Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

I have just bought a pair of Åsnes Falketind 62 (196cm) and Rottefella NNN BC Magnum bindings and are looking to make a riser for the entire binding to avoid my boots getting caught in the snow on steep terrain with hard snow (piste/wind packed). I have no experience making anything similair before and am mostly looking for tips on materials and how to make it mount properly.

My thoughts so far have mostly gone to buying some type of platic cutting board which would have to be cut to size, then screwed to the ski after which the binding is mounted on the cutting board.

Dimensions: 42cm*5,5cm*1-2,5cm / 16,5in*2,2in*0,4-1in (unsure of height)

My main worries are:
What type of screws should I use to fasten the riser to the ski?
Will the screws between the binding and riser hold? (They are designed to be screwed into wood. Will plastic be strong enough to hold the binding.)
Should I find screws long enought to fasten the binding directly to the ski? (Thus requiering 1-2cm longer screws)
While the skis don't bend a great amount under the foot, I still wonder if the riser will change the characteristics of the ski in any significant way?
What hight is optimal?

Any tips or other thoughts are much appreciated.

I use hdpe for alot of various carpentry and even automobile projects. I usually order from:
https://www.interstateplastics.com/plastic-sheets.php

Regarding screws, i would stay with the similar style your using and just add the length for your riser block.

Ive never done what you are talking about, but thats my thought.

I wonder if a solid, and heavy, riser of that type will kill the kick and glide of this ski. I really believe it will affect the delicate flex that makes this ski cover ground nicely. I guess if you are riding chairs it will not make a difference.

It's possible that the decision to use risers may depend on how often they'll be used. However, I'm not convinced that the additional expenses, effort, and weight associated with risers are worth it. In situations where I need to climb uphill, I usually prefer to attach my skis to my backpack and walk up with my boots on. If there are any icy patches, I'll put on lightweight crampons.

I will chime in and say that I think this is useless, but I personally have not used NNN-BC. The Falketind has a 62mm wide waist, the binding is 58mm wide and boots not much more, so there will be little if any problems with the boot touching the snow. If you mount the binding on the ski and put on the boot in, you can try try putting it on edge and if you find the boot contacts the surface earlier than desired you could shave of a few mm from the boot sole in a 45 degree angle or so at the widest points.

@telerat I agree that you would have to do some serious carving on the FT62 to get boot out. If that is the case I applaud your skills!
The rest I don't agree with. I just measured a Crispi Nordland in size 46 across the bottom of the sole at the ball of foot and it was 105mm, quite a bit wider that the ski. If you start grinding away material from this part of the sole you will mess with the torsional rigidity and flex of the boot design.

Hello and welcome zargnath!

Cool question and idea! I have never really considered a riser for NNNBC...
I have used this adapter plate from Altai Skis in order to mount NNNBC on the Hok ski- using the inserts:
https://us-store.altaiskis.com/product/adapter-plate/
I would certainly work as a riser plate...
I have gone back to the universal binding on my Hok- but my wife uses her Hok with the adapter plate so that she can wear her NNNBC boots.

You could try using this plate↑- you could also contact Altai Skis and ask them what it is made of.
Best wishes and let us know how you make out with this!
Gareth