Abstract: A ski binding includes a retainer for confining and supporting a ski boot. The retainer is pivotally mounted on a ski via a pivot located near the front of the binding. The retainer has a plate which is positioned near the front of the binding and serves to support a ski boot. The plate has a recess which accommodates a pair of springs. One end of each spring bears against a wall of the recess while the other end of each spring bears against a rod which extends into the recess. The end of the rod which is located outside of the recess is secured to a pivot which is located above or below the pivot for the retainer. The arrangement is such that the springs are stressed in tension or compression as the retainer is pivoted away from the ski thereby exerting a restoring moment on the retainer. The arrangement makes it possible to maintain the restoring moment essentially constant over the angular range which occurs during use. The springs are preferably stressed in compression in order to obtain increased life.