ATK CREST 10 DARK BRONZE Bindings - 97MM

ATK Crest 10 Dark Bronze: a ski touring binding designed for efficiency on both ascents and descents

The ATK Crest 10 Dark Bronze 97mm falls into the category of versatile ski touring bindings, designed to balance lightness on the ascent with precision on the descent. Weighing 295 g per binding, it’s ideal for both beginners in alpine touring and experienced skiers looking for reliable gear on varied terrain. Its design incorporates several patented technologies that ensure consistent performance from step-in to step-out. The Crest 10 Dark Bronze 97mm thus offers a balanced blend of technical accessibility and on-snow performance.

Speed Toe Piece: Easy Binding and Downhill Stability

The Speed Toe Piece features a redesigned front toe piece that simultaneously improves downhill stability and ease of use. It incorporates the Cam Release System, a patented ATK technology that ensures precise release while simplifying both putting on and taking off the boot, even while wearing gloves. The Monolink 1.0 fixed toe piece arm guarantees a rigid connection between the boot and the ski, resulting in direct transmission of lateral forces during turns. The entire toe piece contributes to the binding’s stability on descents without adding extra weight.

Elastic Response System: a heel piece that works with the ski

The heel piece of the Crest 10 Dark Bronze 97mm features the Elastic Response System, a patented system that allows for a slight, natural flex of the ski while absorbing uneven terrain. This mechanism maintains base contact on technical sections and reduces the stress transmitted to the boot on hard snow or rough terrain. The construction uses 7075 aluminum, POM (polyoxymethylene), and stainless steel—three complementary materials that combine structural rigidity, lightness, and corrosion resistance. The entire unit is manufactured in Italy, reflecting a level of industrial excellence consistent with the technologies incorporated into the product.

Magnetic climbing cleats and heel cups: comfort and smoothness on ascents

For long climbs, the binding offers three cleat positions: flat, +27 mm, and +46 mm. This range covers both gentle slopes and steep climbs, allowing you to adjust the calf’s working angle to the terrain’s incline. The magnetic heel flaps—known as Magneto Heel Flaps—snap into place and stay secure without any fiddly adjustments, making transitions during changes of pace smoother. The front pivot, combined with the overall light weight of the binding, promotes a natural walking motion and reduces fatigue on long outings.

Safety and release: adjustable DIN range and anti-unintentional release

The Crest 10 Dark Bronze 97mm offers a DIN range of 4 to 10, with independent lateral and vertical release settings. This dual independent adjustment allows the binding’s performance to be tailored to the skier’s profile and the type of terrain being skied. The Snow Pack Proof System protects the mechanisms from snow and ice buildup, a factor that can cause unintended releases or prevent the boot from sliding into the binding in harsh winter conditions. The 20-mm adjustment range ensures precise compatibility with various sizes of boots featuring PIN TECH inserts.

Compatibility and equipment: 97 mm brake, crampon mount, and usage recommendations

The AP Brake System is available in a 97 mm width, suitable for skis with a waist width of up to 97 mm. ATK recommends using this binding with skis between 80 and 97 mm wide, weighing 1,000 to 1,500 g, for skiers weighing between 40 and 85 kg. The integrated, removable crampon mount expands the range of uses in hard snow or icy conditions. Finally, the Easy Entry System® makes it easy to step into the binding in all conditions, even when visibility or dexterity is limited.

Designed for alpine touring on varied terrain, the Crest 10 Dark Bronze 97mm is ideal for skiers seeking a technical binding without sacrificing ease of use. Its DIN range of 4–10, patented release technologies, and three heel piece heights make it an ideal choice for full days in the mountains, from gentle slopes to more challenging couloirs.