Boots and Bindings

What kind of Bindings and Boots should I use?

When you make a turn on a ski, you do so by rolling the ski onto its edge. Of course, you do this by rolling your ankle and your foot. So, whatever kind of skiing you do, your boot and binding needs to be stiff enough to transmit that movement of your ankle to the ski. Old floppy boots make sking hard work—you will have to exagerate the movement of your foot to make the ski edge.

Naturally, stiff, strong boots with good ankle support are especially important for backcountry skiing and Telemarking. Backcountry boots are usually stiffer and sturdier than track boots, and skating boots have a tall plastic cuff for ankle support. Modern plastic Telemark boots actually have a plastic cuff similar to Alpine downhill boots. Randonee boots are Alpine boots.


Types of Bindings

There are basically three kinds of bindings used on cross-country skis: three-pin, integral boot/binding systems (NNN or SNS), and randonee. Binding systems must be matched with their respective three-pin, NNN or SNS, and randonee boots. BC (backcountry) versions of these bindings must be paired with BC boots.


Three-Pin Bindings (also known as 75mm Bindings)

The oldest and most common type of binding, it usually consists of a metal or plastic plate that the front of the boot fits into; three holes in front of the toe fit over three pins on the plate, and the top of the plate (or a thick wire) locks down to hold the toe in place. A heel plate keeps the foot in a straight line on the ski, but doesn't hold the heel down. The binding should have a hole to attach a ski retention strap. A runaway ski in the backcountry is just as bad as in a lift assisted area.

The wire bail can easily pop out and disappear in the snow. It's a good idea to carry one or two spares in your pack. This tendency to pop out under stress is good because it acts as a simple release and can prevent a broken leg.

Cable bindings are a type of three-pin binding (used with the same style boot) which hold the toe down with a wedge rather than with pins; the boot is retained by a cable which goes around the heel. Boots and bindings of this style range from light-duty plastic bindings and low-cut boots for track use, to heavy metal bindings and stiffer leather and plastic boots which are better for telemarking and carrying loads.


Integral Systems

There are three major types of integral systems which are mutually incompatible. These systems have no ability to release under stress and are more dangerous than 3 pin bindings. NNN (New Nordic Norm) is a system in which the three holes in front of the boot toe are replaced by a horizontal metal rod which is locked into the binding by a lever. The heavier-duty NNN-BC (Back Country) system moves the rod under the toes, rather than in front of it, which many find to be more comfortable than either standard NNN or three-pin systems. Both NNN and NNN-BC boots and bindings are made by a variety of companies.

The third system is Salomon's Profil, Salomon Nordic - Bindings a version of which is used by most racers. They also make a backcountry version (not recommended-you could end up with a nasty spiral fracture of the tibia and wait in the snow for a helicopter rescue). Profil, like NNN-BC, has the pivot point under the toes rather than in front of the boot. There is also an older Salomon system, SNS, with the pivot in front. A few other companies make Profil-compatible boots.

All three of these systems partially interlock the sole of the boot with the surface of the binding under the foot, reducing or (for the Profil) eliminating the role of the heel plate. You must use a boot compatible with your particular binding type.


Randonee

These bindings take a standard downhill boot, but have a hinge at the toe and a latch at the heel. The latch can be released for free-heel climbing, or locked down for downhill skiing. They have release capabilities, like downhill ski bindings.


Equipment Introduction

Boots and Binding

Skis

Poles and Skins



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