Binding Crampons
Ski crampons are metal traction devices that attach to alpine touring (AT) ski bindings. They provide grip and security on icy, hard-packed, or steep terrain where climbing skins alone might slip while skinning uphill.
In Simple Terms:
They're like mini crampons for your skis—they dig into the snow when you push down on your ski, helping you avoid sliding backward on slippery slopes.
Key Features:
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Made of metal (usually aluminum or steel)
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Slide into a crampon slot under your toe piece on tech bindings (e.g. Dynafit, ATK, etc.)
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Pivot as you stride forward
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Grip the snow when your ski is weighted
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Come in various widths to match your ski size
When You Need Ski Crampons:
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Early morning or spring tours with firm or icy snow
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Side-hilling on crusty terrain
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Steep skin tracks where skins start to slip
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Glacier travel or exposed alpine terrain
Limitations:
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Less effective when using high heel risers, as they don't dig in as deeply
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Don’t replace boot crampons for technical climbs or no-fall zones
How to Use:
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Stop and insert crampons into the binding’s crampon slot.
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Slide them under the toe piece.
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Continue skinning—they'll pivot and bite into the snow on each step.
? Tip: Practice installing them at home or in mellow terrain—they can be fiddly in the cold or wind.
Pros:
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Lightweight
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Packable
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Increase safety and efficiency on firm snow
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Compatible with most tech bindings (brand-specific)
Cons:
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Don't help on deep powder
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Must match ski and binding specs
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Can be awkward with high risers
Want a visual or help finding the right size/model for your setup? Let me know your ski waist width and binding type.