What To Look For
Telemark bindings vary greatly in weight, performance and style. Some bindings also have a tour mode. Activated by throwing a lever with a ski pole, a tour mode lets the entire binding lift up from the toe for easier uphill travel in the backcountry. The routing pattern of the cables also affects performance. An underfoot-routing method creates a more active binding, which engages in the turn sooner. A side-routing method often feels a little sloppy, but forces the skier to learn correct technique instead of relying on the binding to do it for him.
Common Pitfalls
Weight is one of the biggest differences in bindings. One pound on your feet is equivalent to five pounds on your back, so heavier bindings will fatigue you more if you are doing a lot of backcountry skiing, which involves uphill and downhill travel. Releasability is another concern. Unlike downhill bindings, most telemark bindings will not release the boot from the ski in the event of a fall, which can lead to severe injuries in certain situations. Some telemark bindings do release, and others can be made to release via a release plate mechanism that the binding mounts on.
Where To Buy
Most local ski shops will carry some telemark gear. Big online stores, such as Backcountry and REI, also carry telemark gear. There are some specialized stores, such asTelemark Ski in Crested Butte, Colo. (which has an online store as well) that only carry telemark gear.
Cost
Telemark bindings vary in cost between $200 and $400 per pair, as of 2010.
Comparison Shopping
The New Telemark Norm binding (NTN) introduced by Rottefella, introduced step-in ease, a touring mode and partial releasability, as well as unparalleled edging control. Some telemark skiers don't like the weight however, which is the highest of any binding. NTN is also not compatible with traditional telemark boots; you need specialized NTN boots. In traditional cable bindings, the 22 Designs Hammerhead is used by many of the top skiers because it has five levels of activity that can be set, from neutral to very active. The 7Tm Power Tour is a DIN-rated releasable telemark binding. Other popular telemark bindings include the Black Diamond O1 and O2 and the G3 Targa.
Accessories
Unless you get the NTN, which has ski brakes, make sure you get a leash, so that if your binding pops off, you don't lose your ski. Traditional telemark bindings do not have ski brakes.
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