Ski bindings

What You Need to Know about Ski Bindings

Ski bindings transfer power to your skis, dampen vibrations, and release when needed to help prevent injury. Today’s options range from alpine bindings for resort skiing to hybrid and touring models that let you climb under your own power.

Key Features and Specs

Bindings can have a broad range of features and specs to consider. Here are some to look for:

• DIN rating — A binding’s DIN range reflects the amount of force required to cause it to release your boot. The number in the binding name typically represents its top DIN value. The higher the number, the more force is required for release. Your weight, height, boot sole length, and skiing style determine the right DIN. A correct DIN ensures that your boot will release when needed (preventing serious injury) and stay put when you’re skiing downhill.
• Brakes — Brakes stop your skis if they release so you don’t head down the hill without you (or become dangerous projectiles!). Choose a width that matches your ski’s waist (up to about 15 mm wider) so they clear the edges without dragging.
• Leashes — Leashes perform the same function as brakes on some touring bindings. They are often sold separately.
• Elasticity — This is the play the binding allows without releasing. The more elasticity in the binding, the more it can absorb vibrations and bumps.
• Scraper rails — Small ridges or edges on the binding that let you scrape snow and ice off your boot soles before stepping in, making entry quicker and more secure.
• Stack height — This is how high your boot sits above the ski. More height increases edge leverage and precision on hardpack, while a lower profile offers better snow feel and a more surfy, playful ride.
• Pin inserts — Found on touring and hybrid bindings, these two metal pins at the toe hold boots equipped with tech fittings for lighter uphill travel and downhill safety.

Match Your Binding to Your Skiing Style

Alpine Ski Bindings

Alpine ski bindings are for skiers who use chairlifts or other mechanical means to get to the top. Characteristics vary to suit different types of skiing.

• Carving — For skiers who love laying down clean arcs on groomers. Consider a higher DIN range if you ski aggressively and a higher stack height for more leverage on your edges.
• All-Mountain/Freeride — For those who love exploring the whole mountain, mixing up everything from groomers to glades, sidecountry powder stashes, side hits, and park sessions. Choose versatile bindings with moderate weight and good elasticity.
• Freestyle — For jumps, rails and switch landings in the snow park. Light bindings with good elasticity help absorb impact and resist pre-release. Durability matters for hard landings and rails.
• Powder — For deep pow days. Low stack height keeps a surfy feel; wide brakes fit fat skis.

Hybrid Ski Bindings

Hybrid and touring bindings are for skiers who climb the mountain with skins under their skis and an uphill technique much like that of classic cross-country skiing. On the way down, both let you lock down your heel so you can make alpine skiing turns. Hybrid bindings are for people who want to ski both at the resort and in the backcountry on the same setup. They’re almost as light as touring bindings and have the same safety level (with the same DIN certification as alpine bindings) and a performance comparable to a downhill binding. They have alpine heel pieces and either metal pins or metal pins that can be converted into a downhill toe piece for extra elasticity.

To learn more about choosing alpine ski bindings, see our article “How to Choose the Right Alpine Ski Binding?”

Touring Bindings

Touring bindings are for lightweight setups designed for the backcountry. These days, most touring bindings have toe insert pieces that keep your setup lightweight and give you a natural uphill stride. These bindings have little to no elasticity and do not have the same DIN certification, so they’re not designed for lift-served skiing. That said, they are fine for a few up- and downhill laps at the resort.

For more information about alpine touring and hybrid bindings, see our article “How to Choose the Right Alpine Touring Binding?”

Pairing Boot and Bindings

If you already own ski boots, check that they’re compatible with the bindings you’re considering. Alpine boots usually have one of three soles: flat alpine, WTR (Walk to Ride), or GripWalk. Flat soles work with both alpine and GripWalk bindings. WTR bindings fit WTR, GripWalk and flat soles but not touring boots. Multinorm systems such as MNC and Sole.ID accept all three alpine soles and most touring soles, making them a flexible choice if you want to use touring boots at the resort.

Ski Bindings at Oberson

Bindings keep you safe and let your skis perform at their best if they’re set up correctly. Our team of seasoned experts can help you find the right model for your skis, boots and skiing style, then mount and adjust it to the proper DIN for safety and performance. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out online, or visit our Laval and Brossard stores for expert advice and professional installation.