Ski bindings and boots are both very important gear, but to most, the former isn’t as interesting to choose and it can feel like another few hundred dollars to slap on top of your winter budget. But since having a proper set of bindings is just as important to your performance and safety as any other piece of gear, you have to choose the best pair! Finding the right ski bindings for your riding style and ability can have a major impact on your skiing experience. With so many technical details and options, it can be overwhelming to figure out which pair to get. Should you get ski bindings for park, or should you get a pair for the backcountry? Well, fret not! Aside from showing you all the best options out there, we also have ski bindings buying guide specially made for you!
For those who are also looking for other skiing gear, you can check out our list of the best all-mountain skis, best Quicksilver ski goggles, and the 13 best ski boots bags!
How To Choose The Best Ski Bindings
Need ski bindings buying guide before visiting the ski resorts in Vermont? Great, as we’re going to show you some of the most important features that will determine which bindings are ideal for you!
DIN settings
DIN settings are the industry-wide standard for setting the amount of force required for a binding to release. It’s an important safety consideration as having your skis unintentionally release during a landing is no good. Usually, higher skill levels are associated with higher DIN numbers. The higher the DIN, the more force is required for the binding to release.
- 3-11 DIN: For older youth and beginner adults.
- 3-12 DIN: For heavier youth or lightweight intermediate skiers.
- 6-14 DIN: For advanced to expert lightweight skiers or heavier intermediate to advanced skiers.
- 6-18 DIN: For expert, aggressive skiers.
Thus, we recommend choosing bindings with a DIN range that suits your skill level.
Sole norms & binding compatibility
Ski bindings and boots should match each other well. That said, there are 3 main types of soles that are generally seen in the ski boot industry, which are the Alpine boot sole, the GripWalk boot sole, and the WTR (walk-to-ride) boot sole. Some bindings are highly versatile and compatible with all of them, while others may fit with only one sole type. So, make sure to always keep this in mind when you’re planning to buy a pair of ski bindings.
Ski binding types
- Alpine bindings: Alpine bindings or downhill bindings are for all classic downhill skiers. They’re very easy to use and can accommodate all traditional downhill ski boots. It’s best for anything and everything on a resort day.
- Tech bindings: This type is great for those who want to spend hours traveling uphill as they’re more lightweight. They’re best for multiday or long-distance ski touring and occasional in-bounds use.
- Alpine touring frame bindings: These bindings are a crossover category that aims to take the best attributes from both alpine and backcountry offerings. Their framed design offers excellent power transmission for bombing downhill, but when switched into touring mode, the free heel and climbing bars allow you to skin uphill. Plus, they can accommodate a wide range of boots.
Brakes
Most bindings have brakes that are nothing more than 2 metal arms along the sides of the binding that dig into the snow when no boot is clicked in. This prevents your skis from sliding away before they’re on and it also keeps them from taking off down the hill without you in the case of a crash in which the bindings release. It’s important to know which brake widths are available for a given binding to make sure that they offer a size that’s great for your skis. That said, most companies recommend the brakes to be set at a maximum of 20mm wider than your skis.
Elastic travel
The elastic travel is a measurement given in mm, often separately for the toe and heel pieces. It describes how much a boot can move within the binding before the binding releases. Greater elastic travel is definitely a big benefit, especially for advanced skiers hitting big features with potentially rough landings.
How much should I spend on ski bindings?
Your ski bindings and boots should have the same intended ability level. Usually, beginner bindings will cost around 100USD to 200USD. Expert level bindings can be over 500USD. Depending on where you buy them, you may need to pay a bit extra to have your bindings mounted to your skis.
What does GW mean in ski bindings?
GW stands for GripWalk. It’s a type of boot soles, which include traditional alpine, GripWalk, and AT, which stands for Alpine Touring.
Tyrolia Attack2 11GW Bindings
13
If you already own a pair of ski boots for beginners, the next step is to find ski bindings for beginners, like the Tyrolia Attack2 11GW Bindings. Aside from having an enticing price tag, these bindings are perfect for beginners putting together their ski package for the first time and those looking for ski bindings for park. They’re lightweight but have a solid feel that will boost confidence! Although they can’t take the brunt of powerful skiers ripping slopes, for casual resort-goers, they’re more than ideal.
We also like the curved rubber sole that makes walking very comfortable and improves natural roll. Everyone knows having compatible ski bindings and boots is very important. That said, with their new FR PRO2 toe piece, you can easily adjust these bindings to fit both alpine and GripWalk ski boots. Besides being versatile, these tough bindings are also available in 3 different colors to choose from.
What We Love
An affordable and versatile pick for beginners and those who want a pair of ski bindings for park.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Versatile
- Integrated stiff pads
- Curved rubber sole
- Compatible with GripWalk and alpine soles
Cons:
- Low DIN range
Marker Baron EPF 13 Ski Bindings
12
We bet those coming over from the alpine side will love the Marker Baron EPF 13 Ski Bindings. These bindings are frame-style freeride bindings that feature a walk option and are compatible with alpine and touring boots. This option right here is ideal for more aggressive skiers that are less concerned with weight and more concerned with DIN and power transfer.
These bindings sit on a wide chassis, allowing you to drive big mountain skis without much worry, as freestyle skiers and heavy huckers are accustomed to. Yes, they’re not the lightest bindings, but they still manage to offer great power and control on the downhill. Like most alpine touring bindings, these ones let you adjust the heel riser to the slope angle, with 2 climbing modes at 7 and 13 degrees. Best of all, the newly designed toepiece is constructed with a unique anti-ice rail on top.
What We Love
A great option for resort skiers who want to explore the side country without simply hiking in boots.
Pros:
- Great for downhill
- Compatible with alpine and touring boots
- Suitable for aggressive skiers
- Adjustable heel riser
- Anti-ice rail toepiece
Cons:
- Heavier than most options
G3 Zed 12 Ski Bindings
11
Are you just getting into backcountry touring? If so, then feel free to check out the G3 Zed 12 Ski Bindings! They’re a pair of lightweight, high-performance bindings loaded with features that you can count on as you learn more and more about traveling uphill. Ski bindings and boots can be very expensive. But thankfully, these bindings cost less than most boots out there, which is always nice. By the way, if you need other cheap skiing gear, check out the 13 best ski goggles under 100 and the 13 best ski helmets under 100!
One of the things that make beginners love them is their ease of entry and dedicated Boot Stop. You won’t have to worry about snow building up when you have to re-engage in the deep snow! Weighing in at less than 2lbs, they use 7,000 hot-forged aluminum to maximize the strength-to-weight ratio. With a freeride mount width, wide center support of the heel turret, and high release values, you’ll be surprised by their power transfer and precision to the ski.
What We Love
They’re strong and reliable ski bindings for beginners available at an affordable price.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Beginner-friendly
- Ease of entry and dedicated Boot Stop
- Lightweight but sturdy
- Powerful transfer
Cons:
- Limited only for beginners
Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 Ski Bindings
10
We can’t complete this list without these amazing bindings. The Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC13 Ski Bindings are among the best, and they immediately changed the backcountry ski binding landscape after their release. These bindings were the first tech binding that provided legitimate performance and safety while hitting big lines at the resort. One of the best things about these bindings is their downhill performance. They ski downhill just like resort bindings, and most people notice no difference between them and typical resort bindings.
Assuming that these bindings will be mainly used for resort skiing, they’re pretty easy to use! In fact, you can use them exactly like how you use other alpine bindings. You step in, go, step out, and stop. Super easy! Apart from that, we also like how durable they actually are! They do cost significantly more than most basic resort bindings. However, they’re truly worth investing in.
What We Love
Resort bindings that can be used for occasional human-powered action.
Pros:
- Great uphill and downhill performance in a single binding
- Compatible with most soles
- Elastic travel
- Easy to use
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Pretty heavy
LOOK Pivot 14 AW Ski Bindings
9
Thanks to the Multi-Directional Release technology, the LOOK Pivot 14 AW Ski Bindings manage to set themselves apart from their competitions. These bindings boast a mechanical upward release that functions independently from the heel for the most effective and reliable release protection in case of a fall. Meanwhile, the 7 points of contact with the boot assure that you’re not sacrificing any energy transition or driving power.
These impressive shoes also deliver loads of elastic travel, both laterally and vertically. With 28mm of elastic travel on the heel and 45mm and 180-degree release on the toe, these bindings can absorb shock on chatter or jumps and cut back on unwanted pre-release. Plus, a shorter mounting zone provides less swing weight to improve response and a deeper, more consistent ski flex.
What We Love
One of the top bindings out there due to the elastic heel and low height that keeps you close to the ski.
Pros:
- Mechanical upward release
- 7 points of contact
- Elastic travel
- Broad DIN range
- Less swing weight
Cons:
- Non-swappable brakes
Atomic STH WTR 16 Ski Bindings
8
When you use the Atomic STH WTR 16 Ski Bindings, you’ll feel like gliding 2 armored tanks on your feet, for real! Thanks to their oversized mounting platform and low-profile chassis, these bindings can give you the maximum amount of control and power distribution. Once you use these bindings, nothing will be able to stop you and you’ll ski with nothing but confidence.
You can be as aggressive as you want out there, as they will definitely hold up. It’s no secret that ski bindings and boots have to suit each other well. That said, with the adjustable toe height, these bindings can accommodate both Alpine and WTR boots up to 28mm. Intended for advanced skiers, these bindings also feature natural ski flex and progressive transfer pads, which are special inserts placed beneath the toe and heel to increase damping and forgiveness.
What We Love
A premium model for expert skiers who want total trust in their bindings.
Pros:
- Highly comfortable
- Excellent power distribution
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- Suitable for expert skiers
- Natural ski flex and progressive transfer pads
Cons:
- A bit heavy and pricey
LOOK Pivot 12 GW Ski Bindings
7
Here are bindings that are often preferred by the freeride skiers, the LOOK Pivot 12 GW Ski Bindings. But despite that, they’re great for all-mountain too. These amazing bindings keep you locked onto your skis for all the fun stuff including big landings but release in the sketchy situations when you need them to. What’s great about them is their pivot turntable design that provides 7 points of contact between your boot heel and the binding. Thus, you’ll have amazing contact, ski feeling, and power transmission. Oh, they’re also compatible with GripWalk and alpine boot sole.
If you’ve read the ski bindings buying guide on the internet, you’ve probably known that these bindings are made for intermediate to expert skiers. The wide DIN range makes them versatile in terms of ski level and style. Meanwhile, the 28mm of elastic travel in the heel and 40mm of travel in the toe will prevent the pre-release of the binding. Those travels are pretty elastic too, allowing the boot to move more before the torque causes release.
What We Love
These bindings deliver impressive performance all over the mountain and on a variety of skis.
Pros:
- Alpine and GripWalk sole compatible
- Amazing energy transmission
- Safe, consistent release
- Long elastic travel
- 7 points of contact
Cons:
- The brakes aren’t swappable
Salomon Warden MNC 13 Ski Bindings
6
Offering versatile performance, the Salomon Warden MNC 13 Ski Bindings are easily one of the best options out there. Ski bindings and boots have to match each other well. Thankfully, these bindings are compatible with an impressive range of boots. They’ll save you from buying new boots to fit them unless you want to! These bindings are compatible with both alpine and touring sole standards. Plus, adjustments are relatively easy with a manual toe height and automatic wing adjustment.
That’s not all, as these impressive bindings can also serve a wide variety of skiing levels! However, we have to admit that they’re best suited for intermediate skiers. The extra-wide toe pedals transfer power effectively to the edges and make these bindings super ideal for larger skis. Moreover, the sliding pedal is spring mounted and allows for some lateral movement. It also ensures that any booth with a normalized sole will release in case of a fall.
What We Love
These are all-around bindings that are great for most skiers despite their skiing skills.
Pros:
- Offer a versatile fit
- Extra-wide toe pedal
- Easily adjustable
- Great for all skiers despite their skill level
- Alpine, WTR, and GripWalk sole compatible
Cons:
- Manual toe adjustment
Salomon STH2 WTR 13 Ski Bindings
5
With the Salomon STH2 WTR 13 Ski Bindings, you can expect great power transfer thanks to the low profile and extra-wide toe pedal of these freeride bindings. We like the fact that they offer a great amount of elastic level, which is 52mm in the heel and 16mm in the toe, which helps prevent pre-release. Not to mention, the wide range of DIN also allows you to adjust the release to suit your own needs.
Apart from that, these amazing bindings are also known for their ease of use. When you’re looking for ski bindings buying guide, they’ll probably tell you to find a pair that’s easy to use, especially if you’re new to skiing. That said, these bindings are super easy to click into even in deep snow conditions. The shape makes it really easy to clear snow from around the bindings. The ease of use is made even more attractive by the compatibility with walk-to-ride sole norms.
What We Love
They’re definitely the go-to option for deep powder.
Pros:
- Alpine and walk-to-ride sole compatible
- Extra-wide toe pedal
- Amazing elastic level
- Wide range of DIN
- Really easy to use
Cons:
- Some pre-release problems at higher DIN
Marker Duke PT 16 Ski Bindings
4
Both of your ski bindings and boots should be of high quality. If you still haven’t found a great pair of the former, then take a look at the Marker Duke PT 16 Ski Bindings. The Duke was one of the very first bindings available on the market, and the newest incarnation is a forerunner of the latest hybrid technology. These bindings have a full pin binding setup that an alpine toe can be mounted on top of. The toe piece can be flipped up for ascents or is totally removable if you prefer to save weight at the risk of dropping them on the skin track.
Yes, it can feel disconcerting to look at the detached toe piece. However, one can’t deny that the overall construction is top-notch. These bindings are catered to the skiers who ski the resort and may go for a short tour out of the gates, and they’re also compatible with different ski boot platforms. You can basically slide anything from 4-buckle race boots to full-on touring boots into these bindings as long as they have heel and toe lugs.
What We Love
They’re high-quality bindings for touring and downhill that most skiers love.
Pros:
- Full pin binding setup
- Removable toe piece
- Impressive construction
- Compatible with different ski boot platforms
- Easy to get in and out
Cons:
- Risk of losing the toe piece if you take it off
LOOK Pivot 14 AW Ski Bindings
3
We think it’s safe to say that the LOOK Pivot 14 AW Ski Bindings are the most easily recognized series in skiing, as they’re used by some of the world’s best skiers! If you read the ski bindings buying guide, many will recommend you this pair. That’s because only a few come close to these bindings in terms of safety, power transmission, and ski control.
The turntable design of these bindings connect them with the ski at 7 points of contact, minimizing the footprint of the bindings on the surface of the ski, and naturally increasing flex and control. They also feature industry-leading elastic travel, which can absorb impact and help prevent knee injuries as well as pre-releasing. Even better, they’re compatible with both traditional alpine boot soles and GripWalk boot soles.
What We Love
A high-quality pair of ski bindings that give you maximum control so you can turn corners with pop.
Pros:
- Broad DIN range
- Top-notch safety
- Great power transmission
- Increased flex and control
- Industry-leading elastic level
Cons:
- Limited adjustment range
Marker Jester 16 ID Ski Bindings
2
Marker is one of the most trusted titans of the binding scene. The “Royal Family” line of bindings has set the standard for alpine and frame bindings for decades. That said, those looking for downhill bindings should go take a look at the Marker Jester 16 ID Ski Bindings. They’ve been favored by big, aggressive freeride skiers who need their ski bindings to hold their boots firmly. On top of that, these ski bindings for park will add a degree of security for those worried about hitting big jumps in the park.
The biggest update of these bindings compared to the previous versions is their expanded boot sole compatibility. Now, they pretty much work with any alpine boots and some touring boots, which is great! After all, ski bindings and boots have to work well together so you can have a great skiing session. Part of the toe and heel housing has also been rebuilt with magnesium to save on weight and add a little more stiffness for driving power. We also love that they have a wide enough DIN range to be acceptable for nearly any adult. Yes, they are cheaper options on the market, but none of them do quite the job that these bindings can when it comes to freeride playfulness and stomp-power.
What We Love
Highly durable bindings with impressive construction without adding much weight.
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Hold boots firmly
- Expanded boot sole compatibility
- Wide DIN range
- Great for aggressive skiers
Cons:
- Might be overkill for some skiers
Marker Griffon 13 ID Ski Bindings
1
In terms of sheer slope presence, the Marker Griffon 13 ID Ski Bindings are one of the most beloved ski bindings on the market. This great skiing gear splits the difference between performance and weight really well. On top of that, these bindings are among the most affordable options on the market right now worthy of your attention and money. For most riders, these ski bindings for park can be taken anywhere they go. They come with a full DIN range from 4-13, so there’s plenty of opportunities for new skiers to grow into their binding as their skills and demands progress.
The “ID” in the name refers to the Marker’s boot compatibility, which is among the widest out there. So, if you have these ski bindings and boots from Marker, you’ll definitely have a blast! Meanwhile, the toe piece is set up to accommodate anything from the standard ISO 5355 downhill model to GripWalk, Walk-to-Ride, and even touring-specific soles. Plus, the brakes are pretty easy to swap for varying ski widths and available in sizes that should accommodate the vast majority of all-mountain shapes.
What We Love
A really affordable and practical pair of alpine ski bindings for park that’s straightforward.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Beginner-friendly
- Compatible with Marker’s boots
- Easy-to-swap brakes
- Varying sizes
Cons:
- They don’t have enough power if you want to drop big cliffs and ski with the best
