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Touring
The touring binding range for all challenges. Whether it’s a Pin or a frame binding, whether it’s meant for recreation or competition – Marker bindings are always designed to perform.
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2 variants
MARKER ALPINIST 12 Red
MARKER ALPINIST 12 Titanium
This is Marker ski touring
Over the past few years ski touring has evolved a lot, and it’s common to see a huge variety of choices out there. To figure out the best equipment options, it‘s necessary to find out what kind of uphill and downhill experience you’re looking for. There are three main types of touring, each with its own equipment necessities. Here are our recommendations:
Focus on uphill – the traditional ski tour
Uphill-oriented skiers focus on having a great experience and the lightest weight products for going up the mountain. Whether on a single day or multi day tour, a quick after work hike or high alpine tour, when you are looking for fast uphill speed the gear has to be as light as possible. This applies to everything that has to be carried up the mountain. Ski and binding play a major role since both are in constant movement and their „flywheel mass“ is additionally very tiring. This is why we developed a premium light weight binding that also offers great function and high performance.
Easy up, easy down – discover versatility and lightweight performance
Modern ski touring is not only about exploring the mountains and nature. It´s also about a perfect run at the end of the day, somewhere in the backcountry, enjoying untouched snow and first tracks. And once you get used to the feeling, you’ll go the mountains more often, even when there´s no new snow. Knowing that, you need equipment that is light yet very versatile. Low weight, great uphill performance, easy handling AND the best possible power transmission are mandatory for a great tour including a perfect downhill run, no matter what the snow conditions are.
Focus on the descent – freeride touring
For skiers who love powder runs and first tracks, touring has become the perfect way to discover untouched terrain. For them, hiking is a necessary workout to reach new places, and they accept heavier equipment that will guarantee maximum downhill performance. This includes demanding backcountry riders who skin up from the summit station up to that hidden face for an even better powder run. For both target groups we developed specific bindings that deliver excellent power transmission for the best confidence and control.
Questions and answers
Touring Questions
TOURING PRODUCT SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
Kingpin recall
Are all pin inserts in touring boots standardised?
No, pin inserts in touring boots are not standardised.
In other words, boot manufacturers can simply create their own pin insert (design, material and position in the boot).
There is only the DIN ISO 9523 standard for touring boots. This standard specifies the design and dimensions of the boot soles and their contact area with the binding. Specifications for pin inserts in the boot do not exist in any standard
(for example the contact areas for “normal” ski bindings are mentioned, namely their design and dimensions. Pin inserts in the boot are not covered either in this standard or in any other. )
• All boot manufacturers can design the pin inserts in their boots at their own discretion (designed them as they wish).
• Many boot manufacturers build very good pin inserts (in terms of material, fit and position) while some do not.
Less good pin inserts can be identified by wildly fluctuating release values, heavy wear of the pin inserts in the boot and extremely poor ease of entry.
In summary: Ask your dealer for advice about boot selection.
Are touring bindings an “easy” substitute for ski bindings?
No, touring bindings / pin bindings are not a substitute for ski bindings.
Pin bindings were originally only developed as climbing aids. A pin binding is designed to enable you to climb easily and quickly.
A pin binding is definitely not an “easy ski binding”!
Incorrect release cycles can particularly occur during extreme use (freeride) as the elasticity of pin bindings is generally significantly lower than on conventional ski bindings.
Incorrect releases will be more frequent on wider skis (increase in tipping forces).
In summary: Think about how you generally wish to use your touring binding. Frame bindings are recommended for touring skiers who tend to freeride. If you are mainly interested in fast, easy ascents, pin bindings are ideal for you.
Can I always use the Z value of my normal the binding for my pin binding?
No, pin bindings (without ISO certification) should always be tested on your dealer’s binding adjustment device.
For pin bindings without an ISO certification, the specified Z value on the scale is often not the actual value.
If you only make the setting using the scale (without testing on the adjustment machine), it is possible that the binding will be set much too high (or too low).
The result of this can be incorrect releases or even no release in the event of a fall.
In summary: Have your touring binding adjusted to the appropriate Z value by an authorised dealer.
What skiing performance can I expect from a pin binding?
Classic pin bindings deliver reduced skiing performance by comparison with “normal” Alpine bindings as a result of their reduced contact areas and the poor power transfer resulting from them.
Touring bindings which only have two pins as contact and power transfer areas in the heel area deliver significantly poorer performance than bindings with a classic “ski binding heel”.
A lack of power transfer between the boot and ski results in significant reductions in performance.
What should I do before my first skiing tour?
Familiarise yourself with your equipment. Practise first of all in a secure, familiar environment.
Set the binding to climbing mode, set the various walking modes (0 degrees version and climbing aids), set downhill mode, locking features of the front jaw on pin bindings, practise climbing in and out of the binding.
(Lever to the front, lever to the rear, lever down, lever up, turn lever, etc. )
The handling of touring bindings requires a certain amount of practice and also some technical understanding. It is possible to make a large number of errors which can result in the binding not being released in the event of a fall.
Pin bindings are significantly less convenient than normal ski bindings for entering into the binding.
We highly recommend that inexperienced touring skiers familiarise themselves very closely with the equipment before starting on their first skiing tour.
Uncertainty relating to handling the equipment and poor conditions (icy / steep / windy / dark, etc.) will quickly bring in experienced touring skiers to the limits of their abilities
In summary: Familiarise yourself in great detail with your equipment and its functions. Practise on easy terrain. Never go out alone and initially, you should ideally accompany experienced touring skiers.
The main thing is lightweight?! Material selection for touring boots – what should I look out for?
For many people buying new touring boots, the main feature is to buy boots which are as lightweight as possible. Particularly lightweight touring boots generally deliver good performance for climbing. In many cases, however, these boots are softer and therefore the do not provide the resistance required for good power transfer from the foot to the edge of the ski on downhill slopes.
The number of buckles provides a rough guide to the stability of a touring boot: The rule of thumb is that the more buckles it has, the more stable boot will be. For example, racing boots have a reduced number of buckles (one or two) to reduce weight. On the other hand, freeride-type touring boots often have four buckles. Three-buckle boots are a good compromise between the two.
You should be aware that in certain circumstances a touring boot which is too soft may result in incorrect releases or no defined release.
In summary: Consider how you will be using the equipment before you buy it.
Is every touring boot compatible with every pin binding?
No, not every touring boot is compatible with every pin binding.
The standard for touring boots DIN ISO 9523 and the standard for touring ski bindings DIN ISO 13992 ensure that touring boots which comply with the standard are always compatible with bindings which comply with the standard.
However, both touring boot and binding manufacturers do not always adhere to the appropriate standards. Reasons for this failure to comply with the standards: Special objectives in terms of weight, design, construction or other unique selling point features which cannot satisfy the standard.
Not every touring boot is therefore compatible with every touring binding.
This often creates confusion in the shop and incorrect boot binding combinations are often sold and used.
In summary: Look for information in advance about the compatibility of boots and bindings, for example from the manufacturer or dealer.
The binding can‘t be switched into skiing mode.
Put your Ski in a vertical position. Then clap the binding and ski together to knock off excess snow. Press the binding to the ski with your knee and secure the lever (also see video "Marker Tour F10 & F12").
I can‘t open the BC lever.
There‘s probably ice between the binding and the ski. Bend the ski with your hands several times to break and remove the ice.
The climbing aid becomes unlocked while walking
The BC lever wasn‘t fully laid down. When locking the binding take care that the rubber band doesn‘t get caught between lever and ski.
The binding can‘t be switched into walking mode
Most likely there is ice between the binding and the ski. Bend the ski several times hard with your hands to break the ice.
The base plate bends under the boot while walking.
There is snow or ice under the baseplate. Adjust your climbing aid in a higher position.
The BC lever can‘t be closed.
There is snow or ice under the heelplate. Put your ski into a vertical position. Then, bend the base plate several times with your hands to loosen the snow.
What products are being recalled?
Marker is conducting a voluntary recall of Marker Kingpin ski bindings that were produced and sold during the 2017/2018 ski season. This recall does not affect any other Marker products.
What am I supposed to do if I have one of these ski bindings?
If you have Kingpin ski bindings that are covered by the recall, please stop using them and bring them to your Marker Authorized Retailer, who will replace the toe units with new ones, free of charge
I’d rather just get my money back. Can you send me a refund instead of a replacement?
This recall does not involve offering a refund. The recall as authorized by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission / Health Canada calls for replacing recalled toe units with new ones. It does not authorize refunds.
Are there any legal requirements for ski bindings?
There are no government-mandated standards that apply to ski bindings sold in the United States or Canada, but we design our bindings to comply with European and ASTM safety standards, both of which are considered voluntary standards for ski bindings sold in North America. Some of these standards are mandatory for ski bindings sold in Europe.
I want to take advantage of the recall, but I’d like to keep my old ski bindings as a souvenir, can I do that?
Unfortunately not. We must take back the old ski bindings.
I want to be sure my new ski bindings are the same color as what I have now. Can you guarantee that? Or, can you replace my bindings with a different color?
We will make every effort to provide replacement toe units in the same colors, gold or copper, as you originally purchased, but we can’t guarantee it.
I received my ski bindings as a gift, or I’ve lost my proof of purchase for them. Can I still take advantage of the recall?
Proof of purchase is not required. We just need you to return the ski bindings to a Marker Authorized Retailer.
I like my bindings just the way they are; I’d prefer to keep them.
We’re glad you like your Kingpin bindings, but because this recall involves a potential safety issue you really need to return them.
How can I tell if my ski binding is among the ones being recalled?
We can help you make this determination by the serial number on the heel unit and by looking for the Marker logo on the toe unit.
Has this recall been approved by the government?
Yes. We are conducting this recall in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission / Health Canada, who will monitor the effectiveness of this recall program.
Why is Marker recalling these ski bindings?
We have identified some isolated instances of pin breakage in the toes that might result in an unexpected release and fall hazard. That is unacceptable to us, so we are voluntarily recalling all of the 2017/2018 production so we can replace the toe units of all bindings new toes that meet our requirements.
Touring Questions
Are all pin inserts in touring boots standardised?
No, pin inserts in touring boots are not standardised.
In other words, boot manufacturers can simply create their own pin insert (design, material and position in the boot).
There is only the DIN ISO 9523 standard for touring boots. This standard specifies the design and dimensions of the boot soles and their contact area with the binding. Specifications for pin inserts in the boot do not exist in any standard
(for example the contact areas for “normal” ski bindings are mentioned, namely their design and dimensions. Pin inserts in the boot are not covered either in this standard or in any other. )
• All boot manufacturers can design the pin inserts in their boots at their own discretion (designed them as they wish).
• Many boot manufacturers build very good pin inserts (in terms of material, fit and position) while some do not.
Less good pin inserts can be identified by wildly fluctuating release values, heavy wear of the pin inserts in the boot and extremely poor ease of entry.
In summary: Ask your dealer for advice about boot selection.
Are touring bindings an “easy” substitute for ski bindings?
No, touring bindings / pin bindings are not a substitute for ski bindings.
Pin bindings were originally only developed as climbing aids. A pin binding is designed to enable you to climb easily and quickly.
A pin binding is definitely not an “easy ski binding”!
Incorrect release cycles can particularly occur during extreme use (freeride) as the elasticity of pin bindings is generally significantly lower than on conventional ski bindings.
Incorrect releases will be more frequent on wider skis (increase in tipping forces).
In summary: Think about how you generally wish to use your touring binding. Frame bindings are recommended for touring skiers who tend to freeride. If you are mainly interested in fast, easy ascents, pin bindings are ideal for you.
Can I always use the Z value of my normal the binding for my pin binding?
No, pin bindings (without ISO certification) should always be tested on your dealer’s binding adjustment device.
For pin bindings without an ISO certification, the specified Z value on the scale is often not the actual value.
If you only make the setting using the scale (without testing on the adjustment machine), it is possible that the binding will be set much too high (or too low).
The result of this can be incorrect releases or even no release in the event of a fall.
In summary: Have your touring binding adjusted to the appropriate Z value by an authorised dealer.
What skiing performance can I expect from a pin binding?
Classic pin bindings deliver reduced skiing performance by comparison with “normal” Alpine bindings as a result of their reduced contact areas and the poor power transfer resulting from them.
Touring bindings which only have two pins as contact and power transfer areas in the heel area deliver significantly poorer performance than bindings with a classic “ski binding heel”.
A lack of power transfer between the boot and ski results in significant reductions in performance.
What should I do before my first skiing tour?
Familiarise yourself with your equipment. Practise first of all in a secure, familiar environment.
Set the binding to climbing mode, set the various walking modes (0 degrees version and climbing aids), set downhill mode, locking features of the front jaw on pin bindings, practise climbing in and out of the binding.
(Lever to the front, lever to the rear, lever down, lever up, turn lever, etc. )
The handling of touring bindings requires a certain amount of practice and also some technical understanding. It is possible to make a large number of errors which can result in the binding not being released in the event of a fall.
Pin bindings are significantly less convenient than normal ski bindings for entering into the binding.
We highly recommend that inexperienced touring skiers familiarise themselves very closely with the equipment before starting on their first skiing tour.
Uncertainty relating to handling the equipment and poor conditions (icy / steep / windy / dark, etc.) will quickly bring in experienced touring skiers to the limits of their abilities
In summary: Familiarise yourself in great detail with your equipment and its functions. Practise on easy terrain. Never go out alone and initially, you should ideally accompany experienced touring skiers.
The main thing is lightweight?! Material selection for touring boots – what should I look out for?
For many people buying new touring boots, the main feature is to buy boots which are as lightweight as possible. Particularly lightweight touring boots generally deliver good performance for climbing. In many cases, however, these boots are softer and therefore the do not provide the resistance required for good power transfer from the foot to the edge of the ski on downhill slopes.
The number of buckles provides a rough guide to the stability of a touring boot: The rule of thumb is that the more buckles it has, the more stable boot will be. For example, racing boots have a reduced number of buckles (one or two) to reduce weight. On the other hand, freeride-type touring boots often have four buckles. Three-buckle boots are a good compromise between the two.
You should be aware that in certain circumstances a touring boot which is too soft may result in incorrect releases or no defined release.
In summary: Consider how you will be using the equipment before you buy it.
Is every touring boot compatible with every pin binding?
No, not every touring boot is compatible with every pin binding.
The standard for touring boots DIN ISO 9523 and the standard for touring ski bindings DIN ISO 13992 ensure that touring boots which comply with the standard are always compatible with bindings which comply with the standard.
However, both touring boot and binding manufacturers do not always adhere to the appropriate standards. Reasons for this failure to comply with the standards: Special objectives in terms of weight, design, construction or other unique selling point features which cannot satisfy the standard.
Not every touring boot is therefore compatible with every touring binding.
This often creates confusion in the shop and incorrect boot binding combinations are often sold and used.
In summary: Look for information in advance about the compatibility of boots and bindings, for example from the manufacturer or dealer.
TOURING PRODUCT SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
The binding can‘t be switched into skiing mode.
Put your Ski in a vertical position. Then clap the binding and ski together to knock off excess snow. Press the binding to the ski with your knee and secure the lever (also see video "Marker Tour F10 & F12").
I can‘t open the BC lever.
There‘s probably ice between the binding and the ski. Bend the ski with your hands several times to break and remove the ice.
The climbing aid becomes unlocked while walking
The BC lever wasn‘t fully laid down. When locking the binding take care that the rubber band doesn‘t get caught between lever and ski.
The binding can‘t be switched into walking mode
Most likely there is ice between the binding and the ski. Bend the ski several times hard with your hands to break the ice.
The base plate bends under the boot while walking.
There is snow or ice under the baseplate. Adjust your climbing aid in a higher position.
The BC lever can‘t be closed.
There is snow or ice under the heelplate. Put your ski into a vertical position. Then, bend the base plate several times with your hands to loosen the snow.
Kingpin recall
What products are being recalled?
Marker is conducting a voluntary recall of Marker Kingpin ski bindings that were produced and sold during the 2017/2018 ski season. This recall does not affect any other Marker products.
What am I supposed to do if I have one of these ski bindings?
If you have Kingpin ski bindings that are covered by the recall, please stop using them and bring them to your Marker Authorized Retailer, who will replace the toe units with new ones, free of charge
I’d rather just get my money back. Can you send me a refund instead of a replacement?
This recall does not involve offering a refund. The recall as authorized by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission / Health Canada calls for replacing recalled toe units with new ones. It does not authorize refunds.
Are there any legal requirements for ski bindings?
There are no government-mandated standards that apply to ski bindings sold in the United States or Canada, but we design our bindings to comply with European and ASTM safety standards, both of which are considered voluntary standards for ski bindings sold in North America. Some of these standards are mandatory for ski bindings sold in Europe.
I want to take advantage of the recall, but I’d like to keep my old ski bindings as a souvenir, can I do that?
Unfortunately not. We must take back the old ski bindings.
I want to be sure my new ski bindings are the same color as what I have now. Can you guarantee that? Or, can you replace my bindings with a different color?
We will make every effort to provide replacement toe units in the same colors, gold or copper, as you originally purchased, but we can’t guarantee it.
I received my ski bindings as a gift, or I’ve lost my proof of purchase for them. Can I still take advantage of the recall?
Proof of purchase is not required. We just need you to return the ski bindings to a Marker Authorized Retailer.
I like my bindings just the way they are; I’d prefer to keep them.
We’re glad you like your Kingpin bindings, but because this recall involves a potential safety issue you really need to return them.
How can I tell if my ski binding is among the ones being recalled?
We can help you make this determination by the serial number on the heel unit and by looking for the Marker logo on the toe unit.
Has this recall been approved by the government?
Yes. We are conducting this recall in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission / Health Canada, who will monitor the effectiveness of this recall program.
Why is Marker recalling these ski bindings?
We have identified some isolated instances of pin breakage in the toes that might result in an unexpected release and fall hazard. That is unacceptable to us, so we are voluntarily recalling all of the 2017/2018 production so we can replace the toe units of all bindings new toes that meet our requirements.