Nordic Backcountry Ski Bindings

Among these three systems, ski boots are not interchangeable, so make sure to choose the right system for your skis and type of adventure. Also, ensure you purchase the correct boots for the binding system. Read more about boots here.

The Backcountry binding system, commonly referred to as BC, is the most widely used binding system today. It’s versatile and can be used on all of our Nordic backcountry skiing adventures, regardless of the trip's length or difficulty. The system is reliable, stable, and easy to use.

Within this category, the brand Rottefella offers three models: the Manual, the Magnum, and the Automatic. The standard option is the Manual, while the Magnum is a wider version of this. Although the Magnum is ideal for wider ski models, the Manual works well for most Nordic backcountry skis. These bindings are the most durable and dependable, and the ones we recommend for our tours.

The Manual bindings are operated manually, making them more sustainable and reliable compared to the Automatic model. For example, the Automatic has experienced issues with icing in the past. If you already have Automatic BC bindings, they may work for shorter tours, particularly when indoor accommodations are available - such as during the "Crossing Finnmarksvidda Ski Expedition" in Northern Norway. However, for other tours, we strongly recommend the Manual or Magnum models.

For longer ski expeditions, such as Greenland, crossing Svalbard lengthwise, or similar adventures, it is mandatory to use the BC Manual or Magnum bindings. This ensures that everyone on the trip uses the same binding system, allowing us to carry spare parts for these models in case something goes wrong.

The 75 mm binding system, also known as the 3-pin binding, is a traditional Nordic skiing binding system that has been used for decades.  This system is known for its simplicity, durability, and  stability, making it well-suited for Nordic backcountry skiing in varied terrain. However, it is less common today, as newer systems like BC and Xplore have become more popular due to advancements in technology and ease of use. 

If you already have good skis with the 75 mm/3-pin binding system, it's perfectly fine to use them on most of our tours and expeditions, where it's not necessary for the whole group to have the same binding. However, if you’re purchasing new equipment, we recommend opting for one of the newer binding systems.

The Xplore binding system offers enhanced mobility and stability for Nordic backcountry skiing, making it a significant step forward from the older 75 mm/3-pin system. It also improves upon the BC system, especially in terms of downhill performance. The rotation point has been moved closer to the foot, which improves comfort and provides a more natural walking motion. Additionally, the wider interface between the boot and binding increases lateral stability, offering better control on descents. Xplore also has heel risers for steep ascents. The binding fits most Nordic backcountry skis, except for the narrowest and widest.

This makes the Xplore a great, versatile option that can be used on all of our tours and expeditions, ecxept for our longest expeditions, where the whole group uses the same system (BC).