Ski touring bindings · Test magazine 2026
Tech talk with Simon Weiler, Fritschi Swiss Bindings
marketing · Print page 111
Tests, reviews and background on Fritschi Swiss Bindings
What is the core philosophy behind Fritschi binding development?
For more than 60 years, Fritschi Swiss Bindings has stood for technological innovations in the ski touring binding market. Our philosophy is to develop high-performance, secure and at the same time lightweight bindings with simple, intuitive operation. Our high-tech quality products “Made in Switzerland” are based on a different patented technology than that of our competitors. Short distances allow us to develop our bindings in-house and test them right on our doorstep. The feedback from our long-standing partners, the Swiss Mountain Guides Association, the mountain schools and our athletes helps us to continually develop our products.
How does Fritschi balance the ascent and descent requirements when developing the bindings?
Fritschi sets the highest standards. The pin touring bindings should match the downhill performance and safety standards of an alpine binding while also allowing an easy, efficient ascent. Fritschi is a TÜV SÜD-certified production facility where every individual binding is checked three times during manufacturing for its DIN values in accordance with the alpine binding standard.
Fritschi relies heavily on high-quality, high-tech plastics, where other manufacturers rely on milled aluminum. What is the background to this strategy?
We have always relied on steel, aluminum and composite materials. Where binding components need to be solid and durable, forged aluminum and high-quality metal alloys are used. Glass and carbon fiber reinforced plastics are used where the material should have a certain torsion, i.e. move with the ski and not work against it. A nice side effect of this combination: the weight of the models remains low while maintaining high performance and safety standards.
Which components of a touring binding are subject to the greatest wear and tear, and how should riders care for the binding to keep the release values constant over the years?
It all depends on the care taken by the owner. Every binding - regardless of the manufacturer - should be cared for regularly, just like a ski whose base is cleaned, waxed and its edges sanded. With a ski touring binding, this means relaxing the toe and heel after the tour and not leaving them in the entry position so that the springs are not permanently under tension and lose their tension over time. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and greasing the moving parts are also recommended.
In which areas does Fritschi see the greatest potential for future development in the area of bindings?
Fritschi is known for innovations. As the inventors of the Diamir Titanal and the Diamir Freeride, we disrupted the frame binding market of the time. With the Vipec 12 we brought the first pin binding with side release in the toe piece onto the market. The Tecton was the first hybrid binding and is still the lightest of its kind today. There will be new things to come - you can be excited!
