Ski bindings are what keep winter sports enthusiasts and their equipment together on the piste. After all, a secure connection between skis and ski boots ensures that every descent is really fun. The basis for this is the necessary fine-tuning. But what does the Z value actually have to do with carefree days on the piste? What is the difference between freeride and alpine models? And why can skiers be happy when their own bindings suddenly open in an emergency? Questions to which SnowTrex now provides the answers.
The history of ski bindings
In the beginning there was a leather strap. This is probably the best way to describe the oldest “ancestor” of modern ski bindings as winter sports enthusiasts know them today. Around 1840, skis in the Norwegian province of Telemark were not only used as a means of transport, but also gradually as sports equipment. To get the right grip, the locals simply put their still very rudimentary ski boots into the nailed-on straps. These were initially made from birch roots and later from leather. And while the tip of the foot was relatively loosely fixed, the heel could still be moved up and down again. This movement is still used today for ski mountaineering uphill and telemarking downhill. The Norwegian cradle of skiing also gave its name to the characteristic lunge when landing in ski jumping, the telemark.
In 1894, the Norwegian Fritz Huitfeldt further developed the ski bindings with the single loop and for the first time installed a toe iron to fix the feet to the skis. The semi-circular metal hook on the toes was designed so that leather straps could be attached to it. They ran along the sole to the heel, where they were tied together. A concept that remained the industry standard until the 1930s. During this period, the basic construction was developed step by step. For example, through the introduction of buckles, poles and plates made of metal. In 1932, Swiss skier Guido Reuge’s idea of replacing the heel strap with a cable significantly improved ski guidance. A metal spring established the connection to the tip of the foot fixed to the ski and ensured even tension, even when the foot moved in the binding.
The forefather of today’s safety bindings came onto the market in 1937. After breaking his legs while skiing, Hjalmar Hvam wanted to prevent further injuries. The Norwegian developed a binding with a metal clip that fitted into a notch in the sole of the ski boot. In the event of a fall, the boot was released from the pin due to the rotation. This resulted in separation between the skier and the ski. Another evolutionary step in the field of ski bindings was the so-called “Look Nevada” toe binding in 1950. In order to keep the ski boot centred on the ski, it slid into a semi-circular clamp at the tip, which was clamped into the binding apparatus on the ski via a spring. Thanks to this design, the clamp could rotate outwards if the lateral acceleration during a fall exceeded a certain resistance, thus releasing the ski boot. Major manufacturers such as Marker eventually adopted the design and developed it further. The result was the market launch of the first modern heel-toe binding in 1960. By the end of the decade, it had completely replaced traditional cable bindings in alpine winter sports. Initially, the new bindings were made of metal. Gradually, however, the designers integrated more and more plastic parts into their products. The result was the safety bindings that we know from the slopes in the Alps and other ski resorts around the world in the 21st century.
One winter sport, many different ski bindings
Winter sports enthusiasts who are not only drawn to the Alps for skiing usually long for one scenario: glorious weather, crisp sub-zero temperatures and perfectly groomed slopes. But instead of going downhill, some skiers also want to go uphill, not on the lift or in the gondola, but exclusively on their sports equipment. And it is precisely for this reason that there are special ski bindings for each of these routes.
Alpine binding
The alpine binding or jaw binding is the absolute standard. Regardless of the terrain, whether on the piste or in deep snow. Beginners, advanced skiers and competitive athletes have been using this tried and tested concept for decades. Push the toe into the jaws at the front, press the heel into the back of the automatic binding, click it into place and off you go. With good grip and stability, the alpine binding ensures a secure feeling on the descent. They are often reinforced by connecting bars or binding plates. The automatic heel binding is also equipped with a ski brake. When the ski binding is released on the piste, two rods fold towards the snow and dig into the cold ground. This prevents skiers from having to climb halfway down the slope in search of their own sports equipment after a fall and also protects other people from stray skis hurtling down the piste in an uncontrolled manner.
Touring ski binding
If you go ski touring in the mountains, you need one thing above all else on your skis: freedom of movement. To enable a natural walking movement, the heel of a touring ski binding can be released from the rear jaws for the ascent, while the toe remains fixed on the ski. For the descent, the binding can be reconfigured at the end so that the heel also engages firmly, as with an alpine binding. Winter sports enthusiasts can choose from two different designs at this point. The first is a frame-guided binding, in which the entire binding system can be released apart from the flexible anchor point at the tip of the ski boot. The other option is a pin binding. However, this requires special touring ski boots that can snap into the pins at the tip of the binding. In order to ensure the necessary freedom of movement for touring, the automatic heel can either be turned to the side or moved backwards.
Telemark binding
A special downhill technique also requires a special type of binding. As with touring ski bindings, with telemark bindings the heel of the skier must remain flexible in order to be able to perform the famous lunges on the descent. In addition to modified, but often very expensive touring ski bindings, two products can be selected for telemarking. The first is cable pull bindings, which are equipped with a metal cable that is tightened around the heel instead of an automatic heel puller. Their design is similar to the old alpine bindings of the past. The second option is the three-pin binding. Special ski boots are needed to secure them to the skis, which snap into the small pins at the front of the binding with three hooks. Skiers who want to try their hand at telemarking are generally advised to secure their skis to their legs using a safety strap. This prevents the sports equipment from sliding down the slope uncontrollably in the event of a fall, as telemark bindings are not usually equipped with a snow brake like alpine bindings.
The following video shows what telemarking looks like on the piste:
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The compact ski binding encyclopaedia
Contact pressure
When motor sports enthusiasts and winter sports enthusiasts talk about downforce, they are referring to two completely different values. While on the world’s tarmac racetracks, the term refers to the force with which the cars are pressed onto the track by the airstream with the help of aerodynamic add-on parts, skiers exert downforce with their feet. To be more precise, this refers to the pressure with which the ski boot is pressed into the toe of the binding by the automatic heel press at the tip.
Binding plate
In the 1990s, carving skis celebrated their comeback and with them the binding plates. By mounting the ski bindings on the plates, the waist of the skis can be better utilised. The result is the ability to ski tighter radii of curves. The following applies here: the more inclined the skier can position the ski, the better the steel edge grips the snow. Thanks to the raised stance provided by the plate, steeper angles of attack are possible in turns before the ski boot touches the piste and the skier slips away. For this reason, top athletes choose higher plates for their races. However, due to the increased risk of injury, the binding plates are limited to a maximum of five centimetres. Hobby skiers, on the other hand, can choose a material thickness of between 1.5 and two centimetres.
ISO standard
The same applies to ski bindings as to ski boots. To ensure that the two elements fit together securely and stably, they are standardised. Like ski boots for alpine skis, bindings are listed under ISO 5355. The counterpart to this is the touring sole standard ISO 9523, under which touring ski bindings are also built. However, there are now also other ski boot soles, which in turn means that the ski bindings must be designed for these models.
Grip Walk
A new type of ski boot sole is the so-called Grip Walk. These are soles which, thanks to their reinforced rubber profile, are more similar to those of a winter boot and therefore offer the wearer more grip on icy car parks or slippery après-ski terraces. However, the raised sole means that Grip Walk ski boots do not fit perfectly in ISO-standardised bindings. For this reason, winter sports enthusiasts with these ski boots also need special Grip Walk bindings so that they can stand securely on their skis.
Marker
A name that almost every skier has read on a binding is “Marker”. This is not just any old manufacturer’s name, but a winter sports entrepreneurial legend from Germany. in 1952, Hannes Marker, then still a ski instructor from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, presented his latest development at a sporting goods fair in Wiesbaden: the world’s first self-release binding. A short time later, Marker’s “Duplex” model heralded a new era in alpine winter sports. While the first racer with a Marker binding under his feet won gold at the 1956 Winter Olympics, the binding “made in Garmisch” sold more than five million units in the following years. To this day, Hannes Marker’s surname adorns hundreds of thousands of ski bindings on the slopes of the world.
Multinorm certified
Ski enthusiasts who nowadays choose ski boots with Grip Walk soles need specially designed bindings for a carefree experience on the piste. In contrast to normal ISO 5355-standardised alpine bindings, only here is the material guaranteed to find a secure hold. However, there is another alternative at this point. Ski bindings that are labelled as multinorm certified. Screws in the front binding apparatus make the carriage on which the tip of the ski boot rests height-adjustable. This allows the pressure with which the ski boots are pressed into the toe piece to be regulated, making the bindings suitable for different types of soles.
Sole length
As the name suggests, the sole length is used to measure the length of a ski boot. As there is no standardised, industry-wide measurement, most manufacturers base their size specifications on the Mondopoint table. The sole length is stamped into the outside of the plastic shell of the ski boot and is given in millimetres, for example 286 mm or 338 mm. This value is decisive for the distance between the two automatic binding machines and therefore for the correct hold of the ski boot.
Z-value
When adjusting a ski binding, no number is as important as the Z-value. It describes the release value of the binding and is customised to the respective user of the sports equipment. If the Z-value is not correct, this could have unintended consequences for many skiers. For example, if the setting is too soft, the binding may release too early even under low load. For example, in a dead straight run or unexpectedly in the lift. If the Z value is set too high, on the other hand, the binding may either not release at all or release far too late in the event of a fall. In both cases, this can often lead to injuries. The Z-value is intended to limit the torque on the shin. And as this unit of measurement is based on the DIN/ISO standard 11088, the Z-value is also described as the DIN value. In addition to weight, height and sole length, the skier’s skiing experience also plays a role in the calculation. All of this can change from one ski season to the next, just like age. This is why skiers under the age of 10 and over the age of 50 have to move up one line in the following table. The reason for this is the fact that young bones are not yet fully developed, while bones also become less stable with age.
| Radius (in m) | Ski type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 10 to 12 | Slalom | These skis can make small, aggressive turns. |
| 14 to 20 | Freestyle, Beginner, All-round, Powder | Most skis fall within this range. The larger radius gives them more stability at higher speeds, making them suitable for most speeds and slopes. |
| 20 to 30 | Giant Slalom, Freestyle, Powder | Since Giant Slalom involves higher speeds and wider turns, the radius must be larger. Freestyle skis and powder skis also often have larger radii, as they are not designed for quick, aggressive turns. |
| 30+ | Racer | Skis with a radius of 30 meters or more are almost exclusively intended for racers who ski at extremely high speeds. For most slopes, such wide turns would be too dangerous. |
In this video, an expert shows how ski bindings can be correctly adjusted by skiers themselves:
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Ski bindings are a matter of adjustment
Whether Z-value, sole length or contact pressure – ski bindings are literally a matter of adjustment. All three values can be changed on ski bindings with a few simple steps. This requires a screwdriver, in most cases a Phillips or Allen key. The first step is to adjust the ski binding to the correct sole length. There are no sizes per se for ski bindings as there are for clothing. Instead, the size is defined by the adjustable sole lengths of the respective model and the Z-value. This means that if the binding fits in terms of sole length, but instead of the required Z-value of 6.5, only a maximum of 5.0 can be set, the binding is too “small” and a larger one is required. Incidentally, manufacturers generally offer their products for men, women and children. However, most bindings are categorised as “unisex”.
There are now two different ways to adjust the sole length. Some ski bindings that are supplied with a binding plate have a quick-change or “SpeedLock” system. In this case, the two automatic bindings can be released with a snap lock, removed and then positioned in the appropriate place using a plug-in system. The classic “variant”, on the other hand, is the slide system. A screw can be used to move the heel automat forwards or backwards and adjust it to the right sole length. The same applies to the contact pressure. This can also be adjusted using a screw, which must either be flush with a marking on the binding or move an arrow in the centre of a small viewing window for indication.
Finally, skiers must pay attention to the Z-value. Here, too, a screwdriver is sufficient. The adjustment is made with a screw on the automatic heel unit and the front binding unit. The same Z value must be displayed on both. The scale can be read in two small viewing windows. Important: If the Z-value is in the upper red maximum range at the end, the binding can still be used. However, due to possible overloading, it is advisable to use a “larger” ski binding in this case.
The right binding for every environment
As with touring ski and telemark bindings, winter sports enthusiasts can also choose the type of material for alpine bindings that best suits their skiing style and preferred terrain. The piste binding is one of the most widespread. This is a product for groomed slopes that is suitable for both beginners and experts. The construction is mainly made of plastic, but some metal parts are added to increase stability. A proportion that is even higher in racing bindings. Aluminium elements ensure that the weight is further reduced, thereby increasing the precision of ski control. The target group here are competitive athletes from the World Cup circuit or experienced amateur athletes who want to ski their favourite slopes at high speed. Off-piste skiing in deep snow is no less spectacular.
For those who feel at home in this terrain, there is ultimately no way around a freeride binding. Even laymen can see the difference to normal piste bindings at first glance. Similar to freeride and all-mountain skis, the matching bindings are significantly wider and more powerful. The advantage of this design is the fact that the material is better able to absorb hard landings or impacts, for example after contact with rocks, and acts as a kind of shock absorber.
The following video explains why ski bindings are so important for a safe skiing experience on the slopes of this world:
Please also note that by using our services and integrating the YouTube API Services, the YouTube Terms of Service and the YouTube API Services Terms apply and your use of our website is deemed to be acceptance of these terms.
Ditch the old ski bindings, get the new ones
Winter sports enthusiasts who buy their sports equipment either online or in a shop in the ski resort usually have the choice of a complete package. This consists of the ski itself and a pre-installed, so-called system binding from one and the same manufacturer. In this case, it is almost impossible to replace the old binding with a new one without a great deal of effort. The situation is different, however, if the skis and bindings were purchased separately. In this case, the latter can always be customised and positioned to suit the material. To do this, holes are first drilled into the ski at several pre-marked points before the bindings are screwed on there. With the right templates, drill heads and tools, hobby skiers can also carry out the assembly themselves at home. However, as it is a sometimes complicated procedure that requires a lot of precision and expertise, it is anything but easy for non-professionals. What’s more, the installation of the bindings is ultimately also relevant to safety. It is therefore advisable to contact your trusted specialist dealer at this point and leave the installation to them. Professionals are also able to dismantle an old binding and prepare your favourite skis so that a new binding can then be screwed on.
FAQs on ski bindings
What types of ski bindings are there?
Winter sports enthusiasts who decide to buy or hire alpine skis can choose from three different types of bindings. There are alpine bindings for descents on groomed pistes, touring ski bindings, which can also be used to climb mountains, and telemark bindings for a special downhill technique.
How do ski bindings work?
The first safety bindings came onto the market in the 1960s. A concept that has continued to be developed into the 21st century. In the binding, the ski boots lock firmly between two automats at the toe and heel. If, for example, a certain force value, which is individually set for each winter sports enthusiast, is exceeded in the event of a fall, the binding is released. Releasing the ski boot drastically reduces the risk of injury.
Can I adjust my ski bindings myself?
Yes, every ski binding can be adjusted by yourself using standard tools such as a screwdriver or an Allen key. However, the correct configuration of a ski binding is relevant to safety and must be customised for each individual skier. It is therefore always advisable to leave this work to specialist retailers.
What is the Z-value?
The Z-value or DIN value describes the release value of a ski binding. It must be individually adjusted directly on the binding to the weight, height and age of the winter sports enthusiast. This ensures that the binding releases at the right moment and thus reduces the risk of injury in the event of a fall.
When do ski bindings need to be adjusted?
Ski bindings should be readjusted before each new ski season for safety reasons. Over the course of a year, winter sports enthusiasts not only get older, but their weight can also change. In addition, children and teenagers continue to grow during this period. All three factors have an effect on the Z-value, which must be kept up to date and perfectly adjusted to the body for safety reasons.
Do the ski bindings only need to be adjusted with new boots?
If you buy a new ski boot, you also have to readjust your bindings. As the sole length is not an industry-wide standard, this value can vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer. At this point, the wear and tear on the sole, heel and toe caused by use should also be taken into account. This is a factor that affects the secure hold of the ski boot in the binding. For this reason, even with old or used ski boots, care should be taken to ensure that the binding is regularly readjusted.
What happens if the ski binding is incorrectly adjusted?
Incorrectly adjusted ski bindings can hurt in the truest sense of the word. A binding that is set too weakly can lead to incorrect release even with little load. And this can happen at times when a winter sports enthusiast is not even expecting it. For example, in the lift or on a dead straight run. If, on the other hand, the ski binding is set too tightly, it will either not release at all or release too late in the event of a fall.
Which ski binding do I choose for which skiing style?
There are three different types of binding for alpine skis. The piste binding is suitable for beginners as well as experienced hobby skiers who mostly ski on groomed slopes. Race bindings, on the other hand, appeal to ambitious recreational winter sports enthusiasts and top athletes from the World Cup thanks to their lightweight construction. Freeride bindings should be the first choice for off-piste skiing in deep snow or off-piste.
What do ski bindings cost?
Prices for alpine bindings start from as little as 40 euros in online shops or specialist shops. However, equipment for professionals can cost up to 400 euros. Touring ski bindings and telemark bindings, on the other hand, are in a completely different price segment due to their special design. “Favourable” bindings cost from 200 euros upwards.
How much does it cost to adjust a binding?
In general, it costs nothing to adjust a binding. Due to their design, the most important values can be adjusted by any winter sports enthusiast using a screwdriver or an Allen key. However, due to the safety relevance of ski bindings, it is advisable to have the adjustment carried out by a specialist dealer. For this service, which is almost a must, especially for children’s ski bindings, sports shops charge between 10 and 35 euros per pair of bindings. Winter sports enthusiasts who want to save on these costs can book ski & snowboard hire from SnowTrex before their trip. The professional adjustment of the ski equipment is included in these packages.
