How to Set Up Downhill Ski Bindings

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By 63miranda
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Don't end up like this

Knowing how to set up downhill ski bindings is essential to your safety when skiing. Bindings that are too loose will allow skis to come off while skiing. Bindings that are too tight will not release when during a fall, causing serious injury.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

The first step in ensuring that the toe and heel pieces of the Step In bindings (the most common type) are set correctly is to have bindings installed by a certified ski technician using an internationally accepted standard such as ISO or AFNOR. The force needed for release of the ski boot from the bindings can be adjusted by a certified technician.
Step 2

The release settings are adjusted according to the skier' s weight, height, boot length, boot type and skill level. You can lie about your weight on your driver's license, but not when having your bindings adjusted no matter how cute the ski technician is! Giving a weight lower than it actually is will result in bindings that are too loose. Loose bindings will cause your skis to fall off, creating a dangerous situation for you and those around you.
Step 3

After your bindings have been professionally adjusted, perform a self test. With your skis and boots on, angle a ski so that the front inside edge is on the ground. Applying force gradually, twist the boot inward so that the toe twists out of the binding.
Step 4

To test the heel binding, hold a ski flat on the ground. Slide your foot back until your leg is out straight. Try to lift the heel of your boot out of the binding. Be careful not to hurt yourself using too much force. An Achilles tendon injury is not enjoyable.
Step 5

If your self test was successful, you should have been able to release either the toe or the heel from the binding. If you could not release either, have the binding setting reduced by 0.5 and repeat.