A splitboard boot binding system with single multi-angle climbing wire. The pivotable climbing wire is configured for use with any compatible ski tour interface, and folds away under the boot binding baseplate when the bindings are transferred to a ride mode interface. In ski tour mode, the baseplate pivots on a toe axis and is supported by the climbing wire when the heel is raised. Advantageously, the climbing wire is very lightweight and seats interchangeably in a plurality of detent positions on a compatible heelblock. There are no interferences with conjoint use of a slide-in crampon seated between the heelblock and the toe pivot or with use in systems having a heel locker. Surprisingly, in some combinations the climbing wire may also be used to retain the slider track in ride mode. The combinations and sub-combinations require no tools for adjustment or operation and operate cooperatively.

A splitboard boot binding system with single multi-angle climbing wire. The pivotable climbing wire is configured for use with any compatible ski tour interface, and folds away under the boot binding baseplate when the bindings are transferred to a ride mode interface. In ski tour mode, the baseplate pivots on a toe axis and is supported by the climbing wire when the heel is raised. Advantageously, the climbing wire is very lightweight and seats interchangeably in a plurality of detent positions on a compatible heelblock. There are no interferences with conjoint use of a slide-in crampon seated between the heelblock and the toe pivot or with use in systems having a heel locker. Surprisingly, in some combinations the climbing wire may also be used to retain the slider track in ride mode. The combinations and sub-combinations require no tools for adjustment or operation and operate cooperatively.

A fastening assembly for a ski crampon includes a hinge pin having a mounting portion and a securing portion. The mounting portion has a smaller dimension in a first direction and a larger dimension in a second direction, the first and second directions orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the hinge pin. The securing portion has substantially the same dimension in the first and second directions. A mounting fastening portion defines a gap and an opening. The gap and the opening each extends substantially transversely to a ski longitudinal direction and substantially parallel to the ski surface. The gap receives the mounting portion of the hinge pin, which is inserted through the opening. The dimension of the opening in the ski longitudinal direction is larger than the dimension of the mounting portion in the first direction and smaller than the dimension of the mounting portion in the second direction.

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for positionally stabilizing snowsport equipment such as snowboards while in use on snow or ice. The apparatus includes a position establishing unit having an interface and a guide situated in an angular relation to one another and a tether connectable between the establishing unit and either the equipment or an article associated with the user.

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for positionally stabilizing snowsport equipment such as snowboards while in use on snow or ice. The apparatus includes a position establishing unit having an interface and a guide situated in an angular relation to one another and a tether connectable between the establishing unit and either the equipment or an article associated with the user.

A fastening assembly for a ski crampon includes a hinge pin having a mounting portion and a securing portion. The mounting portion has a smaller dimension in a first direction and a larger dimension in a second direction, the first and second directions orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the hinge pin. The securing portion has substantially the same dimension in the first and second directions. A mounting fastening portion defines a gap and an opening. The gap and the opening each extends substantially transversely to a ski longitudinal direction and substantially parallel to the ski surface. The gap receives the mounting portion of the hinge pin, which is inserted through the opening. The dimension of the opening in the ski longitudinal direction is larger than the dimension of the mounting portion in the first direction and smaller than the dimension of the mounting portion in the second direction.

Certain embodiments of the invention provide a slip prevention apparatus for snowboard and ski equipment. In certain embodiments, the slip prevention apparatus lifts the ski or snowboard off the ground or snow to temporarily immobilize the ski or snowboard. In certain embodiments, the slip prevention apparatus creates a point of traction, while providing a stable platform to stand while strapping into bindings. Certain embodiments include a stop element that provides a point of traction. Certain embodiments of the invention include a retractable tether. Certain embodiments of the invention provide various types of stop elements. Certain embodiments of the invention include a cord having a magnet on an end, and a corresponding magnet attached to a stop element. In certain embodiments, when the user has finished strapping in, the retractable tether returns a stop element to a secure position.

A snow ski has a longitudinal body defining a sole for gliding on the snow. The ski includes: (a) a platform slidably coupled to the body for sliding longitudinally relative to the body; and (b) a gripping element slidably and rotatably coupled to the body and rotatably coupled to the platform. The gripping element extends downward to penetrate the snow in response to the platform being slid rearward relative to the body. The gripping element retracts upward above the sole when the platform is slid forward relative to the body. First and second gripping elements may be disposed on opposing sides of the body. A locking mechanism selectively locks the platform at a forward position, in which the gripping element is retracted, one or more intermediate positions, or a rearward position in which the gripping element extends to penetrate the snow. A ski-traction kit for retrofitting a ski is provided.

A snow ski has a longitudinal body defining a sole for gliding on the snow. The ski includes: (a) a platform slidably coupled to the body for sliding longitudinally relative to the body; and (b) a gripping element slidably and rotatably coupled to the body and rotatably coupled to the platform. The gripping element extends downward to penetrate the snow in response to the platform being slid rearward relative to the body. The gripping element retracts upward above the sole when the platform is slid forward relative to the body. First and second gripping elements may be disposed on opposing sides of the body. A locking mechanism selectively locks the platform at a forward position, in which the gripping element is retracted, one or more intermediate positions, or a rearward position in which the gripping element extends to penetrate the snow. A ski-traction kit for retrofitting a ski is provided.

Certain embodiments of the invention provide a slip prevention apparatus for snowboard and ski equipment. In certain embodiments, the slip prevention apparatus lifts the ski or snowboard off the ground or snow to temporarily immobilize the ski or snowboard. In certain embodiments, the slip prevention apparatus creates a point of traction, while providing a stable platform to stand while strapping into bindings. Certain embodiments include a stop element that provides a point of traction. Certain embodiments of the invention include a retractable tether. Certain embodiments of the invention provide various types of stop elements. Certain embodiments of the invention include a cord having a magnet on an end, and a corresponding magnet attached to a stop element. In certain embodiments, when the user has finished strapping in, the retractable tether returns a stop element to a secure position.