Free heelers take notice

Think of a world where the transition between tele-skis is a simple as stepping out of one set of bindings and in to the next, a world where there is no more bending awkwardly to lock into your skis, where leashes are a thing of the past and you have the ability to set the tension of your binding effortlessly! Well folks the revolution is here! Check out what the designers at Rottefella have been designing.

Called the New Telemark Norm, or NTN, this binding system allows the freeheeler to step into the bindings that allow in one setting the ability to to convert the binding into killer climbing machines with the aid of a transitional heelpiece that can also be used as a climbing block. The bindings are not officially dubbed “releasable” however the most certainly are, not only that but the release mechanism is adjustable to suit your needs.

This coupled with alpine style brakes so you wont spend half of your slope time chasing down the errant ski after an explosive spill. Other features include a choice of four swappable spring power cartridges so you can chose between soft (like the old school three pin bindings) to extra firm, (much like your modern alpine bindings). An additional kick ass feature is the ability to switch mounting plates and cruise on any of you skis with out the painstaking task of switching the entire system over over thanks to NTN’s quick changing mounting plates! Unfortunately the step-in NTN is only available in limited sizes for compatible boots (Scarpa Terminator X and Crispi’s Evo). However, as with anything more are sure to come.

UPDATE: I have not as of yet had the opportunity to try this system out but have heard mixed reviews about the performance they offer and concern over if the price is worth it. There are also rumors that several other companies will be introducing their versions in 2009. Perhaps that will help reduce the expense! Everyone knows that only pros can afford the newest gear what about the rest of the ski bums?!