Backcountry Skiing Boots – The Fuss Continues

A while ago I obtained the DIN standard for randonnee boots. Until telemark has something similar to this, all bets are off. For a larger image, please see the Naxo FAQ.

A while ago I obtained the DIN standard for randonnee boots. Until telemark has something similar to this, all bets are off. Full image that includes toe.

Over at TelemarkTips.com the ranting about boot and binding standards continues. It’s amusing to watch, as one can imagine this same dialog happening with alpine boots thirty or forty years ago. Good could come of it, however, since telemark boots of the future may have soles shaped like randonnee boots, and thus easily used in randonnee bindings (Not to mention the possibility of telemark bindings with full release, step-in-out, free touring pivot (coming soon), and other features that randonee bindings have had for years).

Problem is, while it appears that a standardized backcountry skiing telemark boot sole may be something a few industry folk will push, it remains to be seen if it becomes a “DIN” standard such as that of randonnee. Without a rock solid DIN standard, I predict squabbling will commence. Track back.

Blog comment:
Hi Lou, in the TelemarkTips report the Rottefella guy said this about NTN:
“I think what we are seeing is that it is impossible to make a compromise product. Even though alpine bindings are required to do so much less than tele bindings, they don’t make a single do-it-all product either, they have racing bindings, recreational and freeride bindings, and you have others that do this or that.”

Why doesn’t he make a real comparison between randonee bindings and telemark bindings, not alpine bindings in general? He then couldn’t say that randonnee bindings are required to do so much less than telemark bindings. That is clearly overstated, almost hyperbolic. The main thing randonnee bindings aren’t required to do is take Iron Age technology (cables) and use it to help bend a ski into a turn. Sheesh.

Best, MD