Although telemark boots and skis have undergone major changes in recent years, telemark bindings have remained the weak link. Rottefella therefore wished to develop a telemark ski binding that is adapted to modern boots and skis. The binding must also provide new benefits for its users.

The jury’s verdict:
Rottefella NTN’s alpine touring mode function is particularly innovative, and gives the skier the chance use the same Telemark skis, boots and bindings for alpine touring. Robust materials solve the problem of breakages caused by heavy boots. The skier can thus challenge himself to perform better, without worrying that his bindings might break. The bindings also give the skier better control and improved steering, which will ultimately make the sport of telemark skiing accessible to more people. The actual style of the bindings is innovative for this type of product, since it uses different materials and transparent elements. The design has an air of power and rawness, thereby communicating the bindings’ strength.

Nominated for the Honours Award for Design Excellence

Company: Rottefella AS

Project group company: www.rottefella.noEven Wøllo (Designer and Project manager), Bernt Otto Hauglin (Construction) and Øyvind Aanes (Marketing manager, Telemark)

Design: Rottefella AS

Award / year: Award for Design Excellence - 2007

Category: Industrial design