Telemark bindings, explained

Maybe you’ve seen other telemarkers carving beautiful turns on the mountain, maybe you are looking for a new challenge, or maybe you want to really work those quads–either way, getting into telemarking is fun and challenging.

Telemark skiing is a blend of Nordic and alpine skiing that combines the grace of cross-country with the thrill of downhill turns. Central to this style is the telemark binding, which allows the heel to lift, enabling a skier to lunge gracefully through turns.

Ready to pick up some telemark gear? Here’s some great news: Unlike downhill bindings, telemark bindings don’t get put on indemnified lists, meaning there is no set age at which they cannot be mounted. This meansbuying used telemark gear can be a great deal.

That said, telemark does differ from downhill in one major way: There are several types of telemark bindings, and which one you choose will dictate what you can and can’t reasonably do on skis as well as what kinds of bindings you must have.

Here’s what you need to know about telemark bindings:

1. The origins: 75mm Nordic Norm bindings (NNN)

The 75mm binding, often referred to as the “three-pin binding,” is a classic telemark binding that dates back to the early 20th century. This binding features a 75mm-wide toe box that clamps the boot's toe into place with three metal pins and a locking bail. Skiers using this system can enjoy a free-heel motion, essential for telemark turns.

• Pros: The 75mm bindings are lightweight, simple, and have been in use for decades, offering a nostalgic and traditional experience for telemark skiers. They can be paired with leather boots, keeping the gear flexible and classic.
• Cons: While these bindings excel in touring and backcountry exploration, they lack the rigidity and control that modern telemark skiers often desire for aggressive downhill runs. The boots that work with these bindings are less supportive compared to modern plastic boots. Further, improper clamping or a bad fall can mean the boot pin holes are damaged or ruined.

2. The evolution: New Nordic Norm (NNN)

While the original Nordic Norm binding gained fame for its simplicity, the New Nordic Norm (NNN) was developed to improve performance in both cross-country and telemark skiing. NNN introduced a more efficient, bar-based binding system that used grooves under the boot sole to lock in place, creating better control and flex while skiing.

• Pros: NNN bindings are lighter than 75mm bindings and offer better lateral stability, making them ideal for cross-country touring. Their bar system allows for smoother walking and uphill touring.
• Cons: While they provide a great cross-country experience, NNN bindings are not ideal for aggressive downhill telemark turns. They lack the power transmission and edge control required for steep, challenging descents.

Included in this category are step-in Rottefella NNN BC bindings, which are beefier than standard NNN but still not beefy enough for aggressive skiing.

3. The big step forward: Cable bindings

Cable bindings, which gained popularity in the 1980s, revolutionized telemark skiing by adding a cable running from the toe piece around the back of the boot to increase power and edge control. With this system, the boot heel can still rise, but the cable provides more resistance, helping the skier to engage the edges of the ski better during turns. Boots that fit 75mm toe plates can also fit cable bindings.

• Pros: Cable bindings offer significant improvement over older 75mm and NNN systems for downhill performance, making them ideal for skiers who want to explore off-piste terrain or tackle more aggressive descents. They maintain the free-heel characteristic necessary for telemark turns, while the cable ensures greater power transmission and stability.
• Cons: While a huge step forward, cable bindings can feel heavy for touring, especially when compared to the more minimalist NNN and NNN BC systems. Additionally, their relatively simple design can sometimes lead to durability issues in demanding conditions. It’s not uncommon for ski edges to cut into and even sever the cables.

4. Modern telemark bindings: NTN (New Telemark Norm)

The New Telemark Norm (NTN) binding system, introduced in the mid-2000s, represents the most significant shift in telemark skiing gear in decades. NTN bindings departed from the 75mm toe box entirely, instead relying on a boot's toe and midsole to secure the skier to the ski. This creates more direct power transmission, better edge control, and a step-in system for ease of use. NTN bindings require an NTN-compatible boot.

• Pros: NTN bindings offer unparalleled control and responsiveness, making them ideal for aggressive telemark skiers who enjoy fast, challenging descents. NTN bindings also often come with release mechanisms, much like alpine bindings, increasing safety for skiers in case of a fall. They are also step-in compatible, meaning skiers can easily get in and out of their skis without having to fuss with straps or cables. The toe freely pivots, making them much easier to climb in than 75mm boots.
• Cons: NTN bindings are generally heavier and bulkier than other telemark binding systems, which can make them less appealing for skiers who prioritize lightweight touring. They also require NTN-specific boots, meaning skiers with older setups may need to replace their entire kit.

5. Other innovations: Tech bindings and tele tech hybrids

In recent years, some manufacturers have begun to blend telemark bindings with alpine touring (AT) technology. These "tele-tech" bindings use the tech toe from AT setups, which grips the boot with pins, while still allowing the free-heel movement required for telemark skiing.

• Pros: Tele-tech hybrids combine the best of both worlds, offering the uphill efficiency of an AT binding with the downhill freedom of telemark skiing. This makes them ideal for backcountry telemark skiers who want lightweight gear for uphill climbs without sacrificing downhill performance.
• Cons: These bindings are still relatively niche and can be expensive. They also require tech-compatible boots, which may not be widely available for telemark skiers.

Telemark is both timeless and modern, as this list of bindings shows. From classic 75mm three-pin bindings to cutting-edge NTN systems, telemark skiers today can choose from a wide variety of setups. Thanks toDurango Outdoor Exchange, you can pick up telemark skis, boots, and bindings at drastically reduced prices. Stop by to see what we’ve got in store!