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:

  • Made of metal (usually aluminum or steel)

  • Slide into a crampon slot under your toe piece on tech bindings (e.g. Dynafit, ATK, etc.)

  • Pivot as you stride forward

  • Grip the snow when your ski is weighted

  • Come in various widths to match your ski size

When You Need Ski Crampons:

  • Early morning or spring tours with firm or icy snow

  • Side-hilling on crusty terrain

  • Steep skin tracks where skins start to slip

  • Glacier travel or exposed alpine terrain

Limitations:

  • Less effective when using high heel risers, as they don't dig in as deeply

  • Don’t replace boot crampons for technical climbs or no-fall zones

How to Use:

  1. Stop and insert crampons into the binding’s crampon slot.

  2. Slide them under the toe piece.

  3. 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:

  • Lightweight

  • Packable

  • Increase safety and efficiency on firm snow

  • Compatible with most tech bindings (brand-specific)

Cons:

  • Don't help on deep powder

  • Must match ski and binding specs

  • 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.