The most anticipated touring binding ever is finally here. After nearly eight years of development with input from top freeriders, Salomon has released their self described no compromise‚ touring binding; the S/Lab Shift MNC 13. Combining the uphill efficiency of a pin system, and the downhill performance of a fully DIN certified Salomon Alpine binding, the Shift offers skiers the best of both worlds. At first glance the binding looks like a standard alpine get up, but using a simple lever in the toe, the binding transforms into an uphill machine. Tech toes offer 90 degrees of pivoting motion and the advantage of only lifting the weight of the boot while touring. Couple that with an easy step in system, lightweight construction, and up to 10 degrees of climbing aid this binding slays on the uphill. However, what truly sets this binding apart from the crowd is what it‚s capable of on the downhill. For the first time, Salomon has created a tech binding that is fully DIN certified. Short for Deutsches Institut Normung‚ this fancy German lingo is the industry standard for release force in alpine ski bindings. While tech bindings have proven their worth over the years, DIN certified bindings offer the most predictable release and best overall power transmission in a binding system. With DIN standardization and 47mm of elastic travel in the toe, the Shift instills confidence when charging downhill and airing off every natural feature in sight. Furthermore, the Shift has been engineered with Multi Norm Certification (MNC), making it the only hybrid binding compatible with every Norm boot on the market. Salomon knocked it out of the park with this technological masterpiece- get your hands on the Shift, and go shred some mountain. You'll be glad you did.