Abstract: A retractable ski binding for retaining a ski boot in normal skiing relationship on a ski, which yieldably permits separation of the boot and ski responsive to the application of abnormal forces and which has an automatic boot-to-ski return capability. A soleplate arranged for detachably mounting the ski boot is connected to the ski by an elongated, elastic leash that stretches to permit their separation and elastically contracts to draw them back together. Rigid links on the terminal ends of the leash form portions of the force-applying link between the boot and ski and engage cooperating structure on the soleplate in such a manner that the effective retention force between the boot and ski is higher when they are in close proximity to one another than when they have separated.