Vinersa ski touring binding, released around 1980. Click images to enlarge.
Coming out of Austria (or possibly Germany) around around 1980, accompanied by the Eagles singing their hit, Heartache Tonight, the Vinersa ski touring binding was a beautifully crafted unit, yet flawed (read on).
The Vinersa boasts an elegantly simple touring lock-unlock, as well as lateral and vertical release — though the physics of the release mechanism are of questionable efficacy. Of more importance to the evolution of touring bindings, it incorporates an early iteration of the heel lift function invented by binding innovator Paul Ramer about five years prior.
On the whole, the Vinersa is good example of an early frame type binding. It fits nicely with its many siblings of that time, for example the Iser models and the Marker M-Tour. It is obviously the precursor to the Salewa plate/frame binding, which near as we can ascertain was first retailed for winter 1986.
In 1985, Paul Ramer reviewed the Vinersa in his business publication, Alpine Nordic 2. He claimed the Vinersa heel elevator caused damage to the binding if used, and called the release “impossible.” After bench evaluation, we agree on both accounts. Weight: 34 ounces, 964 grams (with 5 screws). Thanks goes to Vintage Ski World for their donation of the Vinersa.
In touring mode with age appropriate boot, heel lifter deployed.
Vinersa has reasonable range of motion.
The touring latch is this simple sliding bracket, shown in downhill mode. Lower arrow indicates sliding directions, upper arrow indicates a simple locking mechanism to prevent accidental mode changes.
Plate lock in unlatched rearward position, in touring mode. Screwdriver points to the safety catch.
Locked in downhill mode.
The heel lifter folds down from under the plate.
Heel lifter detail.
Heel lifter folded up.
Release settings, somewhat virtual as it’s said the binding only skied reliably when cranked to max settings.
Release tension set using hex wrench on the underside of the plate.
Release and retention works as several other offerings of the era. The carrier plates sits on a central hook-stud that mates with a socket in the plate, while the binding front interfaces with a plastic roller. Upward-vertical release is accomplished by the plate pulling up off the central stud, side-torsional release involves the plate rotating on the stud, as shown.
Plate rotating in side release mode.
Pivot roller at front of carrier plate, partially released.
Parts. Front roller to left, central hook and stud to right. Today’s bindings have nothing over the Vinersa manufacturing details.
Simple, effective, and massive — boot length adjustment.
Retention strap branding.
Vinersa (top) Salewa comparison. The Vinersa was a precursor to the Salewa, which began retailing winter 1985.
Vinersa ski touring binding. Thumbnail.
