Mounting Bindings on Powder Skis

Powder skis will bring your skiing to the next level,

The development of "Fat Skis" or "Powder Skis" has expanded the boundaries of off-piste skiing to a new level. The bindings have also benefited from many advancements in technology. Mounting bindings on powder skis have only one difference from mounting bindings on normal skis: their location.

Instructions

1. Find the center of the powder skis and your ski boots. Skis and ski boots exhibit marks indicating their centers.

2. Determine how far back the binding will be from the center, depending on your style of skiing. Moving the bindings forward or backward on the skis will change the skis' characteristics. Positioning the bindings 0 to 2 cm backward is an all-mountain stance. Use this setting if a majority of time is spent on-piste. Moving the bindings 2 to 5 cm forward is a versatile stance for skiers who spend about half their time off-piste. Adjusting the bindings 5 to 7 cm forward is the perfect stance for skiers who spend all their time off-piste.

3. Lock the boot in the binding. Measure, in centimeters, the distance from the center of the boot to the front of the binding. Subtract this measurement from that of your style choice. Use this total distance measure from the center of the skis forward to mark where the front of the binding goes. Using this mark as a guide, place the binding on the ski without the boot. Mark the ski wherever a hole will be necessary throughout the binding.

4. Drill into the ski at each point that has been marked for a screw hole. The top sheet of the ski is very tough, but the core is soft. Be careful to not drill through the bottom sheet of the ski. The holes should be nearly three-fourths of the way through the entire thickness of the ski.

5. Screw the bindings to the skis using hardware provided by the binding manufacturer. These screws are built to handle a lot of torque, so tighten them down as much as possible. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 for the second ski.

6. Choose a proper DIN setting. The DIN setting varies based upon the skier's weight and skill level. Consult an expert for your proper DIN setting.

Tips & Warnings

• Measure and mount the front of the binding before the back. The front is stable, while the back is adjustable.

• Choose a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the binding hardware.

• Place a piece of tape on the drill bit to mark optimal depth.

• To ensure a tight bond, put a drop of epoxy in the screw hole before screwing down the binding.

• The DIN setting can be the difference between a broken ski and a broken knee, so always consult an expert before choosing your DIN setting.

References

• Trails: Mounting Bindings on Powder Skis