How to Check your Bindings

Your bindings have a fitting for the toe of your boot and one for the heel. Look at these two fittings - know them, and their simple adjustment. Most bindings have a toe release which swings side to side, and a heel release which goes up and down. You must adjust these two to suit your strength. Don't rely on the Ski-hire form, your friend, your grandmother, or anyone else.

Its simple, its necessary and as easy as doing up your rip. Grasp the toe release, and swing it to the side. You should be able to do this with one hand only. Your hand. If you can't release it with a bit of a shove, ease off the screw until you can. After your first few days, perhaps you can tighten the toe mechanism just a little. For the beginner, don't worry - the adjustment screw stares you in the face. Don't be frightened to use it, and don't rely on any adjustment other than the one you personally make, using your own wrist strength as the measure.

The heel mechanism usually has two adjustments, the first adjusts to the length of your boot. The toe of your boot should not be jammed in mercilessly. It should be snug and tight when you step into the ski. The second heel adjustment allows you to be released if you fall forwards. Adjust this so you can pull your heel up and out with a jerk — then tighten it just a little.

As a check get a friend to kick your toe when you are standing on your ski. With this jar, the toe release should operate. If you keep falling out of your skis on the slope - just bring a small coin out of your pocket and tighten-up, ever so little.