| Bindings are an amazing part of the ski gear you | | | | there's a sudden pressure change. An expert skier |
| require, because basically they perform two almost | | | | would use high DIN settings. |
| opposing functions. Firstly, they provide a connection | | | | An inappropriate DIN setting can cause serious |
| with your skis, and must remain firmly attached | | | | accidents and injury. If a ski releases at high speed, |
| during normal skiing conditions so that you can control | | | | the skier will crash. If, however, the ski fails to |
| the skis. Secondly, though, they also need to break | | | | release in a fall, the skier can end up with torn |
| the connection if the stress is too severe. This | | | | ligaments or even broken bones. |
| means that in the case of a fall or collision, the | | | | Most alpine skiers use step-in bindings. These have a |
| bindings must release to protect your foot from | | | | separate piece for the toe and heel that are |
| injury. The line between normal and stressful is very | | | | attached to the top of the ski. If excess sideways |
| fine, and you certainly don't want your bindings to | | | | pressure is experienced, then the toe piece will |
| release at an inappropriate time. | | | | release the ski boot. If there's excess upward |
| The bindings can be adjusted to suit a wide variety | | | | pressure, then the heel will release. Nowadays there |
| of skiing abilities and styles. The weight and height of | | | | are some advanced binding designs that combine |
| the skier also need to be taken into consideration. If | | | | these release motions. |
| your bindings are too loose, then it's possible that | | | | There's also a brake fitted into the binding, to |
| they will release at the wrong time. If you have | | | | prevent the ski sliding off down the hill when the |
| them too tight, however, then you might find they | | | | binding releases. Basically, a metal attachment springs |
| don't release when you need them to. Both situations | | | | downwards and digs into the snow when the ski |
| are potentially dangerous. It's important that you | | | | boot is released. |
| become familiar with how your bindings work, as | | | | When it comes to ski equipment, ski poles are |
| there are normally several mechanisms and parts that | | | | probably the simplest element, but they are still |
| can be adjusted for a perfect fit. Initially, though, it's | | | | essential as they provide balance and help to prevent |
| probably a good idea to let a competent ski | | | | falls. The main thing to consider when choosing poles |
| technician adjust the settings specifically for your | | | | is their length. Short poles will make you lean too far |
| requirements. | | | | forward, and throw you off balance. Your poles |
| An international standard for rating bindings exists, | | | | should be slightly shorter than your shoulder height. |
| and the units are DIN settings. If the DIN setting is | | | | As a test, your poles should fit comfortably under |
| low, it's relatively easy to release the bindings, and | | | | your armpits when you're standing up. |
| this is most suitable for beginners. As the level of | | | | Make sure you wear your ski gloves when trying out |
| experience increases, generally so do the DIN | | | | the handles of the poles. They should fit your hand |
| settings. | | | | comfortably. Check the straps to make sure they fit |
| Bindings are manufactured to suit a certain DIN range. | | | | easily around your wrists. Ski poles also have a piece |
| So if you choose an intermediate binding, as an | | | | near the bottom called the basket. This is the part |
| example, its rating may be DIN 3-7. If the DIN is set | | | | that prevents your poles from disappearing too |
| at a low level, then the bindings will release when | | | | deeply into the snow. You need to choose a basket |
| there is sudden or excess pressure experienced. An | | | | that matches the snow conditions in your ski area. |
| intermediate setting is only released if more pressure | | | | Soft snow requires a larger basket; groomed trails |
| is exerted, but they should still respond quickly if | | | | only need a small basket. |