How to choose a touring ski binding? What is the best touring binding?

How a ski touring binding works

The ski touring binding follows the same principle on descents as a traditional alpine binding. It keeps the ski boot securely in place and releases it in the event of a fall. Ski touring bindings also feature a unique walk mode that frees the heel of the boot. This allows the ski to glide naturally with minimal effort on the ascent.

On the uphill

The boot remains attached at the front, leaving the heel free. Heel lifts can be placed under the heel on steep slopes to reduce strain on the calves. Some bindings even come with several levels of heel lift to adapt to different gradients encountered. And activating or removing the lift is child’s play, as it can all be done with the tip of the ski pole.

All ski touring bindings can also be fitted with crampons if needed. These crampons act like real spikes when the snow becomes too hard. With each step they break through the icy crust and provide excellent grip, preventing any backward slide when the climbing skins and edges start to lose traction.

On the downhill

Touring bindings revert to classic bindings that hold the boot securely in place. With a pin binding, you simply rotate the heel piece to align the rear inserts correctly, clip into the toe piece and then into the heel. With a frame binding, you just press down with your heel to bring the frame into contact with the ski and lock it in place using your pole.

These are the lightest bindings on the market (less than 300 g per pair). Very minimalist, ski mountaineering bindings do not have a release system at the front and very rarely at the rear. A leash replaces the ski brake, which is considered too heavy, and the heel piece is fixed, usually with only a small climbing aid. The idea here is to be as light as possible to tackle big ascents at incredible speed. The best-known competition bindings include the Dynafit Low Tech Race, ATK Revolution and Plum Race.

Pros:

• Ultra-lightweight
• Maximum efficiency on the ascent: every gram saved = energy conserved
• Ultra-simple mechanism, quick to step in and out for transitions during races
• Ideal for long races, technical raids, extreme ascents

Cons:

• No DIN adjustment: release cannot be adjusted, requires a suitable body weight and skiing style
• No active safety: no controlled release in torsion, increased risk of injury in the event of a fall
• Specific boots required: only compatible with ISMF-standard ski mountaineering boots
• Extremely specialised use: unsuitable for recreational skiers, freetouring or resort skiing

Safer than race bindings, the Low Tech bindings remain very light (300 g to 900 g per pair) and feature a real release system at the heel piece. They are the ideal bindings for light ski touring. The risk of accidents is therefore greatly reduced. Low Tech bindings can be found with a rotating heel piece equipped with 2 or 3 heel lifts, allowing you to adjust the heel height according to the slope gradient. Some models now even come with ski brakes (adding around 200 g per pair) to make them more practical to use.

Pros:

• Minimal weight for optimal efficiency on the ascent
• Less effort and greater mobility
• Ideal for traditional ski touring, ski mountaineering or long races

Cons:

• Less forgiving on the descent
• Reduced safety in the event of a lateral fall (except on models with adjustable toe pieces)
• Stepping in and out is more technical to learn

Hybrid bindings with rotating toe piece

As with Low Tech models, the DIN setting is always adjusted at the heel piece. However, the toe piece is mounted on a spring system that allows for some rotational play. This system improves lateral release in the event of a fall.

Pros:

• Alpine-like feel on the descent
• Full, certified DIN safety
• Compatible with a wide range of boots

Cons:

• Heavier and less smooth on the uphill
• Complex transition between climbing and descending (multiple manual operations)
• Tricky step-in in Low Tech mode (especially in deep snow)
• Not suitable for long tours or ski mountaineering

Example: the Dynafit St Rotation Lite 10 Natural:

Hybrid bindings with DIN adjustment on the toe piece

These bindings feature an improved toe piece, with the option to adjust the DIN release value at the front in addition to the standard adjustment at the heel. For the first time, a Low Tech binding can release at the front in a controlled way.

Pros:

• Very good weight/safety ratio
• Adjustable release on two axes (lateral + frontal)
• Excellent versatility for touring / moderate descents
• Sleek design, easy to maintain

Cons:

• Less progressive release than an alpine binding
• Lower lateral stability when skiing aggressively
• Not as forgiving for beginners
• Fine-tuning required for optimal release

Example: the Fritschi Vipec:

Hybrid bindings with alpine-style heel piece:

A true hybrid binding, it uses a standard toe piece with inserts (pins) for easier touring, while the heel piece is similar to that of an alpine binding (with heel lifts). This system improves release reliability and provides solid boot retention on the descent.

Warning: this binding style is only compatible with certain ski touring boots due to its heel piece without inserts.

Pros:

• Excellent downhill hold, close to alpine bindings
• Easy step-in thanks to a wide, intuitive heel piece
• Good progressive release in the event of a fall
• Highly versatile (freetouring, touring, occasional alpine skiing)

Cons:

• Heavier than a standard Low Tech
• Less efficient on long ascents
• Requires insert-compatible boots (not alpine ISO 5355 standard)
• More complex mechanism = regular maintenance recommended

Example: the Marker Kingpin:

This is the touring binding that most closely resembles what we are used to seeing on alpine skis. It features an adjustable heel piece and toe piece, both mounted on an articulated plate that locks on demand, making it easy to switch from climb to descent mode. Plate bindings are compatible with all ISO 5355 alpine ski boots as well as with a large number of ski touring boots. They come with multi-level climbing aids and adjustable sizing. The main drawback of these bindings is, of course, their weight, as they weigh at least 1,600 g per pair and, depending on the model, can easily be much heavier.

Pros:

• Intuitive, very secure step-in
• Downhill feel similar to alpine skiing
• Often the most reassuring for beginners

Cons:

• Very heavy (1.8 kg to 2.4 kg per pair)
• Less efficient on the ascent (more tiring)
• Less suitable for long outings

Example: the Marker Baron binding: