Clicking In and Out of Your XC Ski Bindings
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- Опубліковано 27 бер 2018
- Although it's a relatively simple task to get in and out of cross-country ski bindings, I find (at my job at a cross-country ski center at Lake Tahoe, CA) that many people do have some difficulties accomplishing this. Most of those people are beginner or intermediate cross-country skiers. And, the reason seems to stem from the fact there are so many versions of xc ski bindings out there.
In this short video, I don't discuss every type of binding that's ever been designed. Instead, I focus on the main contemporary versions (NNN, SNS Pilot, NNN BC, and 3-Pin) available on the market as of 2018. If you're using SNS ProLink, SNS Propulse, SNS Profil, or any newer auto or manual version, this video should still be helpful as they all share the same basic features and require you to "click in" in a similar fashion.
As far as all of those "legacy" bindings go (i.e. old as the hills bindings), you'll just have to experiment with them in order to solve their mystery. There are simply too many to try and list here, but they're generally not too complicated.
The article this video accompanies can be found at:
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
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Cross-Country Skiing Explained:
Please note that I produced my series of articles and videos tagged “Cross-Country Skiing Explained” with the beginner or intermediate cross-country skier in mind. Therefore, I don’t intend to address racing-oriented philosophy, technique, or gear selection.
Classic Cross-Country Ski Components:
Introduction to Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 1)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
Geometry of Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 2)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
The Grip Zone of Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 3)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
Types of Bindings for Classic Cross-Country Skiing (Part 4)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
Ski Boots for Classic Cross-Country Skiing (Part 5)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
Classic Cross-Country Ski Poles (Part 6)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
FAQs about Classic Cross-Country Skiing
tahoetrailguide.com/faqs-abou...
Waxing Your “Waxless” Cross-Country Skis (for beginner and intermediate xc skiers):
Introduction to Waxing Your Waxless XC Skis
tahoetrailguide.com/waxing-yo...
Step-by-Step Waxing Tutorial
tahoetrailguide.com/waxing-yo...
FAQs About Waxing Your Waxless XC Skis
tahoetrailguide.com/faqs-abou...
Considerations for buying cross-country ski gear (new and beginner xc skiers):
Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 1)
tahoetrailguide.com/buying-cr...
Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 2)
tahoetrailguide.com/buying-cr...
I've produced this collection of articles and videos about backcountry travel and exploration with the beginner and intermediate adventurer in mind. This is the demographic for whom I most often served while working in the Lake Tahoe outdoor recreation industry. In essence, these informational projects I create and publish are extensions of the many conversations we've had over the years.
Please note that, although I encourage you to venture out of your comfort zone, you need to know your limits and when to turn back. Tahoe Trail Guide and its contributors are not liable for property loss or damage, personal injury, or death. Always consult multiple sources when venturing into the backcountry. Always be prepared for the worst case scenario. Your safety is your responsibility.
Copyright © 2018 Jared Manninen
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Thanks for this clear and straightforward explanation for the different systems!
You're welcome, Lee. Glad I could be of service!
Coming to this video four years after you posted it. But as a novice cross country skier, I just wanted to add my thanks for explaining everything so clearly and concisely.
Hey Wayne!
Thanks so much for the nice feedback! I really appreciate it :) And you're not the first to find use out of some of my older videos, especially this one. So, I'm glad to be of service :)
Let me know if ever have any specific questions. I'm always around to one degree or another.
Thanks for the video! You won't believe how many videos I went through just to find out how to get into an NNN binding
Thank you for the kind words 🙌 And glad i could be of service 🤗
Thanks for the hints. I was fumbling for over 5 min each time I had to click in before I watched this. Thanks, also for explaining what you meant by "zinging" your ski. I thought you meant scratching when you first talked it about it.
Hey Phillip, thanks for the kind words. And I'm glad I could be of service :)
Great instructions for getting single bar boots into my xt60 rossignols; cruising in for the landing got both of them on right away. I struggled alot last season; thank you!!!!!
Very cool, Jamie! I'm glad you found the video useful, and are able to get in and out of your xc ski bindings with ease now :)
Thanks for watching, and for the kind words!
@@JaredManninen Out in the snow I had to find a way to keep my ski from sliding forward; turning my pole upside down in the snow in front of ski worked where there was depth of snow to brace it in. In trying to get them on in the parking lot where snow was packed I needed help from a friend to hold ski in place. I suppose you could use your car tire to brace it if you didn't have help nearby. Snow is mostly gone in Buffalo. More coming next week! Thanks!
@@jamiejordan5451 Hey Jamie!
Thanks for tuning in, and for sharing your experience :) Glad you were able to find a solution for clicking/in out of your binding without the ski sliding around too much. I often try to position my ski on a flat or even slightly uphill spot so that the ski doesn't slide downhill, for example. But it can be hard to find a stable spot in which to do so. Anyway, I hope you do get more snow soon. We've been having a really low snow year here at Lake Tahoe. It was about 50 degrees yesterday, and we're supposed to have 50s as daytime highs for the next couple of days. Yeesh... Here's to hoping that we both get more snow next week! Again, thanks for watching and contributing to the conversation :)
Very much appreciated. Just getting back into this. I grew up using the duckbill system as a child and need to know how to use the new ones.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Robert. And glad I could be of service :)
Just an FYI ... some newer manual options (that came out 1-2 seasons after I published this video) for groomer-oriented xc skiing have slightly different types of locking mechanisms. Nothing too mind-blowing. It's just that many of the manufacturers started to incorporate a twisting lock/knob instead of the flip-up style of operation. The twist type generally just require you to turn the knob a quarter turn so that it's perpendicular to the length of ski (open). When you want to "click" in, turn the knob so that it's in-line with the length of the ski (closed).
Anyway, thanks again! Let me know if you have any other questions.
And, believe it or not, you can still by some basic NN/3-pin bindings that use the duckbill system :) Those are generally used for beefier backcountry-oriented xc skis. And I have two sets of them :)
Great presentation !!
Thank you, Kristopher! I appreciate it :)
this just helped me with a school assignment for outdoor ed cheers
Sweet! Glad I could be of service. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Good refresher-thanks!
You're welcome! Thanks for the comment 🤗
I have the NNN BC (Manual) Binding. I am an intermediate skier but this is a NEW Binding & Boot system for me. It is extremely difficult for me to "Click-Into" these bindings . This Video is so well done and so helpful that I am actually "Book-Marking" it for future reference .. It is simple & straight forward & very helpful . Great JOB !!
Thanks so much for the kind words, Daniel :) I appreciate your feedback.
Manual NNN BC bindings are a bit stiff as far as locking yourself in and then releasing them. But, I like them better than the auto version because they do feel beefier. And, they're easier to use in deep, soft snow. I don't recall if I mention this in the video, but the auto version has a robust spring that can be challenging to overcome if you have soft snow (i.e. you try to step in but instead of actually clicking into the binding you wind up pushing the ski further down into the snow - at least until it compresses firm enough). The manual version enables you to click back in a bit easier in those soft snow conditions. It's not that common of a scenario, but I've experienced this a couple of times with the auto version of NNN BC, where I was breaking trail in deeper stuff and decided to take the skis off and take a break (but then momentarily struggled to get back into them).
Thanks again for the comment!
@@JaredManninen Me and my son was struggling to get back into NNN BC Auto for 20 or so minutes in deep fresh powder. Are there any other tips on how to do this in such conditions? Maybe we needed to step with one foot onto the ski so it doesn't move and then try to bind?
Thanks so much for the question! I assume you read my comment above and saw that I've experienced the same thing.
Yes, using the auto binding in deep, soft snow is challenging. But now that you know this, I'd recommend packing down the snow around you with your skis before taking them off. Basically, create a firm base on which you can click-in. Or, if you take them off maybe do so near a firm obstacle such as a downed tree or boulder and use that object as a base for clicking in.
You could maybe try to manually press the button and operate it like a manual binding, but I know that spring is stiff. If you were wearing a backpack, possibly consider setting the ski on top of that and click in.
I realize it sounds like I'm just throwing stuff out there (which I am!), but it's all just a matter of creating a firm platform on which to lay the ski so that you can put enough force on it to click in. At this point, since it's a known issue, I think you'll be more prepared the next time it happens.
Anyway, not sure how helpful that was but it's all I can think of at the moment. Let me know if you figure out any brilliant ideas. And that's again for watching!
@@JaredManninen Somehow your recent reply also came to my email .. Ha ha ha .. YES I agree with you as usual >> TO "FALALYST" >>> Do whatever it takes to get out of deeper snow or stomp it down to get a Hard-Pack >> Also; Get on Level Ground if possible; Do whatever you can to stabilize your ski .. Sometimes I carry a small Tarp to sit on when I have lunch etc .. You could actually carry something smaller to put down as a small matt under your ski .. THAT keeps your ski from sinking while you manage your bindings .. ALSO; I always carry a very small Dowel (6" long x 1/8" diameter) to clean out the snow in the binding .. Before I go out for the day I put Maxi-Glide on my binding to minimize the chance that it will ice up >> I hope my ideas & Jared's help .. Anyone that has skied has encountered the "Binding Blues" >> I have been in some pretty remote places and had a similar experience of spending most of my time & energy "Clicking In" rather than skiing >>>> We could all put our heads together and get a Sad Song out of that experience >> Ha ha ha >> Daniel (Oregon)
@@fatalyst See my reply to Jared's (Below)
great demo :)
Thanks! I appreciate the nice feedback :)
Thank you so much I got stuck on the middle of no where screaming for help and no one came so I’ll use this to help me next time
Glad I could be of service, Cat :) There are a lot of different xc ski binding systems out there, and many are not always duper obvious to operate. I hope you weren't stranded for too long!
Thanks a lot very informative.
Glad I could be of service. I appreciate the kind words :)
Hello Jared;
Thank you for your response>> I rarely post a comment but your video was is really well done. Thanx for both !!
I am going to put a rug down in my garage and practice these NNN BC (Manual Bindings) > I agree that deeper snow is always an issue and I purposely hike over to flatter hard-pack to click in>> I always clean my boot & the slot of the binding but i just need to get the feel of getting the boot in perfect position.
Your video will be extremely helpful so thanx again for doing that >
I used to run a Fisher Crown E-99 but after all the years the Camber is FLAT !! ha ha .. Who knew that you could wear out the Camber on that ski right ??
Anyway; I am 68 now; so my skiing is tame (Forest Roads in Western Oregon) >> I live relatively close to the Willamette Pass Area so there are a few trails close by >> Anyway I just switched over to the Fischer Spider 62 and Alpina NNN BC Boots .. My skis are 12 inches shorter and nearly 4 lbs. lighter than the E-99s !!
Thanx again for your help >> Daniel
Thank you again for the wonderful comments, Daniel :)
The E99s are definitely classic. Eventually I want to get a pair but I've always equated them with Polar expedition style xc skiing (hard-packed and wind-scoured snow) as they seem to be a bit straighter with regard to sidecut. But they're very cool! And, yes, I can believe cambers can get worked over time which is why I seldom recommend people buying used equipment. haha.
Anyway, glad to hear you're still xc skiing. Sounds like some fun locations that you can access. Good luck, and have a great winter!
Thank you very much for the video! I grew up in Russia and learned to XC ski there, not to mention that the xc technology was very primitive at that time. I bought XC skis in US a while ago and then didn't XC for about 8 yrs and totally had forgotten how to get out. :) The technology is so simple, it's amazing! Thanks again for taking you time and making this video for everyone.
Thank you so much for the kind words, efoster! I'm glad the video helped you escape from your skis. haha But more importantly, I'm glad your back to cross-country skiing :)
The technology may have changed, but the song still remains the same -- get outside for some winter adventure!
This was good information regarding new technology of the release buttons..my skis have a single release bar and I cannot release them unless putting all my weight on the button standing up...pretty impossible if you fall and need to remove the skis..I am going to lube the button to see if I can loosen it up, otherwise I need to get new skis..As a 68 yr old woman , getting up with bad knees is daunting.
Thanks for the nice feedback, Martha!
Auto bindings are generally pretty good but, like you said can be a bit problematic to get out of if you fall down. In this respect, manual are the better option.
I like your idea to add some lubrication to the binding. I find that a silicon spray can be helpful. I don't recall if i mentioned it in the video, but I've seen a lot of auto bindings freeze up in certain conditions (usually end of the day when the moisture that's collected around the binding freezes), so using a lubrication can help prevent that.
Anyway, thanks for watching and for the meaningful comment 🤗
Do you have knowledge on how to use the old (80s maybe?) SNS ski bindings and boots? I have both the skis and the boots, i think, but im confused on how to use them. Thank you!
Hey Maddie, thanks for watching and reaching out! Honestly, I'd need to see your boots/bindings to get a better idea as to how to operate them. Is there anywhere that you could post a couple of photos and then share them with me?
Got it thank you
You're welcome 🙌
Very helpful, thanks!!!
You're welcome! Thanks for watching 🤗
I was struggling with my new NNN BC bindings, practicing with your video and finally got it! You rock!
Excellent! Glad I could be of service. And I'm even more glad that you can now go and xc ski with those new bindings 😁
Thanks, just got out today!!
@@DanMurray-AIExcellent!
Much useful. Thanks
Could you tell if BC nnn is for XC skis only, or do XC skis come in both nnn and BC nnn formats
You're welcome, Rahul 🤗
You can use NNN or NNN BC bindings on xc skis. But mostly you would use NNN BC with the wider, off-track and backcountry cross-country type of skis. And NNN bindings are best on classic track xc skis. NNN BC bindings are generally considered too much binding for groomed track xc skis.
Hope that answers your question. Let me know if you need anything else!
@@JaredManninen Thanks. Just the answer I needed
Excellent! Glad I could be of service ❄❄❄
ha, i rented some Fischer XC skis and was pushing the tab with pole to get into the biniding. this wasn't going well.... I now see why
Hey Carol, I hope you were eventually able to get into the bindings and ski 😏
It seems like there are a million types of bindings out there, and they all are just slightly different.
Anyway, thanks for watching and for posting the comment. And glad you solved the mystery 🤗
Please advise and tell me what is the name of first binding? I just bought rossi ot 65 skis (red) and salomon 7 prolink boots. Now I need bindings. I just want the kind that can step in and go (w/o bending over to turn a switch)
Hey MP, thanks for the question!
The first type of binding I feature is an NNN (New Nordic Norm) binding by Rottefella. The Salomon Prolink boots that you have are NNN compatible. Prolink is basically Salomon's NNN binding system. Rossignol and Fischer also use NNN compatible bindings, as do other major xc ski manufacturers.
If the skis that you have are the Rossignol BC65 (backcountry), you'll need an NNN binding that you can screw onto the skis. Many of the NNN bindings that are used today (particularly with track skis) slide and clip onto a plate that's fused onto the track ski. Again, backcountry versions of cross-country skis require you to use a binding system that screws onto the ski since they don't have those quick-mounting plates. Screwing the bindings to the skis is more secure for backcountry applications than the easy slide-on versions.
You'll have to do some digging around to specifically find an NNN (compatible) auto binding that you can screw down. But here is one option that will probably work ... amzn.to/2HfB8Ac . There seems to be more screw-down versions that are manual (reach down to unlock/lock) compared to auto versions. That said, you may be able to harvest off of an older pair of skis a screw-down NNN binding since the NIS and IFP plates (slide-on style) are relatively new.
As far as mounting the bindings goes, I'd recommend having it done at a nordic ski shop or center rather than trying to do it yourself (unless you have previous experience). It's not rocket science, but without the knowledge/experience and a couple of specific tools (jig to lineup the drill bit and holes) and a collared bit (appropriate depth), you could wind up ruining your skis. Bindings don't actually come with directions, just a very simple template that may or may not be accurate since it's often just printed on a piece of copy paper. For example, did the guy who hit the "print" button have the image scaled properly or was the "scale to page" option left checked and now the little template that determines where you'll drill holes into your skis is actually only 90% of its true size?
Better to do it right by finding the actual balance point on your unique set of skis, line up the jig on the balance point (or in front of or behind it depending on your personal preference), and then drill to the appropriate depth using the correct-sized collared bit. Then, add a little wood glue or silicone rubber sealant (not epoxy) to each hole, screw down the bindings with a pozidriv bit, and let sit until the glue dries.
Anyway, good luck! And let me know if you have any other questions.
@@JaredManninen Thanks a bunch for your response! Actually, the skis are not back country. They may be touring? You can tell I don't know much:) I bought the Rossignol OT (off track) 65 because there aren't any groomed trails near me. The OT 65 is supposed to be narrow enough to fit on a groomed track and also easier to manage skiing on untouched snow. I live just outside of Chicago so I'd go out to a golf course or forest preserve to practice. I have a friend in Wisconsin who skis on groomed trails so I would visit there once and a while. I guess the Rottefella are good quality so I could check those out in addition to what Salomon and Rossignol have. I just want a good step in binding with not having to bend down to turn something to get in. I don't mind pushing the binding with my pole to get the boots out. Ease of use is what I'm looking for. Thanks for any guidance. I've just bought this equipment so I guess it's for next year... all the snow is gone:/ (My timing stinks.)
Here are red the ones I bought www.skirack.com/rossignol-evo-ot-65-positrack-ski-2019-20-13142130?fee=7&fep=279511&gclid=Cj0KCQiAm4TyBRDgARIsAOU75srfOV2k9loDZwzpz8_jDfFF7KVxldcP06rL8IRJ-Cujm4uOK7z8kl4aAkh5EALw_wcB.
I have been looking at these 2 but I don't know if they will work for what I have although I think they will. (I just need reassurance.) gearwest.com/nnn-ifp-rossignol-turnamic-race-classic-binding-ifp/
www.rossignol.com/us/rossignol-nordic/rossignol-nordic-skis-equipment/rossignol-nordic-skis-equipment-ski-bindings.html?gc_gender=10370&sg_usage=4851
@@maryposner Hey Mary, thanks for the updated information. Don't worry if you're confused about which binding to select. I'm nearly as confused. haha. It may take me a minute to compose my thoughts here so bear with me...
The image of the skis that you purchased (SkiRack link you provided) shows that there's actually a binding plate (whether or not it's an NIS or IFP plate, I can't definitively say) on the skis. This would enable you to buy the much easier slide-on version of NNN compatible bindings. However, the description clearly states that there's no binding plate. So, that confuses me. Probably just a mistake by SkiRack because most previous models of Rossignol 65s didn't feature any type of mounting/binding plate. So, if the red skis that you own have a plastic plate fused/attached to the top of the skis, then you can buy a slide-on style of NNN compatible binding.
As I just mentioned, however, I can't tell if the plate is NIS or IFP -- two different models of fused plates that allow you to attach the slide-on style bindings (but are not compatible). I totally agree that this is all confusing, but it has to do with intellectual property rights (patents, etc). NIS is made by Rottefella, which Rossignol (and Fischer) used to be associated with but severed ties. They, then, wound up developing their own plate system (IFP). Fortunately, though, every major xc ski manufacturer is finally getting on-board with using a standardized NNN compatible binding system. So, once you figure out which type of plate is on your skis, you can just buy the correct NNN compatible binding to attach to them. Then, you can use whatever brand of NNN compatible boot with that binding, like the Salomon ProLink boots you have.
All of that said, I would actually call GearWest directly and explain your situation and describe exactly what you want. They are a top-notch cross-country ski store, possibly the best in the country. They will be able to help you select the right binding for your specific ski. And, at this point, because of the discrepancy between the image and description (via SkiRack), I don't want to be responsible for passing along incorrect information.
Hope that helps, Mary. And let me know what you end up doing!
@@maryposner Just keep in mind that the Turnamic binding you shared (via the link) is race-oriented and manual (you have to reach down to lock/unlock it).
Thanx again for your reply > Yes I agree that the E-99s work best in more "Hard Pack" conditions. We call the snow in Western Oregon "Cascade Crud" because it comes in Wet; Heavy; and turns to hard pack quickly. I went out 2-days ago to a place that people seldom go. I like getting away from the crowds but a Small Cat had cleared the road so the tracks of the cat "Crushed" the snow into something similar to concrete conditions.. It was Uphill all the way in and I actually walked all the way out because the snow was so hard I couldn't keep an edge > My new skis have metal edges and that still wasn't enough to slow down.
I want to go back up when we get a couple inches of new snow >>
Question: What is a good x-country ski that turns really good but is small enough to mount a NNN BC Binding (NOT a 3-Pin) ?? I weigh 233 with all my gear (Boots; clothing; small-pack) but I want a ski that is relatively short and easy to control but also easy to turn too ??
Someone recommended a Fischer Crown OTX 98 but I would love your opinion ?? Thanx
That's funny because we call our snow here in Tahoe "Sierra Cement" due to it often being in a similar state. Or, if it comes in dry and powdery (initially), our warmer winter temps usually cause it to consolidate relatively quickly.
Yep, do what you have to do to get down safely! No shame in walking when faced with dangerous terrain :)
@@JaredManninen This year we had a LOT of snow that came in all at once; then it thawed & re-froze so we have a decent "Base" .. BUT the warmer weather & NO NEW SNOW means it is like cement; and no surface snow .. YEP
Cascade Cement" !! Thanx for your great ideas and humor .. Gota have both right ?? ha ha !!
Hey Daniel, I just realized that I didn't even answer your question about the skis (from your previous comment). Sorry about that! Not sure why I didn't see that part. Anyway, a Fischer S-bound 98 would be great. Make sure you get the NNN BC manual/magnum version (versus auto) as it's more robust of a platform. I wouldn't go any wider than the 98mm for NNN BC, though.
Our snow is basically like concrete now, as well. We've been having 40 degree days and 20 degree nights, so the thaw/freeze cycle really has begun to solidify the snowpack. I would also love to see a few inches of fresh stuff on top!
Thanks again for your kind words, and for tuning in 🤗 And sorry for not responding earlier to your specific question.
@@JaredManninen YES; Again thanx >> I agree 100% !! I decided that I am not really doing the BIG Backcountry skiing & breaking snow all day etc .. So; I wanted the Fischer OTX 78 but they were late hitting the shelves up here so I bought a pair of Rossegnol 80 with NNN BC Auto Bindings >> I also have a Fischer OTX 62 (Spider) and I had them changed out to the auto binding .. I also wear a heavy Alpina NNN BC Boot >> I am 69 so my skiing has mellowed out a bit over the years >> So; I think the auto binding will work great for me >> Thanx for your hard work on these you-Tubes, Daniel (Oregon)
Thanks again, Daniel! Sounds like you have a clear vision for what you wanna ski, and the skis to accomplish it 👍 The Rossi 80mm are great!
The only issue I've had with the auto version of NNN BC is that they can be challenging to click back in once you take them off (for whatever reason) in deep, soft snow. That spring is stout, so if you don't have a solid platform on which to direct enough pressure onto the binding (to click your boot in) you can find yourself just pushing the ski further down into the snow. Last night I had a comment from another viewer who recently experienced that. Just something to be aware of, that's all ☺️
Anyway, thanks again for all of your kind words. Happy skiing!
I didn't know the manual part of it..
The manual bindings do throw people for a loop occasionally :) Glad you figured it out!