Fritschi Tecton

It is easy to imagine that there is a lot of work behind the introduction and further development of a ski touring binding. But here you can find out exactly how the process of feedback from various users, athletes and guides works and what added value this offers for the development process.

A small ski manufacturer in Sweden. In view of the many craft ski manufacturers that have sprung up recently, that alone doesn't sound very special. However, NORSE's developments have received very promising feedback in the die-hard internet forums. What makes NORSE's skis so special is the very complete development approach. Once I had familiarised myself with the core technology used, I was keen to test the ski.

The elegant wooden ski from the small Bernese ski manufacturer Earlybird is a revolution in terms of sustainability and design. The 107 mm wide ski is Earlybird's freetouring model and appeals to deep snow fans with a thirst for ascent who appreciate a racy freeride ski even in the deepest backcountry. Not only the look and durability are impressive, the downhill performance with surprisingly low weight make the ski a versatile companion on small and big adventures.

After we published a short test about a year ago, I have now been able to put the Fritschi Tecton through its paces in practically all conditions. Last winter, I took it to Alaska as well as the Alps, and now in "summer" I've taken it to New Zealand.

In the second edition of our Conditions Reporter interviews, Rinaldo Borra (username borrarinaldo) introduces himself: The long-time mountain guide and coffee lover lives in Grindelwald, but travels with his guests throughout the Alps.

In our partner news you will find information that we received directly from our partner companies at ISPO in Munich. We mainly asked about news and new products for the 2018/19 season.

After Fritschi, the traditional manufacturer of ski touring bindings from Switzerland, was able to gain a foothold in the pin binding market in recent years with the Vipec models, the new Tecton now presents a logical further development of the concept that is definitely worth seeing.

Ski touring has changed dramatically in recent years. Whereas 10 years ago, the "supreme discipline" of winter sports was still largely in the hands of mountain dwellers, took place in spring and was mainly for early risers, today there are so many facets that we can't even list them all. From freeriders who often only make short ascents with skins to get to certain lines, to "classic" ski tourers who are all about experiencing nature and summits, to the ever-increasing number of "speed" tourers who focus on fitness. In recent years, this development has led to a veritable diversity of materials, which has not even stopped at bindings.