NTN Shapes up

TelemarkSkier.com

November 2007

by Craig Dostie

By now you probably know that Rottefella’s New Telemark Norm (NTN) binding has arrived at select North American retailers. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to switch platforms, you owe it to yourself to check ‘em out first hand, and if you’re intrigued enough, even demo a pair.

The reason is simple. NTN represents the future of telemark skiing.

Or at least part of it. One can argue that this is yet to be proven. Relative to its current incarnation, you’ll get no argument from this writer. In fact, if NTN catches fire, as it appears ready to do, it is an easy leap of faith to suggest that in another decade the current rendition of Rottefella’s NTN binding will seem as crude as the first telemark cable bindings did in the late 80s. But NTN offers hope that a fresh start down a new path will lead to the Holy Grail of telemark bindings. Let’s face facts: we’ve pretty much exhausted the useful realm of the existing 75mm Nordic Norm to meet the demands of today’s telemarkers. To be honest, I hope it's not.

While the current state of telemark equipment is pretty satisfactory—especially compared to 20 years ago—to go to the next level, a new paradigm must be embraced. That is what NTN represents, and Rottefella hopes will be the new face of telemark.

Without getting caught up in the mechanics of what NTN is today, modifying the connection between boot and binding is the heart of what NTN is about. In this first generation product, the results are compelling.

Tele Grail Criteria 1 - Downhill Control
It has great downhill performance. In fact, the resultant improvement in lateral control is probably enough reason for most telemarkers to give it a whirl, and for it to grab a solid hold on the market.

Tele Grail Criteria 2 - Touring Freedom
In tour mode, it’s a dream compared to non-touring telemark bindings, and only seems inferior when compared to AT or free pivoting telemark bindings. The range of motion limits out at 40 degrees, only noticeable when kick turning on steep slopes, and it isn’t quite frictionless, but you only notice that if you’re breaking trail in light fluff. It is still leagues better than any non-touring telemark binding.

Tele Grail Criteria 3 - Step In Functionality
It isn’t exactly step in, but it is infinitely easier to get in to than any 75mm binding. Contrary to classic cable bindings, you can not get in to the binding if you bend over, you must stand up straight. And it has ski brakes, eliminating the need for those pesky safety straps.

Tele Grail Criteria 4 - Safety Release
Most importantly, it has a release function. In fact, that is what most of the discussion on NTN currently centers around. Rottefella claims the NTN binding is releasable, but also admits that this release mechanism has not been certified by DIN or TUV. But new DIN standards make all formerly DIN-standard releasable telemark bindings—including Garmont's 7tm and Rottefella's old CRB plate—no longer certifiable. That is to say, no telemark binding now, or ever on the market meets today's DIN standard. So, what’s at issue with NTN is the reliability of the release, something that, regardless of certification or not, will be verified over time with use and reports from the field.

Tele Grail Criteria 5 - Light weight
We can keep dreaming, right? Svelte it is not, but Rottefella does have plans to trim the fat and improve the touring range while they're at it.

Whether it works perfectly at this moment in time or not, the key thing to remember is that NTN currently offers the best hope of providing a binding with a clean—boot separating from binding—release for telemarkers. Furthermore, the latch in front of the toe can easily be lifted to provide an effective avalanche release.

So, while it may not be THE Holy Grail of telemark bindings, it has all the basic ingredients; solid downhill power, touring freedom, easy attachment, and safety release. With a bit more refining, perhaps some competition to spur that on, it may yet turn out to be the magic combination that turns a whole new generation on to the joys of free heel skiing.