatible with WTR, GripWalk, and flat alpine soles, but not touring soles. Two other types of bindings, Sole.ID and MNC (multinorm compatible), fit all three alpine skiing soles and even touring soles (although not non-compliant touring soles), if you want to wear touring boots at the resort.
Release Value (DIN)
A binding’s release value is based on the force required to release your boot. Modern alpine bindings are designed to hold onto your boots as you glide downhill and let go of them when you crash. This prevents your ski from acting as a lever that forces your lower leg in an unnatural direction, potentially causing serious injuries. A proper release setting also stops your bindings from releasing under the normal pressures of skiing; otherwise, much like the proverbial paddler who’s up a creek with no paddle, you’d be hurtling down a mountain with no skis. That’s why it’s crucial to purchase a binding that can be set to the DIN that’s right for you.
The release value is expressed as a DIN number (aka ISO 9462). The acronym stands for the Deutsches Institut für Normung, the German Institute for Standardization. Most manufacturers conform to their standards, so a given release value will be consistent from one brand to another. DIN numbers run from 0.5 to 18, and all bindings have an adjustment range. Generally, the number in the binding’s product name refers to its highest DIN. The larger the DIN number, the more force is required to release your foot. Your height, weight, sole length, age, and skiing style determine the ideal number. Smaller, less aggressive skiers and children need a lower release value, whereas more aggressive, burlier skiers’ bindings should be set higher. Talk with one of our consultants to determine your DIN number.
Brake and Ski Binding Compatibility
Alpine ski bindings come with brakes in the heel piece. When you step into your binding, the prongs lift to allow your skis to freely glide. When the binding releases your boot, they deploy to stop your skis from sliding down the mountain without you. That way, you can avoid losing your skis, taking a long downhill hike, or injuring someone with a runaway ski. A binding’s brakes must be compatible with your skis’ waist, meaning they must be equal to or wider than their width underfoot (but not more than 15 mm wider). Brakes that are too narrow won’t clear the edges at the waist. Overly wide ones could drag on the snow or even hook together or catch on your snowpants while you’re skiing, sending you for a major spill.
Elasticity in Bindings
A binding’s elasticity is its ability to allow the boot some movement without releasing. This dampens vibrations and absorbs small shocks. More play within the binding results in better edge hold, more control, and smoother skiing, especially on hardpack, bumps, jumps, and variable snow. It lets you make precise, clean, powerful turns. The amount of elastic movement varies from one binding model to another and should be a major consideration when purchasing a binding, especially for real speed demons or heavier, more powerful skiers.
Skier Style and Alpine Ski Bindings
Carving
Do you love laying down fluid arcs in fresh corduroy? You should consider beefier bindings with steel or aluminum parts that can better withstand the gyroscopic forces involved in carving. That said, slower skiers and beginners can go with all-plastic bindings, which often come at a lower price. You may also want bindings that let your boots sit a bit higher over your skis for more leverage and better edge hold in turns.
All-Mountain
All-mountain (aka all-terrain) skiers take a holistic, adventurous approach to their day at the resort. They enjoy groomers, side hits, groves, moguls, and even the occasional snowpark session. You can’t find your all-mountain skiing buddy? She’s probably off in the sidecountry shredding in her secret, lift- or bootpack-accessible powder stash. This type of skier should go with a relatively light binding with a lower stand height (the boot’s distance from the skis) for more responsive handling and better snow feel in variable conditions and powder.
Freestyle
Freestyle skiing involves rails, halfpipes, jumps, and other types of thrilling, acrobatic challenges. This style requires light yet durable bindings with plenty of elasticity for easier aerial manoeuvres and more shock absorption on landings.
Powder Skiing
Looking for a setup dedicated to those precious, glorious powder days? You want a binding with a low stand height to maximize the surfy feel. Bindings that are easy to step into can be a plus because getting back into your bindings can be tough in deep pow. You should also be sure that the brakes are wide enough for your broad-waisted powder skis.
