Telemark Bindings
Top Picks
How we choose: The best telemark bindings highlighted here were selected based on 4 reviews of 4 products. Our top picks are those that are readily-available in the United States and have received the highest overall ratings from reviewers.
How we test: Trailspace is powered entirely by our community of readers. The reviews posted here reflect the real-world experiences of outdoor enthusiasts just like you.
If you've used a telemark binding that you think should be listed here, please share your experience.
Disclosure: Trailspace never accepts payment for gear reviews, product placement, or editorial coverage. When you buy through affiliate links on our site, Trailspace may earn a small commission, which helps cover the costs of running the site.
TwentyTwo Designs Axl
(1 review)
Reviewed
by Zach D'Arbeloff
Absolute best binding for touring and performance. Easy switching between modes and resistance levels. Sturdy.
Reasons to Buy
- Great performance
- Sturdy
- Easily adjustable
- Switches modes easily
- Adjustable resistance
- Tours well
Reasons to Avoid
- Heavy
This is the perfect backcountry binding for the true telemarker. First off, we have to start with the performance. The free release touring mode makes going up a cinch because you have zero resistance on your heel. It's very easy to switch between modes, you just use your pole and the ski can stay on. Once in ski mode, it skis like an aggressive alpine Tele binding. It is not quite as stiff as the Vice or the Hammerhead, but it is in the same range, and you really feel like you can put power into it.
Read more: TwentyTwo Designs Axl review (1)
Rottefella Xplore Backcountry Off-Track
(1 review)
Reviewed
by BigRed
A smart, simple, and lightweight binding that tours well and can deliver sweet turns in reasonably friendly terrain and snow conditions. Step-in, pole-out convenience. Interchangeable flex plates for touring, climbing, and downhill add versatility but can be a bit fiddly.
Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight
- Mechanically simple
- Interchangeable flex plates for touring, climbing, and downhill modes
- Step-in, step out with a pole stab
- 70 mm wide engagement with the boot toe
Reasons to Avoid
- Step-in requires verification to make sure both pins engaged
- Changing flex plates can be a bit fiddly, easy to lose
- Heel lifts a bit tricky to flip with a pole grip
- Spring pins in compatible boots potentially vulnerable to damage
Meet Xplore Ever since I first ripped out the pin holes on a 75mm Nordic Norm boot in the first season of my telemark career (over 40 years ago!), I’ve been willing to try out just about any other backcountry boot-binding system that has come along. Within a year after doing my first telemark turns, I tried the short-lived 50 mm Trakker system , maybe the first binding to introduce ridges and grooves on the binding and boot, respectively, an innovation that was picked up by both Rottefella and Salomon in their revolutionary xc systems (NNN and SNS respectively).
Read more: Rottefella Xplore Backcountry Off-Track review (1)
More Reviews of Telemark Bindings
Trailspace reviewers have shared 4 reviews of 4 different telemark bindings.
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Other Types of Telemark Gear
Find more telemark gear reviewed in these related categories:
Alpine Touring/Telemark Skis
Telemark Boots
Alpine Touring/Telemark Poles
+2 more types
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