Safety + skiPerformanceLow-tech versus fritschi
Fritschi pin touring bindings are based on the safety standard and downhill performance of alpine bindings.
Not obvious at first glance, Fritschi bindings differ significantly from the low-tech systems of other pin touring binding manufacturers in terms of safety.
All Fritschi models, whether the lightweight Xenic pin binding or the Tecton hybrid free-touring binding, enable important functions thanks to the use of our own specific technologies:
- Reliable release through true DIN/Z-value adjustment
- Prevention of pre-releases due to forces such as impacts
Safety of pin bindings
Various aspects of safety in pin bindings are discussed below and the differences between Fritschi bindings and low-tech systems are explained.
A ski tour is associated with certain risks. The main risk is that of avalanches, which can be reduced by good preparation and the use of safety equipment.
On the other hand, the risk of potential injuries from a fall is often underestimated.
«The development of mountain emergency statistics in recent years shows a clear gap: Avalanche accidents are decreasing in percentage terms, while fall accidents are increasing.» 1
In order to protect yourself from possible injuries caused by falling, a correctly adjusted and checked ski touring binding with a reliable release in every situation is an essential piece of safety equipment.
Explore the unique features. Hover over the images or tap on it.
Safety first
A binding releases reliably if it releases the boot when the set force is applied, i.e. the corresponding DIN value (Z value), regardless of the deflection of the ski in the respective skiing situation. It is equally important that it does not release too early and thus unintentionally, which in turn can lead to injuries. Therefore, in addition to the force, the dynamic travel is also required as a buffer for the system until the defined release.
Because there are no standards for pin bindings and touring boots with inserts as there are for alpine bindings, not all models release equally reliably. Fritschi pin bindings have a genuine DIN value setting and are equipped with safety technologies that release reliably and at the same time prevent unintentional release without having to lock or block the system. This also includes the exclusive release mechanism in the toe piece of Fritschi pin bindings, which releases the boot at the right time in the event of a frontal fall and can prevent possible injuries.
«A good binding releases the boot in the event of a fall, but also in heavy snow or a hidden obstacle, before an injury occurs.» 2
The binding, a complex element of ski touring equipment
Ascend easily and comfortably and then enjoy the descent to the fullest - that's what makes a ski tour fun. To ensure that everything works perfectly, boots, bindings and skis should be well matched. Not every model is well-equipped for the descent and there are surprising differences, especially in terms of safety.
«It is often neglected that the binding is the safety-relevant link between boot and sk» 3, 6
The difference - secure hold without blocking
The reason lies in the system of classic low-tech pin bindings. The vast majority of pin bindings available on the market are based on this system, which was originally designed for easy ascents. The boot is held in place by pivoting pin levers. The pin levers can open unintentionally when vertical forces are applied, for example from shocks from below or when jumping in turns. To prevent this, the system is often blocked for the descent, which can lead to injuries in the event of a fall.
«Shocks on the ski - especially in hard snow conditions - carries the risk of unintentional release.» 3, 6
Fritschi pin bindings are equipped with the latest safety technology and are designed for both ascent and descent. In the Xenic lightweight binding, for example, the patented system with horizontally sliding pin levers in the front unit absorbs vertical forces and thus ensures a secure hold without the system having to be locked.
What Giulia Monego, mountain guide and professional skier from Chamonix says about the Fritschi Xenic:
Maximum safety + downhill performance
The Vipec Evo and the Tecton from Fritschi were developed based on the technical concept of alpine bindings. The lateral release takes place at the front, where the lateral forces act. The frontal release takes place in a fixed heel unit. In the Vipec Evo with integrated pins, in the Tecton in an alpine heel piece. The long dynamic travel absorbs the lateral and vertical impacts at the front and reduce the risk of unintentional releases to a minimum. The fixed heel units ensure unrivaled power transmission to the ski.
«If you want to be very downhill-oriented or value extra release safety, you should consider a touring binding with lateral release at the front and/or a fixed alpine heel piece.» 4
The DIN / Z value can be set in the toe piece and heel piece and checked on binding testing devices in accordance with the standards for alpine bindings.
Safety even on the ascent
«What many users of tech bindings are not aware of is the lack of safety release in ascent mode.» 5
The Vipec Evo and the Tecton are not locked even during ascent. They are equipped with an emergency release that opens when a large lateral force is applied, e.g. in the event of a heavy fall or avalanche.
Conclusion
When buying ski touring equipment, it is important to remember that boots, bindings and skis form a system. For the system to function optimally as a whole, all components should be designed for the desired use and the boot in particular should be compatible with the binding. By choosing a Fritschi binding you choose a plus on safety and also the descent is sure to be a pleasure.
1) Sturzunfälle auf Skitouren – ein unterschätztes Risiko, Bruno Hasler,
Schweizer Alpen-Club, 04.2022, Link
2) Die Krux mit der Bindung – Skitourenbindung als Sicherheitselement,
SAC, Ueli Mosimann, 01.11.2019, Link
3) 4) 5) Tourenbindungen in der Abfahrt, Deutscher Alpenverein, Lorenz
Berker, 17.01.2024, Link
6) Essenzielles über Tourenbindungen, Österreichisches Kuratorium für Alpine Sicherheit, 08.01.2024, Link
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