Ski Touring Bindings - Bindings that help you ascend and descend
Touring Bindings are your ticket off the resort and into the wilderness, enabling you to ski down any slope you can hike up. Ski Touring Bindings have been making great strides in technology, safety, and weight with the increase in interest over the past few years. When purchasing Touring Bindings, you need to consider DIN and Brake Width as with all bindings, but boot compatibility, weight, and other features are important as well.


DIN and DIN range
The release/retention setting of a ski binding is measured using a number known as the DIN. The DIN is what determines the force necessary to release the bindings from your boot in the event of a crash. The higher the DIN, the more force needed to release your skis. DIN is determined using three numbers: the skier’s height, weight and skier type. A certified binding tech, like the ones on staff at L9 can determine and set your DIN. Each binding has a DIN range, which is the range of that binding’s possible DIN settings. DIN settings can range from 0.75 (for small children), up to 18 (for the most expert skiers). Check the DIN range of individual bindings by looking at the Specs on that binding’s page. If you aren’t sure what DIN range would be best for you, ask the knowledgeable staff at L9.


Brake Width
The brake width of a ski binding can be chosen while buying a pair of ski bindings on the L9 website. Brake widths are measured in millimeters, and should be no more than 5-10mm wider than the waist width of the ski. If you don’t know the waist width of the ski you plan on using them with, ask someone at L9 using our chat or email options. We will be happy to help.


Ski Boot/Binding compatibility
Touring Bindings come in two styles - Frame Bindings, and Pin Bindings. Frame Bindings will work with your regular resort boot, utilizing a frame to connect the toe and heel when the heel is disconnected from the ski. The problem with these bindings is that they are heavy and raise your boot off the ski, reducing power transfer. Pin Bindings do not use a frame and are very light, but they require your boots to have pin inserts (small metal pin receivers on the toe of the boot). These can be great for ascents, but not quite as burly and strong as typical bindings while skiing. The newest kind of touring bindings are the best of both worlds. The Shift Binding uses pins for the ascent, and then with a quick adjustment, be shifted into a typical alpine binding. These bindings have been getting rave reviews and are the newest and best way to enjoy both the hike and the ski down.