Compatibility of Bindings for Cross-Country and Roller Skis

When purchasing equipment for cross-country skis (also referred to as Nordic skiing) and roller skis, it's crucial to ensure compatibility between the bindings and the boots you select. Given that much of the gear is shared between cross-country skiing and roller skiing, and the brands are the same, this guide is applicable to both types.

Various Standards - NNN, SNS and Prolink

Two companies, Rottefella from Norway and Salomon, which originated in France, establish the standards for bindings and boot outsoles, setting the measurements, distinct mechanics, and innovative solutions.

Rottefella

Known as the NNN system, which stands for New Nordic Norm, Rottefella's system is used for both the ski boot outsole and the binding. While Rottefella produces the bindings, it does not create the entire boot. Instead, it licenses the boot technology to other boot manufacturers. Brands using the Rottefella outsole system in their cross-country boots include Rossignol, Madshus, Alpina, Alfa, Yoko, Fischer, and Peltonen.

Certain brands may rebrand the Rottefella NNN binding with their own name, such as Fischer NNN binding. You can find more details on Rottefella NIS technology in the section titled "What Is Rottefella NIS?" later in this article.

Salomon

Salomon is renowned for its SNS boot and binding system, standing for Salomon Nordic System, and has also devised a new system known as Prolink.

The SNS system comes in two variations: one for classic skiing and another for skate skiing. The skate skiing bindings feature an additional connection point for enhanced torsional stiffness, crucial for the sideways kick in skate skiing. This involves a spring-loaded arm linking to a pin under the boot, besides the front pin that attaches to the front connection. Thus, SNS skate bindings and boots have dual connection points for this purpose.

Conversely, the SNS classic system includes only a single pin at the front of the boot, connecting to the single front point on the binding, with no additional spring-loaded arm.

A novel system named Prolink was launched by Salomon in 2016. It offers a unique setup as it is mounted like the SNS systems but is solely compatible with NNN boots. Therefore, boots with the NNN outsole from brands like Alpina, Fischer, Rossignol, Madshus, Alfa, and Peltonen will suit Prolink bindings.

It's important to highlight that Salomon SNS products are not interchangeable with Salomon Prolink products. Salomon SNS boots do not match Salomon Prolink bindings and vice versa.

Bindings for Combi Boots

Bindings for combi boots adhere to the specified standards and technologies above. A Salomon SNS combi boot, for instance, features two pins to match SNS skate bindings. It also suits SNS classic bindings lacking a spring-loaded arm, featuring instead a slot where the metal pin is positioned under the foot.

Distinguishing NNN from SNS

Though SNS and NNN binding and boot systems may appear similar initially, they differ. Attempting to fit an SNS boot into an NNN binding illustrates that the connection point dimensions do not align, as Rottefella NNN measures wider than Salomon SNS.

Understanding Rottefella NIS

The method for affixing the Rottefella NNN binding to the ski has been further enhanced by Rottefella. This adjustable system allows the binding to be slightly shifted forward (for better grip on hilly terrains) or backward (for smoother gliding). Known as NIS (Nordic Integrated System), this plate can be glued and/or drilled onto the ski. It might be pre-installed from the factory, or you may need to install it yourself. With the plate attached, you can click the NNN binding into position using the NIS key to adjust it as per your preference. Note that the Rottefella NIS plate is incompatible with Salomon SNS or Prolink bindings.

Compatible Gear for Nordic Backcountry Skiing Beyond Trails

In addition to the aforementioned, both Rottefella and Salomon offer bindings for Nordic skiing outside traditional tracks. Known as Backcountry skiing, these include the Rottefella BC (Backcountry) and Salomon BC bindings.

Engineered to be more robust and powerful, these bindings are suited for challenging conditions beyond the tracks.

This specialised backcountry equipment requires specific backcountry boots. BC bindings aren't compatible with standard NNN, SNS, or Prolink boots, as the boot pin and binding connection points are significantly wider. Such equipment proves less useful for roller skiing.