Compatibility of Bindings for Cross Country and Roller Skis

When purchasing gear for cross country skiing, also known as Nordic skiing, and roller skiing, it's essential to make sure that the bindings and footwear you select are compatible. Since much of the equipment is used across both cross country and roller skiing, and given that the manufacturers are identical, this guide applies to both types.

Various Standards - NNN, SNS, and Prolink

Two major companies are responsible for defining standards such as dimensions, specific mechanics and exclusive solutions for bindings and boot outsoles. These are Rottefella from Norway and Salomon, originally from France.

Rottefella

Rottefella's system is named NNN, which stands for New Nordic Norm. This system can be found on both the ski boot outsole and the binding. Rottefella only produces the bindings and licenses the boot technology to other manufacturers who make the boots. Companies that integrate the Rottefella outsole system into their cross country boot production include Rossignol, Madshus, Alpina, Alfa, Yoko, Fischer, and Peltonen.

Some of these companies brand the binding with their own name, so you may encounter a Rottefella NNN binding labelled as a Fischer NNN binding, for example. Additional details about the Rottefella NIS technology are available in the section “What is Rottefella NIS?” further down in this article.

Salomon

Salomon is recognised for the SNS boot and binding system, standing for Salomon Nordic System. They have also developed a new binding system known as Prolink.

The SNS system is available in two versions: one for classic skiing and another for skate skiing. The skate skiing bindings differ by having an extra connection point between the binding and the boot, enhancing torsional rigidity when pushing sideways during skate skiing. This is achieved through a spring-loaded arm linked to a pin in the boot under the foot, in addition to the front pin that attaches to the front connection point. Thus, SNS skate bindings feature dual connection points, and SNS skate boots include two pins for this dual connection capability.

Conversely, the classic binding and boot system incorporates only one pin at the boot's front, connecting to a single point at the front of the binding. The SNS classic binding lacks a spring-loaded arm as an additional connection point.

In 2016, Salomon unveiled another binding and boot system called Prolink. This system installs in a similar fashion to the SNS bindings, yet it is solely compatible with NNN boots. Therefore, boots with NNN outsoles from Alpina, Fischer, Rossignol, Madshus, Alfa, and Peltonen are suitable for the Prolink binding.

It is important to note that Salomon SNS and Salomon Prolink items are incompatible with each other. This implies that Salomon SNS boots do not fit Salomon Prolink bindings, and Salomon Prolink boots cannot be used with Salomon SNS bindings.

Bindings for Combi Boots

Bindings intended for combi boots adhere to the aforementioned standards and technologies. A Salomon SNS combi boot will have two pins and is, therefore, suitable for SNS skate bindings. It will also fit SNS classic bindings, which lack a spring-loaded arm but possess a slot where the metal pin is located under the foot.

Differences Between NNN and SNS Explained

Although SNS and NNN binding and boot systems may initially look quite similar, they are not interchangeable. For instance, attempting to fit an SNS boot into an NNN binding will reveal a mismatch at the connection point, as their dimensions differ. The Rottefella NNN system is wider compared to the Salomon SNS.

Understanding Rottefella NIS

Rottefella enhanced the method of attaching the Rottefella NNN binding to the ski. This system is adjustable, allowing you to move the binding slightly forward on the ski (for increased grip, aiding in hilly skiing) or a bit backward (for greater glide, better for smooth skiing). The NIS (Nordic Integrated System) plate is what you drill and/or glue onto the ski. This plate might have been pre-installed by the factory, or you might need to install it yourself. With the NIS plate on the ski, you can attach the NNN binding by sliding it into the desired position using the NIS key. You can then set it to your preferred location. The Rottefella NIS plate is not compatible with Salomon SNS bindings or Salomon Prolink bindings.

Compatible Gear for Nordic Backcountry Skiing Outside Tracks

In addition to the types mentioned above, both Rottefella and Salomon produce bindings for cross country/Nordic skiing outside tracks – called Backcountry skiing. Rottefella has branded their binding as Rottefella BC (Backcountry) and Salomon has called theirs Salomon BC.

These bindings are crafted to be more robust and powerful to withstand the tougher conditions away from the tracks.

The two binding systems are intended for specialised backcountry boots, meaning BC bindings are not compatible with standard NNN, SNS, or Prolink systems. The boot pin and the binding connection point are significantly wider. This equipment is not especially practical for roller skiing.