All about skiboard bindings:

We get a lot of questions about skiboard bindings, so we put together this quick guide to break down the pros and cons of each option and clear up some common misconceptions about skiboard bindings.

There are four main types of bindings used on skiboards:

Non-Release Skiboard Bindings
Ski Release Bindings
Snowboard Bindings
Alpine Touring (AT) Bindings

1. Non-Release Skiboard Bindings:

Non-release skiboard bindings stay securely attached to your boots during a fall, so you won't experience an accidental release while riding. They also feature a simpler design and cost less than traditional ski release bindings. However, because they don't release during a fall, they can increase the risk of certain injuries.

These bindings adjust to fit a range of ski boot sizes, although performance and durability depend on their construction. Higher-end non-release bindings use aluminum or steel and mount directly to the stainless steel inserts in Summit Skiboards using a standard 40 mm × 40 mm mounting pattern. This setup provides a strong, reliable connection.

Alternatively, composite non-release bindings offer a lighter, more affordable option. Common on entry-level setups, these bindings typically attach directly to the skiboard with screws rather than inserts. While they reduce weight and cost, they generally offer less durability and performance than metal bindings.

Important: Many ski resorts require retention leashes with non-release bindings, one for each leg, to prevent runaway skiboards. Always check your resort's requirements before hitting the slopes.

2. Ski Release Bindings:

Ski release bindings release your boots during certain falls to help reduce the risk of injury. They mount directly to skiboards using an eight-screw pattern, similar to traditional ski bindings, while allowing natural flex.

Although release bindings cost more, they offer additional safety features and convenience. Built-in brakes deploy when the bindings release, helping prevent runaway skiboards without leashes. Plus, step-in convenience means you can simply click in and go!

Release bindings come in adjustable and fixed-mount options. Models like the Atomic M10, Strive 11, and select Tyrolia bindings accommodate different boot sizes using adjustable toe and heel pieces. Alternatively, fixed-mount bindings position the toe and heel pieces to fit your specific boots. Major brands like Atomic, Elan, Head/Tyrolia, Salomon, and Rossignol engineer their bindings to support natural tip-to-tail flex, improving responsiveness and performance.

Depending on your skiboard width, you may need wider brakes for proper clearance. Summit Skiboards provides these at no additional charge with applicable binding purchases.

Finally, a certified ski technician should adjust and test your DIN release settings based on your height, weight, age, ability, and boot sole length to ensure proper operation.

SHOP SKI BINDINGS

This states that, in order to maintain proper flex of the ski boots, this is necessary.

An example is the Spruce Riser plate and bindings. This is a myth and simply not true. Worse, these can be dangerous. None of the major ski binding manufacturers endorse modifications to how their bindings are mounted to either skiboards or skis. Their comment is that there is no way to tell if these bindings will release when they are supposed to, as the riser introduces a foreign element into the equation. In addition you lose the convenience of step in and go, as you have to still use leashes, as brakes don't work due to the additional height. We will not sell these.

What improves carving ability is the design of the skiboards you use, as well as their inner construction. Higher performance skiboards carve more aggressively. The deeper, parabolic sidecut allows for aggressive carving and of course the ability to lean so your edges will do the job they were designed for. This lean is natural and feels simply like "riding the edges". A riser is not required to improve the carving ability of true high performance skiboards.

The only exception is for snowboard bindings as these will require a riser to perform properly and not catch edges. The Summit Snowboard Binding Riser Kit offers a platform with round carving disc that allows for precision carving without inhibiting flex.

3. Snowboard Bindings:

These bindings screw directly into any skiboards with a 4-hole mounting pattern (4 inserts). Since snowboard bindings are often wider than skiboards, they may catch on the snow during deep, laid-over carves. Therefore, snowboard bindings need riser plates to provide enough clearance.

We now offer a special riser plate that mounts to any skiboards with 4-hole inserts and accommodates snowboard bindings. Since most snowboard bindings don't support side-to-side carving, riders may find it easier to ride off the back tails.

Additionally, we recommend adding an upper retention strap, such as the Booster Extreme Straps, to maximize power transfer to the edges during side-to-side carving. This also helps distribute weight more evenly.

We also offer the Technine Custom Pro DS Snowboard Binding, designed exclusively for skiboards to deliver optimal performance.

SHOP SNOWBOARD BINDINGS

4. Alpine Touring (AT) Bindings:

Skiboards also accommodate Alpine Touring (AT) bindings, which allow riders to climb uphill by releasing their heels with a lever. When it's time to head downhill, riders simply lock their heels back into place, just like traditional ski bindings.

Most riders use AT bindings for backcountry adventures. For example, the Atomic N Tracker bindings. Although they cost more, they offer the most versatility of all binding types. They also adjust to fit a range of ski boot sizes and feature adjustable DIN release settings, just like traditional ski release bindings.

This is definitely untrue and usually something someone not knowledgable about skiboards would say. We do hear this all the time. The truth is skis are way more dangerous than skiboards. Let's see - you rarely cross tips, or ever, can turn fast, stop fast, get through anything and don't usually need lessons with skiboards. This is the biggest myth of all, especially if you consider using release bindings.

You can view skiboarding videos on our website to see the differences between release and non-release bindings to show you how to get in and out of them so you can make an informed decision. However, shorter skiboards mean even less chance of getting into a predicament so you just get back up when you fall like on skates. The shortest skiboards we offer with full ski release bindings start at 79cm and go up from there.

LEARN TO SKI IN A DAY

DIN CALCULATOR

All about skiboard bindings:

1. Non-Release Skiboard Bindings:

Myth: Non-release bindings mounted in a 4-hole insert pattern allow for the best flex of skiboards. Expand

2. Ski Release Bindings:

Myth : It is necessary to use release bindings mounted on a riser plate that fits the 4 hole standard mounting pattern (fits into the 4 inserts).Expand

3. Snowboard Bindings:

4. Alpine Touring (AT) Bindings:

Myth: Skiboards are dangerous no matter what the bindings.Expand