Silvretta 300 Backcountry Skiing Alpine Touring Binding — circa 1978
Silvretta 300 is what became known as an “approach” binding, in that it had limited safety release (no lateral release), worked well for touring with welted mountaineering boots instead of ski boots, and was relatively light in weight. Length is easily adjusted with a brass wingnut on a threaded rod. Heel latch is simple and could possibly be activated with a ski pole, though most people either bent down and worked it by hand, or removed their skis while changing modes.
(Next iteration of this is the Silvretta 400 model; essentially a 300 with added lateral release.)
We’re having trouble getting the dates for these bindings (they were available for many years), if anyone knows when the 300 was first on the market, and when manufacturing ceased, please contact us by using the contact option in our website menus.
Silvretta 300 is quite possibly the most elegant ski touring randonnee binding ever made. Click image to enlarge.
Multiple views of Silvretta 300, click image for massive enlargement.
Heel latch and lift mechanism.
Length adjustment detail. You simply rotate the wingnut on the threaded rod. Notice how the heel unit has no side (lateral) release such as that of most Silvretta backcountry skiing bindings.
Weight: 28.6 oz, 810 g (one binding, no screws)
Thanks goes to Mark Worley for providing these bindings.
Silvretta 300 thumbnail.
