Editing Ski binding (section)

== Alpine ==
[[Alpine skiing|Alpine ski]] bindings have two functions: 1) Retaining the ski boot on the ski, 2) Releasing the ski boot from the ski in case of a fall to prevent injury to the skier.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ettlinger |first=Carl |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dT6NgTsCQoUC&dq=How+ski+bindings+work&pg=PA157 |title=How bindings work |date=September 1990 |publisher=Skiing |pages=56 |language=en}}</ref> The retention function typically involves stepping into the binding toe-first and pressing down with the heel of the ski boot, which causes a latch to engage the heel. The release function has two principal axes of operation: forwards and back along the ski and torsionally, rotating over the top of the ski. Bindings allow a certain amount of flexure of the boot position before they release under pressure during a fall.<ref name=":5">{{Cite book |last=Oliver |first=Peter |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dT6NgTsCQoUC&dq=How+ski+bindings+work&pg=PA157 |title=Bindings-Vive la Difference! |date=September 1990 |publisher=Skiing |pages=148–58 |language=en}}</ref>

Each binding is set for a [[Deutsches Institut für Normung|DIN]] value that determines how readily it will release in case of a fall, based on the parameters of the skier's height, weight, age, and ability (rated from one for beginner to three for an advanced skier).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dinsetting.com |title=DIN Setting Calculator |publisher=DINSetting.com |access-date=20 Dec 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Foersterling |first=Jack |date=September 14, 2017 |title=How to Buy Your New Bindings |url=https://www.powder.com/gear-locker/how-to-buy-your-new-bindings/ |access-date=2022-03-16 |website=POWDER Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> A snow brake prevents the ski from moving while it is not attached to a boot. Major manufacturers of alpine ski bindings include:<ref name=":5" />

* '''Atomic''', (also branded "Ess") pioneered the adjustable binding platform, forwards and back.
* '''Geze''', which pioneered upward release of the toe, in case of a backwards fall.
* '''Look''', which pioneered a turntable for the heel.
* '''Marker''', which pioneered the toe-piece "twin-cam" articulation for releasing a boot sideways.
* '''Salomon''', which pioneered the use of composite plastics in bindings.
* '''Tyrolia''', which introduced the "flex" attachment system, using pins on the binding that engage holes in the boot.

===Alpine touring===
[[Image:TouringBinding1.gif|thumb|[[ski touring|Alpine touring]] ski boot, binding, and ski crampon]]
An [[Ski touring|alpine touring]] (or randonee) binding allows the skier to have the heel of the ski boot free and the toe of the ski boot in the binding when using Nordic skiing techniques for ski touring, and to have both the heel and the toe of the ski boot in the binding when using [[alpine skiing]] techniques to descend the mountain.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ski Bindings - Components and Functions |url=http://www.abc-of-skiing.com/whatareskibindings.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030620175316/http://www.abc-of-skiing.com/whatareskibindings.asp |url-status=usurped |archive-date=June 20, 2003 |access-date=13 October 2014 |website=ABC of skiing}}</ref> Most touring bindings are designed for ski boots falling under one of two ISO specifications:  
*ISO 5355:2019, for traditional [[Ski boots#Alpine|alpine boots]]. In this variation the pivot is located in the front of the binding.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Technical Committee|first=ISO/TC 83/SC 4 Snowsports equipment|date=April 2019|title=ISO 5355:2019: Alpine ski-boots — Requirements and test methods|url=https://www.iso.org/cms/render/live/en/sites/isoorg/contents/data/standard/07/48/74870.html|access-date=2020-12-09|website=ISO|language=en}}</ref>
*ISO 9523:2015, for boots in which the pivot is formed at the boot / binding interface.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Technical Committee|first=ISO/TC 83/SC 4 Snowsports equipment|date=August 2015|title=ISO 9523:2015 Touring ski-boots for adults — Interface with touring ski-bindings — Requirements and test methods|url=https://www.iso.org/cms/render/live/en/sites/isoorg/contents/data/standard/06/30/63099.html|access-date=2020-12-09|website=ISO|language=en}}</ref>
The two setups are typically incompatible in that the principle by which they affix the boot to the ski is different. "Tech" bindings engage the ski boot with pins, which hold the toe down and engage with the heel in downhill mode. Approximately 50% of ski boots have the necessary inserts. "Frame" bindings function similarly to regular alpine bindings, gripping a welt in the heel of the boot in downhill mode.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Bible |first=Aaron |date=2020-12-19 |title=The Best Backcountry Ski Bindings of 2022 |url=https://gearjunkie.com/winter/best-backcountry-ski-bindings |access-date=2022-03-16 |website=GearJunkie |language=en-US}}</ref>

Manufacturers of alpine touring bindings include: Atomic/Salomon, Black Diamond, Dynafit, Fritschi, Genuine Guide Gear, and Marker.<ref name=":4" />