Ski binding

A mechanical interface that attaches a ski boot to a ski and, in many designs, releases it under specified forces to reduce injury risk.

DIN setting: A numerical release setting used on many alpine ski bindings, determined from skier and equipment characteristics. It calibrates the force at which an alpine binding releases.
Alpine ski binding: A binding that secures an alpine ski boot at both toe and heel and can release in a fall. It is the common downhill design built around controlled release.
Ski boot: A rigid or semi-rigid boot designed to transfer a skier's movements and forces to a ski. Its sole and fittings must engage the binding correctly.
Non-release ski binding: A ski binding that does not release the boot under preset force thresholds. It contrasts with release-oriented alpine designs, though some specialist bindings intentionally retain the boot.
Toe piece: The front component of an alpine ski binding that holds the boot toe and often permits lateral release. Its lateral release helps limit twisting loads on the skier's leg.
Touring binding: A ski binding that permits heel lift for climbing and secures the heel for downhill skiing. Its walk and ski modes balance uphill mobility with downhill control.
Ski: A long, narrow piece of equipment that glides over snow and supports a skier. The binding mounts to the ski and transmits forces into it.
Cable binding: A ski binding that uses a cable to secure the boot, often around the heel. Traditional cable designs differ from modern alpine bindings in retention and release behavior.
Heel piece: The rear component of an alpine ski binding that secures the boot heel and often permits upward release. Its vertical release helps manage forward-fall forces.
Tech binding: A lightweight touring binding that holds a boot using pins engaging fittings at its toe and heel. Its pin interface reduces weight for backcountry climbing.

Linked from 5 pages