Touring Binding Guide
Pin, hybrid, frame, telemark or splitboard: how backcountry bindings differ, which boots they take, and how to pick a brake width and release value before you order.
The four binding systems
| Type | How it works | Boot needed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tech (pin) ATK, Dynafit, Atomic Backland | Two pins clamp the toe inserts; the heel pins drop into the boot for descending. Lightest option, free pivot on the skin track. | Touring boot with tech inserts | Most of what we do around Monarch, Marshall Pass and hut trips. Our default recommendation. |
| Hybrid Atomic Shift, Salomon Shift | Pin toe for climbing that converts to a full alpine toe for the descent. Heavier, but DIN certified release on the way down. | Boot with tech inserts and a GripWalk or Touring sole | Skiers who split time between the resort and the backcountry and ski hard on the way down. |
| Frame | A rail connects toe and heel and lifts with each step. Heavy and dated; we rarely recommend one anymore. | Most alpine or touring boots | Occasional sidecountry on alpine boots. |
| Telemark 22 Designs, Voile | Free heel. 75 mm (3-pin and cable) or NTN (Outlaw X, Lynx) with a tour mode on the newer NTN designs. | 75 mm duckbill boot or NTN boot, matched to the binding | Tele skiers. We are one of the last shops in Colorado that stocks the full range. |
Splitboard bindings
Spark R&D bindings ride on pucks mounted to each half of the board. Any snowboard boot works, but a stiff boot like the ThirtyTwo TM-2 makes a big difference on hard snow. Tell us your board and we will set the puck spacing and stance before it leaves the shop.
Release values
Tech bindings release at a fixed value or a small adjustable range (an ATK Raider 12 covers roughly 5 to 12, a Dynafit Rotation 10 covers 4 to 10). Pick a binding whose range comfortably includes your number, not one where you are at the top or bottom of the range. Your release value depends on your weight, height, boot sole length, age and how aggressively you ski. We set it on the bench for every mount; the chart below is only to get you in the right binding.
| Skier | Typical range | Bindings that fit |
|---|---|---|
| Under 130 lb, cautious or newer | 3 to 6 | ATK Haute Route, Dynafit Rotation 10, Atomic Backland |
| 130 to 190 lb, most skiers | 6 to 9 | ATK Raider 12, Dynafit Rotation 10 or 12, Atomic Shift 10 |
| Over 190 lb or aggressive | 9 to 13 | ATK Freeraider 14 or 15, Dynafit Ridge, Atomic Shift 13 |
Brake width
Brakes should match the waist width of the ski. Pick the brake size equal to or up to 10 mm wider than the ski waist. A 100 mm brake works on a 92 to 100 mm ski; a 110 mm brake works on 100 to 110 mm. Too narrow and the brake will not clear the ski; too wide and it drags in the skin track. Many race and ultralight pin bindings skip brakes entirely and use a leash instead, which is lighter but means a lost ski on a bad fall.
Mounting and compatibility checklist
- Boot sole length (BSL) is stamped on the side of the boot heel in millimeters. We need it for every mount and it determines whether a binding's heel adjustment range covers you.
- Tech inserts must be in good shape. Worn or dirty inserts cause pre release. Bring the boots in and we will check them.
- Crampon slot: ski crampons are brand specific. Dynafit crampons fit Dynafit and ATK toes; others need their own.
- Heel risers: two heights is standard. Flip risers that work with a pole tip save time on long skin tracks.
- Tele: 75 mm boots do not fit NTN bindings and vice versa. Check the boot sole before you buy.
Shop touring bindingsSplitboard bindingsTelemark