Abstract: The alpine-touring ski binding of the present invention utilizes a boot plate on which the ski boot is releasably mounted with the boot plate being pivotally connected to a toe piece for selective pivotal movement about a transverse axis passing through the toe piece and includes a heel piece for releasably securing the heel end of the boot plate to the ski. A unique system is employed on the boot plate so that when the heel piece is inoperative and allows the trailing end of the boot piece to be elevated as during cross-country skiing, an elevator plate on the boot plate can be deployed to selectively determine the limits of movement of the boot plate by preventing the boot plate from returning completely to a parallel relationship with the ski. An elevator plate is also provided on the heel piece for the same purpose.

Abstract: An integral ski boot binding formed by a boot and operably connected boot plate is pivotally and releasably connected at a forward end to a toepiece mounted on a ski. A heel of the boot can be left free for touring skiing or clamped by a heelpiece mounted on the ski for alpine skiing. When the binding is released from the ski, a walking sole is attached to the boot plate. In an alternative embodiment, the boot plate is selectively positionable between two positions. In a first position, for touring, the forward end of the boot plate connects to the toepiece and in a second position, for alpine skiing, the forward end of the boot plate is directed toward a rearward portion of the boot, and connects to the toepiece at a point approximately midway along the length of the boot.

Abstract: A ski binding for use both in downhill skiing and cross-country skiing which can be used with either conventional downhill skiing boots or with non-skiing boots through the use of a leg cast which conformably grasps the lower leg of a skier. The leg cast is selectively pivotal relative to a boot plate for cross-country skiing, and vertically releasable from the ski during downhill or cross-country skiing.

Abstract: A pair of ski poles, each having a shaft of two portions releasably connected to each other and to a unique grip. Each of the two portions of the shaft telescope one within the other to any one of a number of predetermined positions. The pair of ski poles are further adapted to disconnect from the grip and allow portions of the shaft to be reconnected to the other shaft, forming a relatively longer avalanche probe. The grip has an arresting spur thereon to assist a skier in stopping his momentum after a fall on a hill.

Abstract: A ski boot made of a rigid shell having a flexible sole thereon includes a toe member which is telescopically related to a rear member at a location corresponding to the ball of a user's foot so that the shell will flex during walking movements but can be retained in a rigid condition for skiing.

Abstract: A ski boot includes a foot portion and a leg portion extending upwardly along the calf of the leg from the foot portion and being pivotally connected to the foot portion for movement about a generally horizontal axis extending transversely of the boot. The pivotal connection of the leg portion to the foot portion is selectively adjustable to allow vertical sliding movement of the leg portion relative to the foot portion whereby the leg portion can be inclined laterally relative to the foot portion. A connection unit interconnecting the foot portion to the leg portion along a rear portion of the boot includes double acting resilient means for cushioning both forward and rearward pivotal movement of the leg portion relative to the foot portion. The connection unit is connected to the boot by quick release means whereby the unit can be quickly removed allowing free pivotal movement of the leg portion relative to the foot portion if desired.