Bindings are an amazing part of the ski gear you require, because basically they perform two almost opposing functions. Firstly, they provide a connection with your skis, and must remain firmly attached during normal skiing conditions so that you can control the skis. Secondly, though, they also need to break the connection if the stress is too severe. This means that in the case of a fall or collision, the bindings must release to protect your foot from injury. The line between normal and stressful is very fine, and you certainly don't want your bindings to release at an inappropriate time.
The bindings can be adjusted to suit a wide variety of skiing abilities and styles. The weight and height of the skier also need to be taken into consideration. If your bindings are too loose, then it's possible that they will release at the wrong time. If you have them too tight, however, then you might find they don't release when you need them to. Both situations are potentially dangerous. It's important that you become familiar with how your bindings work, as there are normally several mechanisms and parts that can be adjusted for a perfect fit. Initially, though, it's probably a good idea to let a competent ski technician adjust the settings specifically for your requirements.
An international standard for rating bindings exists, and the units are DIN settings. If the DIN setting is low, it's relatively easy to release the bindings, and this is most suitable for beginners. As the level of experience increases, generally so do the DIN settings.
Bindings are manufactured to suit a certain DIN range. So if you choose an intermediate binding, as an example, its rating may be DIN 3-7. If the DIN is set at a low level, then the bindings will release when there is sudden or excess pressure experienced. An intermediate setting is only released if more pressure is exerted, but they should still respond quickly if there's a sudden pressure change. An expert skier would use high DIN settings.
An inappropriate DIN setting can cause serious accidents and injury. If a ski releases at high speed, the skier will crash. If, however, the ski fails to release in a fall, the skier can end up with torn ligaments or even broken bones.
Most alpine skiers use step-in bindings. These have a separate piece for the toe and heel that are attached to the top of the ski. If excess sideways pressure is experienced, then the toe piece will release the ski boot. If there's excess upward pressure, then the heel will release. Nowadays there are some advanced binding designs that combine these release motions.
There's also a brake fitted into the binding, to prevent the ski sliding off down the hill when the binding releases. Basically, a metal attachment springs downwards and digs into the snow when the ski boot is released.
When it comes to ski equipment, ski poles are probably the simplest element, but they are still essential as they provide balance and help to prevent falls. The main thing to consider when choosing poles is their length. Short poles will make you lean too far forward, and throw you off balance. Your poles should be slightly shorter than your shoulder height. As a test, your poles should fit comfortably under your armpits when you're standing up.
Make sure you wear your ski gloves when trying out the handles of the poles. They should fit your hand comfortably. Check the straps to make sure they fit easily around your wrists. Ski poles also have a piece near the bottom called the basket. This is the part that prevents your poles from disappearing too deeply into the snow. You need to choose a basket that matches the snow conditions in your ski area. Soft snow requires a larger basket; groomed trails only need a small basket.
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