ATK HY 13 FREE INDIGO Bindings

ATK HY 13 FREE INDIGO: the hybrid binding that blurs the line between freeriding and ski touring

The ATK HY 13 FREE INDIGO ski touring binding is designed for skiers who refuse to choose between the power of a challenging descent and the freedom of an efficient ascent. Built around a hybrid design, it combines the release standards of an alpine binding with the lightweight construction of a touring system, offering broad compatibility with ISO 9523, GripWalk, and ISO 5355 soles. It is designed for freeriders who regularly go ski touring on varied terrain, using wide skis between 90 and 120 mm. The transition between ascent mode and ski mode is intended to be seamless, without technical compromises or wasted time in challenging terrain.

Front binding: precise fit and lateral stress absorption

The ATK HY 13 FREE INDIGO toe piece features an adjustable anti-friction device (AFD) that adapts to various compatible sole profiles—touring, GripWalk, or alpine—to ensure consistent lateral release regardless of the boot used. With 18 mm of elastic travel on the toe side, the binding absorbs unwanted stresses before releasing, reducing unintended releases on hard snow or uneven terrain. The Uphill Hardness Variator, integrated directly into the toe piece, allows you to adjust the stiffness of the front pivot in walk mode to adapt the binding’s performance to the slope and the skier’s preferences.

Rear Binding: Power Transfer and Elastic Response

The HY 13 FREE INDIGO’s heel piece features an elastic response system with 9 mm of travel, which maintains constant sole contact while absorbing vertical shocks before release. The base length adjustment (BSL) covers a range of 25 mm, offering broad compatibility with different shoe sizes and geometries. The HY Brake rear ski stop automatically locks in walk mode, eliminating the need for any additional adjustments when switching between ascent and descent modes and securing the ski in the event of a foot slip. The robustness of the assembly is ensured by CNC machining from solid aluminum for the 22 structural parts in each half-pair.

Climbing wedges: three positions for a natural climbing motion

The ATK HY 13 FREE INDIGO’s climbing efficiency relies on a three-position binding system, designed to adapt to the steepness of the slope and reduce muscle fatigue on long outings. Here are the three available configurations:

• Flat position (-18 mm): The boot rests flat on the ski, eliminating the height difference between the front and rear pins for a perfectly natural walking motion on flat terrain.
• Low position (+10 mm): A slight heel lift relieves pressure on the Achilles tendon on moderate slopes.
• High position (+42 mm or +34 mm depending on the version): The increased height reduces muscle strain on steep ascents, extending endurance on long approaches.

The -18 mm negative mode is a distinctive advantage for skiers undertaking long traverses or approaches on flat terrain, where a raised heel would cause unnecessary fatigue.

Safety and release: adjustable DIN range and reliable performance

The HY 13 FREE INDIGO offers an adjustable DIN range from 6 to 13, covering a spectrum of skiers weighing from 60 to 120 kg. This adjustment allows the release threshold to be precisely tailored to the skier’s profile, distinguishing between normal exertion and accidental stress. The combined elastic travel—18 mm at the toe piece, 9 mm at the heel piece—helps filter out unwanted stresses without delaying release during an actual fall. Multi-boot compatibility with an adjustable AFD mechanism ensures consistent release regardless of the type of boot used.

Compatibility and Materials: CNC Manufacturing and All-Terrain Versatility

Machined in Maranello, Italy, from 7075 aluminum, POM, and stainless steel, the binding weighs 675 grams per unit—a figure consistent with its hybrid positioning geared toward freeride and aggressive touring. It is available in three ski-stop widths—97 mm, 108 mm, and 120 mm—to accommodate skis with a waist width of 90 to 120 mm. The crampon plate is included, making the binding directly compatible with ski crampons without any additional accessories.

For skiers looking for a ski binding capable of handling both long ski-touring approaches and sustained descents on wide skis, the ATK HY 13 FREE INDIGO offers a technically sound solution: a hybrid design evident in every component, broad base compatibility, and adjustments adaptable to a wide variety of body types and terrains.