Some guys like classic Jeeps, others like weird old ski mountaineering bindings. Some of us like both. Check this binding out. Donated to the WildSnow museum by well known skimo racer Pete Swenson, the Emery Medium is a basic plate/frame grabber. Goal with this unit is obviously weight savings as it forgoes vertical heel release and has no cam latch to hold the boot heel. Instead, the boot is held in by a heel strap and minimalist toe wire. Fixed value side release at the toe provides a bit of safety. Details and museum display here. Vintage is unknown, probably early 1980s. Anyone know the dates this thing was available?
Emery Medium backcountry skiing binding (with a modern boot.)
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain. For more about Lou, please see his personal website at https://www.loudawson.com/ (Blogger stats: 5 foot 10 inches (178 cm) tall, 160 lbs (72574.8 grams).
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lou.dawson.writer
4 comments
I bought a pair of these when I was working in the Alps in 1984. I still have them. They were quite good unless you wanted to ski on them. Ramer made a much better binding which accepted plastic climbing boots. When I got back to the UK someone told me that the manufacturer was advising against using them for downhill skiing!
I had a pair of High Altitudes that I used quite a bit and another mostly plastic Emery binding built for glacier touring, I guess, that actually used a rubber band for the heel release. These were all 92-93 vintage.
The Chrono! It’s in the museum.
Just got my self a pair a hardly used Emery Energy AT bindings. Yellow and White. Super light and have a similar const. to Fritchi. Only $50 can. funds. plus an older set of almost new Montana Montanyl skins for $40 more. Great day! Any recommendations on a good ski I could find for a bargain to get touring? I have a pair of Saloman 1080’s 177cm that I’m planning to use. Super light skis, just as the bindings are. Great forum! Cheers!
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