An alpine touring binding (also known as an AT binding or randonnée binding) is a specialised ski binding with a releaseable locked down heel that can be used for ski touring and backcountry skiing. Most AT bindings have DIN safety release as in an alpine binding. Specialized alpine touring ski boots are also used, something of a cross between a downhill ski boot and a plastic climbing boot, which are light and flexible enough to be comfortable to walk up in while still being stiff enough to provide good control when skiing down. These boots have soles with traction and the ability to hold a crampon when climbing steep slopes with the skis carried on one's backpack.
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Famous quotes containing the words alpine and/or binding:
“Reason now gazes above the realm of the dark but warm feelings as the Alpine peaks do above the clouds. They behold the sun more clearly and distinctly, but they are cold and unfruitful.”
—G.C. (Georg Christoph)
“What is lawful is not binding only on some and not binding on others. Lawfulness extends everywhere, through the wide-ruling air and the boundless light of the sky.”
—Empedocles 484–424 B.C., Greek philosopher. The Presocratics, p. 142, ed. Philip Wheelwright, The Bobbs-Merrill Co., Inc. (1960)