Sure, you might still be able to hike out of bounds at your local ski area, but you can’t actuallyskin uphillwithout a binding that releases at the heel and pivots at the toe. And with the investment in backcountry ski bindings comes the ultimate freedom and efficiency for lift-free travel, whether in the backcountry or at your local resort.

　　While the category may seem a bit new and mysterious to many shoppers here in the U.S., the development and evolution of these bindings have been going on rigorously in Europe for decades. Ski touring bindings mark an integral part of any backcountry setup, so don’t overlook the crucial technology that connects your boots to your skis.

　　First things first: You will need to educate yourself on how to shop for backcountry ski bindings, commonly called AT (alpine touring) bindings or uphill touring bindings. Our buyers guide is the perfect place to start. Then, with a little knowledge, you can evaluate our picks for the best backcountry ski bindings to find which is best for you. Head over to our comparison chart for a side-by-side rundown of specs and pricing, and check out our FAQ section, especially if youre new to the wonders of ski touring.

　　Editors Note: We updated this guide on April 10, 2024, by adding the G3 Ion 12 to the line-up as our new pick for best overall backcountry ski binding. We also made sure the other items on our list were available and up-to-date.

　　The Best Backcountry Ski Bindings of 2024 Best Overall Backcountry Ski Bindings: G3 Ion 12 Best Budget Backcountry Ski Bindings: Fritschi Xenic 10 Best Runner-Up Backcountry Ski Bindings: Salomon S/Lab Shift MN 13 Best Frame Bindings: Marker Baron Best Lightweight Backcountry Ski Bindings: Dynafit Superlite 150 Best Backcountry Ski Bindings for Beginners: G3 ZED 12 Best Overall Backcountry Ski Binding G3 ION 12 Specs Weight 2 lbs,. 8.8 oz. Type Tech DIN 5-12

　　Pros Easy step-In Extremely versatile Tried and true; icon in the industry Optimal heel lift Very skier-friendly and intuitive to use Cons To the extreme weight-saver, may be a tad heavy Aaron Bible Once again, Genuine Guide Gear (aka G3) captures our full attention with its tried-and-true G3 Ion 12 Binding ($664). With a simple, user-friendly design that effortlessly performs on both the ascent and the descent, the G3 Ion is “skis down” one of the most reliable and underrated options on the market.

　　To start with, this binding has been around for years, and as a result, its functionality has improved to near perfection. G3 worked out any initial kinks, and now the Ion switches seamlessly from uphill mode to downhill mode with an effortless twist of the heel piece. Thanks to its more durable, easy-to-clean toe-piece design, stepping into these bindings is a breeze compared to some of the other small, more technical bindings on this list. But rest assured, a simple design doesn’t mean it’s lacking in sweet characteristics.

　　The Ion boasts many features sure to excite a range of skiers. A variety of heel lift options, easily deployed with the flick of a pole, include a mega high riser that served our tester Ryan Kempfer well on unrelenting climbs in the Tetons, while snow-cleaning channels kept ice build-up at bay on arduous (and largely rolling) adventures during wet nukefests in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

　　Power, responsiveness and generous DIN ranges (Ion 12: 5-12 and Ion 10: 4-10) allow the Ion to grow with you as your skills improve and to perform extremely well both on and off-piste. We took this binding through powder high on 14ers in Colorado to groomers at the resort with confidence and ease. Once you try it, we’re fairly confident you’ll understand why the Ion has been, and will continue to be, a staple in many quivers for many years to come.

　　Our only real issue with the G3 Ion 12 is the weight; coming in at 2 lbs., 8.8 oz per pair, it’s on the heavier side for a true tech binding. So, if you’re an ounce counter, this may not be the binding for you. However, we feel the extra weight is worth it for a reliable and intuitive binding capable of performing well whether youre tackling long days in the skin track or multiple laps at your hometown ski hill.

　　If you’re looking for a binding versatile enough to carry you up the mountain and power you through the downs, whether it’s your first day of touring or your thousandth, the G3 Ion 12 is for you.

　　If you want to lear more about the G3 Ion 12 binding, check out this in-depth review from Switchback Travel.

　　$498 at Amazoncheck price at g3 ion Best Budget Backcountry Ski Bindings Fritschi Xenic 10 Specs Weight 1 lb, 9 oz. Type Tech DIN 4-10

　　Pros Easier to engage pins in deep snow A good balance of weight and features Great price Cons Toe lock for touring can be tough to engage Aaron Bible The Xenic 10 ($520) is more like other tech pin bindings you’ll see in its class than previous models from the brand. It features some innovative design features paired with high-quality materials to make a lightweight, easy-to-use backcountry binding, with a DIN setting from 4 to 10, at a great price.

　　A Swiss brand that many Americans may not have come across yet, Fritschi tries to differentiate itself by incorporating safety into each of its modern bindings. Many skiers use Fritschi bindings for their safe release, which includes lateral release in front, frontal release in the back, and active length compensation.

　　The Xenic 10 has a bombproof toepiece with a unique fixed-stop and step-in pedal. This, combined with broad heel support, creates unquestionable control on any descent and on any type of terrain. For uphill objectives, the Xenic is lightweight and has a heel riser climbing aid that flips down into an 11-degree position.

　　When skiing in downhill mode, this AT binding has a 10mm length compensation, which the brand says creates a more “reliable and quantifiable release.” This helps eliminate some of the prerelease and popout problems occasionally encountered by people using tech pin bindings in-bounds.

　　The Xenic 10 also has a unique “lock” position when in “ski” mode, so there is no need to “block” the binding into tour mode to prevent pre-release. This binding could easily become your new go-to for just about any terrain, as most skiers don’t employ more than a 10 DIN anyway in the backcountry.

　　Unlike the Vipec binding that slides back in tour mode and forward in ski mode, transition is achieved in the Xenic by a simple 180-degree rotation of the heel, much like its competitors. Additionally, and this won’t matter to anyone but serious tech pin geeks, the toe pin wings or jaws on the Xenic snap out completely horizontally, not out and down as the others in the class. Again, the brand says this design is to help prevent accidental prereleases.

　　Plus, Fritschi toepieces have an actual lever that stops the boot in the right position and engages the toe jaws. When you’ve practiced it and it’s working properly, this can prove very helpful in deep snow and dicey situations when you are trying to get your ski back on.

　　$520 at Black Diamond Equipment$344 at Amazon Best Runner-Up Backcountry Ski Bindings Salomon S/Lab Shift MN 13 Specs Weight 3 lbs. 14.4 oz. (pair) Type Tech DIN 6-13

　　Pros Allows for more aggressive skiing in the backcountry Extremely versatile Accommodates Alpine, GripWalk, Tech, and Touring boot soles Cons Though lighter than frame bindings, these are still on the heavy side for touring Aaron Bible For years, the best skiers in the world were looking for a way to completely lock in the toe of the boot without having to rely on the pins, for both performance and safety, in a single-piece design. The SHIFT 10 ($550) and the higher DIN model SHIFT 13 ($600; available in multiple colors this year) are great options if you only want one pair of skis in your garage. These bindings work great for alpine skiers investing in their first pair of touring bindings.

　　Even though it’s not the lightest alpine touring binding on the market, the SHIFT 13 is one of the more sturdy touring bindings available. Aggressive skiers who want a reliable and powerful binding for the resort and the backcountry will love it.

　　The difference between the SHIFT 10 and SHIFT 13 is DIN settings. The SHIFT 13 is for skiers who set their DIN between 6 and 13 and is not the choice for lightweight or less experienced skiers.

　　Note: Figuring out the way the toe fits into the SHIFT binding for touring can take a little bit of practice, so play with it on dry land first.

　　While the SHIFT looks a lot like a Freeride binding, with an alpine-style heel and toepiece, and Multi Norm Certified (MNC) boot compatibility, the SHIFT is a true touring binding. So, you will need tech pin inserts in the toes of your boots to tour uphill — not to mention skins.

　　The binding’s toe height adjusts to accommodate standard alpine, WTR, tech, AT, and GripWalk soles. So, if you tour regularly but prefer the performance of a true alpine binding, this binding works very well. It also makes a great option for resort skiers who may want to venture out of bounds.

　　Salomon makes this unique binding from carbon-infused polyamide to keep weight down, while still offering a strong, responsive binding. The idea is to combine the best of a tech binding and an alpine binding in a single package.

　　The SHIFT allows you to tour in a tech binding while skiing in a full 13 DIN, MNC alpine binding with 35 mm of elastic travel (same as Salomon Warden alpine binding). It features 30 mm of adjustability and 47 mm of elastic travel, one of the aspects that makes this such a great downhill binding.

　　For more info, read our in-depth review of the Salomon S/Lab SHIFT Binding.

　　$420 at evo$480 at REI Best Frame Binding Marker Baron Specs Weight 3 lbs. Type Frame DIN 4-13

　　Pros Great downhill performance Alpine boot compatible Cons Heavy Aaron Bible For those coming over from the alpine side, the new Marker Baron ($500) is a frame-style freeride binding that features a walk option and is compatible with alpine and touring boots. Similar to the original Duke design that came out in 2007, these crossover freeride/freestyle/touring bindings are ideal for more aggressive skiers less concerned with weight and more concerned with DIN/release and power transfer — or those who may not yet want to invest in touring boots.

　　If you are going for shorter skins to huck side-country or backcountry cliffs, and then shred bumps for the rest of the day, this is your binding. Built on Marker’s Extended Power Frame, the brand says this binding combines the power of a 13 DIN alpine binding and the walk option of an alpine touring binding.

　　The Baron sits on a wide chassis, allowing you to drive big mountain skis without worry, as freestyle skiers and heavy huckers are accustomed to. While they aren’t the lightest bindings, Marker aims to make up for the extra grams with power and control on the downhill.

　　Again, these are a great option for a resort skier who wants to explore the side country without simply hiking in your boots — as you’ll see happening at most resorts through backcountry gates. All you have to do is invest in skins and you’re ready to go. When you’re ready to climb, convert the binding from ski to walk mode by flicking a switch.

　　Like most alpine touring bindings, the Baron lets you adjust the heel riser to the slope angle, with two climbing modes at 7 and 13 degrees. And importantly, the newly designed toepiece is constructed with a unique anti-ice rail on top. DIN goes from 4 to 13.

　　$300 at REI Best for Beginners G3 ZED 12 Specs Weight 1 lb. 9 oz. Type Tech DIN 5-12

　　Pros Good range of adjustment Easy to engage heel risers Good value Cons Just a touch on the heavy side Aaron Bible If you’re just getting into backcountry touring, the G3 ZED 12 ($572) is a lightweight, high-performance binding loaded with features that you can count on as you learn more about traveling uphill. And, it costs less than your boots, which is always nice.

　　G3 stands for Genuine Guide Gear, and the brand’s reputation for authentic alpine touring expertise across its entire backcountry product line precedes it. In 2009, the company produced its first AT bindings. Since then, G3 has become one of the leading players in the game, focusing on engineering products that perform on the downhill and the uphill.

　　One of the great things about G3 bindings, especially for beginners, is their ease of entry and dedicated Boot Stop. And you won’t worry about snow buildup when you have to re-engage in deep snow, thanks to the binding’s anti-snowpacking features in both the toe and heel.

　　Born in Canada and designed with touring in mind, it’s easy to move the QuickFlick heel lifts with your ski pole, as they offer two riser settings for any slope angle. You can also adjust the heel turret in either direction to support your position when moving uphill.

　　The 30 mm of length adjustment on the heel lets you fine-tune for any sole length. Everything on the binding can be adjusted with just one Pozidriv tool. When it’s time for the descent, the ZED 12’s wide center of support of the turret and metal wraparound base transfer power and precision to your skis.

　　Aaron skied these bindings many days in bounds and has never pre-released, something he credits either in part or in full to G3’s toe elasticity. When the binding approaches the release point under pressure or flex, G3 toe jaws actually clamp the boot tighter until the specified release point is reached. Meanwhile, you can adjust vertical and lateral release with the turn of a screw.

　　$438 at Amazoncheck price at genuine guide gear Best Lightweight Ski Binding Dynafit Superlite 150 Specs Weight 10.5 oz. Type Tech DIN 4-13

　　Pros Ultralight Durable Cons Heel piece requires rotation to adjust riser height Aaron Bible One of the lighter offerings from Dynafit, the Superlite 150 ($600), weighs just 150 g per binding and comprises 100% aluminum construction. The Superlite is designed for eager ski tourers and the race crowd.

　　With an adjustable DIN from 4 to 13, this binding is appropriate for skiers of all ability levels. However, it does have a fixed toe release, which can be perceived as less safe during a crash. The binding also has four innovative walk modes for increased uphill efficiency. Skiers can employ the Race setup (no stoppers), or the Touring setup (with stoppers).

　　As it’s designed for Randonnée racing, Dynafit made it easy to attach optional crampons to the Superlite 150. And while the binding’s vertical release is fixed, users can swap out springs to adjust between a 6 and 9 DIN. Plus, an optional adjustment plate can be employed to accommodate differing sole lengths.

　　To raise the heels, you must rotate the heel piece. This isnt our favorite method since it takes some practice and isnt as easy as simply flicking up an aluminum tab with your poll, but fewer moving parts mean lighter weight and fewer things that can break, so there are many fans out there of this simpler design.

　　CHECK PRICE AT DYNAFIT Best of the Rest Marker Alpinist 12 Specs Weight 1 lb, 1 oz. Type Tech DIN 6-12

　　Pros Good downhill performance Lightweight Cons Release values are not DIN certified Aaron Bible The Alpinist is a touring binding for alpine climbs and descents, made to be the ultimate ultralight option for serious backcountry tourers. It sports pin technology with a lateral (and fixed vertical) release.

　　On the skin track and while stopping for snacks, innovative anti-ice pads prevent snow and ice from building up in the toe and heel. So, you don’t have to worry about clearing out the binding with your ski pole when it’s time to step in. Gray elastomers serve as a visual aid to enhance boot placement for step-in.

　　Touring uphill in walk mode, switch easily between 0, 5, and 9 degrees, depending on slope angle, without having to rotate the heel with two risers. Once mounted, 15 mm of fore and aft adjustment allows you to use boots with different sole lengths.

　　Carbon-reinforced toe jaws are engineered to remain stiff, which aids in responsive power transmission to the ski. The Alpinist 12 lateral release adjusts from 6 to 12 DIN, while the Alpinist 8 adjusts from 3 to 8 DIN setting for smaller skiers.

　　Marker also added “active length compensation” to the heel piece, which moves slightly as the ski flexes to improve the release consistency and avoid prerelease while skiing aggressively on-piste.

　　$440 at evo$442 at Amazon Marker Duke PT 13 Specs Weight 5 lbs. 12.8 oz. Type Hybrid DIN 4-13

　　Pros A good compromise of uphill and downhill performance Cons Heavy Expensive compared true tech pin bindings Aaron Bible The Marker Duke PT ($650) is designed to deliver downhill performance with the freedom of uphill travel for aggressive big mountain skiers.

　　Like the SHIFT, the Duke is designed for those looking for a more alpine-oriented downhill experience. Marker went one better and made the step-in toe lock mechanism removable for climbing, so you save about 300 g off your feet on the uphill.

　　Instead of having to carry this weight on your skis, where every gram counts and you also deal with additional snow weight, you can store what Marker is calling the “convertible toe” in your jacket pocket or backpack.

　　Again, aimed more at downhill chargers than free-touring, this Duke features the latest Marker heel with lightweight magnesium housing to give full stiffness and power transfer to the skis. The bindings are further enhanced with just 24 mm of height off the base, making for quicker turning. The binding also uses a multifunctional “Lock Walk” unit that locks up the brakes and gives a 10-degree climbing aid (but no other adjustable heel risers).

　　When preparing to descend, users will click the front toepiece back into place to activate the Auto Quad-Lock technology (quadruple secured), and then step in just like a normal downhill Alpine binding. DIN may be set between 6 and 16 for one of the highest values in the category. It’s also available as a 2-12 DIN. The Duke PT is compatible with all alpine, touring, and GripWalk boots as long as you’ve got tech pin inserts for the way up.

　　$415 at evo$480 at Amazon Backcountry Ski Bindings Comparison Chart

　　While backcountry skiing requires you to earn your turns with thousands of feet of climbing, the adventure and the setting cant be beat. Our testers get to enjoy plenty of turns while testing bindings, along with plenty of trudging; (photo/Matt Bento) How We Tested Backcountry Ski Bindings Testing ski bindings involves climbing thousands of feet, ripping couloirs, quiet powder turns in the trees, and the occasional pre-release. For the team of ski-touring enthusiasts at GearJunkie, that part is all fun and games and the real work involves mounting and adjusting bindings, familiarizing themselves with new risers, and stepping into unfamiliar toe pieces in deep snow.

　　Curating this guide from the beginning in 2020 is writer, photographer, and lifelong ski bum Aaron Bible. Aaron has been covering the outdoor industry for decades, and he brings his keen eye for detail and his knack for the written word to provide solid assessments of each binding in our list. In 2024, we also brought in two new testers, Ryan Kempfer, a boot fitter and ski tech cruising the backcountry for decades, and editor Chris Kassar, a dawn-patrol, powder hound who usually gets in more than 100 days a year of earning her turns.

　　A good pair of bindings needs to pair well with the skier using them and the skis theyre mounted to, and while youll find our best overall choice is very versatile, dont shy away from choosing a binding that better fits your needs. While a heavy frame binding isnt going to get any nods from us in terms of lightweight performance, weve included one because there are skiers who are looking for the occasional roadside hit, but still just want one pair of skis theyll mostly ride at the resort. So, with that in mind, we head out into the hills to make fair assessments of each binding based on the best use for each design.

　　The best way to get a thorough evaluation of ski binding is to go touring. Through countless climbs and transitions, the user experience becomes pretty clear. We pay close attention to how difficult it is to click into each binding (after a reasonable amount of practice) how it feels to adjust the risers from a standing position, and how they perform on the downhill.

　　Finally, we consider the weight of each pair. In human-powered travel, a few extra grams can really at up. The lightest bindings wont have the best downhill performance, and the heaviest bindings with the most features will never be our top choice for a multiday tour. Our favorite bindings fall somewhere in the middle and are functional without weighing us down in the long run.

　　To access the goods, sometimes youll go miles before you can put your skis on. If youre more into covering a lot of ground than ripping the gnarliest lines, choose one of the lighter bindings on our list; (photo/Matt Bento) Frequently Asked Questions How do alpine touring ski bindings work? Backcountry ski bindings are, in many ways, completely unlike your traditional downhill bindings. It’s good to consider them in a different light, although the goal of affixing your boots to your skis remains the same.

　　Backcountry bindings are different from resort or downhill bindings in that they employ a releasable heel but, in most cases, not a releasable toe. At least, that’s how they started out, and many of the more touring-focused bindings are still this way. When clicking out of most backcountry ski bindings, you will release from the toe instead of the heel, but that’s not universally true.

　　Alpine touring (AT) bindings allow you to change your settings so you can stomp down and lock into the heel and ski down. The bindings work by holding the boot in two distinct ways: from the toe only, with the heel piece out of the way for uphill touring, or locked in, with both the toe and the heel secure for downhill skiing.

　　The simple answer is that bindings work by holding your boot to your skis. They are the critical connection between your two most important assets: your boots and your skis. It’s crucial that your bindings are mounted by a professional to your specific boots.

　　So, we do recommend starting with your boots. You will have your boots for several seasons at least, whereas you could end up getting new skis every year. The bindings are an expensive and important investment in this system. They can easily be pulled off and remounted onto other skis at any shop.

　　With that, AT or backcountry ski bindings have essentially evolved into two modern camps. Camp one is born from the traditional Dynafit system, where the bindings release from the toe and are held to the boots with two contracting, nonadjustable pins. These snap together into holes on both sides of the toe, or welt, that sticks out about a half-inch from the toe of the ski boot.

　　The rear features another female insert that two pins fit into to hold the heel down during ski mode (downhill). The rear pins rotate out of the way when touring uphill, and this is also where you adjust for sole length and DIN.

　　Meanwhile, the second camp uses the rear heel welt like a traditional alpine binding to lock the heel down in ski mode. This newer type of backcountry touring binding also employs a way to use the front welt to lock the toe down in addition to the pins.

　　Are ski bindings universal? Yes and no. As long as your ski boot has tech inserts, the boots are essentially universal, but you can’t put a traditional alpine boot in backcountry ski bindings. Nearly 50% of all ski boots sold today have tech inserts. Alpine touring bindings typically fall into two categories: tech bindings and frame bindings.

　　Tech bindings use pins to attach to the front of your boot at the toe, and the heel piece is separate. In contrast, frame bindings look more like a traditional downhill binding.

　　The name refers to the frame that runs from the toe to the heel underneath the sole of your boot. This is the part of the binding that will raise and lower with your feet while you are touring uphill.

　　Can ski bindings be adjusted for larger boots? Every binding is designed to adjust to fit the sole length of your boot. While some bindings let you make small length adjustments, say 6-10 mm, others only allow for more minor adjustments to accommodate boot fit to the original mount.

　　If you do alternate boot sizes, consider a binding like the Marker Alpinist that gives you 15 mm of adjustability, so you can use boots with different sole lengths. That said, this should truly be done at a shop to ensure that the bindings are adjusted exactly to your sole length and that DIN has not been compromised.

　　Your binding DIN settings take several factors into account, including your boot size, the terrain you ski, your height and weight, and your level of experience. While you can make small adjustments on your own, you should go to a certified ski technician to mount your bindings and make major adjustments.

　　Bindings have a range of about 25-30 mm of adjustability to allow you to change boot size a little bit up or down. Brands in the same shoe size can vary 3-5 mm in length difference, so your binding will accommodate that.

　　Which ski bindings should I buy? People often worry too much about whether or not they are getting the exact right product, instead of just focusing on getting outside more. To an expert, many of the subtle differences in materials, design, and functionality do add up to large differentiators. But for the beginner, you really just need something safe that you can afford to get you started.

　　Some people start with a more alpine-centric binding, such as a Salomon, their first year, and then a Dynafit or a more touring-focused binding the next year, because they want to go farther, longer, and stay more out of bounds.

　　Look for a backcountry ski binding that is TÜV certified if you want the safest and most consistent releasing binding (like a SHIFT or Dynafit Rotation 10/12). That said, most people don’t need to worry about this for general touring. Your ski shop will set your DIN based on the chart at the ski shop when mounting your bindings.

　　In a perfect world, you should buy your bindings based on your objective. If you are planning for mostly uphill skinning at your local ski resort with groomers on the way down, you should consider something lighter, with a lower DIN, maybe simpler, and possibly less expensive.

　　The farther and more extreme your terrain, the more important other factors — including weight and features — come into play. Look for multiple levels of heel risers (simpler race-style bindings may only have one level of heel riser while more full-featured bindings might have three levels).

　　Consider whether or not you really need brakes (for resort skiing, you do need brakes to legally board a lift). A multiday high alpine tour would call for a lighter, simpler binding than hike-to or short side-country runs.

　　Less aggressive skiers need to worry less about ejecting from their bindings in an untimely manner. Hopefully, you can extrapolate this into what you want to do, what you can afford, and what’s actually available. Then, pair that with the right skis and make sure you’ve got compatible boots — and go skiing!

　　The Best All-Mountain Skis of 2024 The right ski can make your day, and not every all-mountain ski is created equal. We hit the slopes and put them to the test from Vermont to Colorado to find the best of 2024.

　　The Best Ski Boots of 2024 Our experts tested the best ski boots of 2024 to fit every budget and use, including top picks from Salomon, Dynafit, and more.