Cross Country Ski Bindings

Skis and ski boots are the main items necessary for cross country skiing, of course. But there's one part of the ensemble that's usually overlooked: ski bindings. Ski bindings are what connect the toes of the boots to the skis. There are different kinds of ski bindings for cross country skiing, depending on the kind of skiing involved. The major binding systems now used are: NNN, SNS Profil, SNS Pilot, as well as the older 3-pin system. The thing with ski bindings is that the bindings have to match the boot all the time, or else it will not be possible to ski properly, if at all.

NNN stands for New Nordic Norm. The NNN ski binding system makes use of a bar in the boot's toe that latches onto the binding. The binding plate has two ridges which fit into the ski boot. It is mostly used for classic and skating skis, but a model called the NNN BC (Back Country) caters to back country skiers.

SNS is the Salomon Nordic System, and has the Profil and Pilot ski binding models to its name. SNS Profil bindings are generally for classic and skating skis, though they have back country, touring and racing lines as well. Profil bindings also have a bar and catch that locks the ski boot down, but there is an additional single rail design on them. SNS Pilot ski bindings are used by hard-core skiers who compete in the Olympics and other worldwide or national winter sports tournaments. They have a double rail design on the ski bindings and boots, and have different models for skating and classic skis.

3-pin ski bindings are more traditional, now preferred only by some back country and telemarker cross country skiers. This system uses three pins on the ski binding that fits into three corresponding holes at the toe of the ski boot, with a bail to hold the boot down. It used to be the most widely-used ski binding system before the newer models came in.