Tyrolia Almonte PT Binding
In 1928, just outside Vienna, Austria, the company that would become Tyrolia introduced a touring binding onto the market: the original Almonte. It's been long enough that Tyrolia decided to forego a "Version 2" naming scheme here, concluding that it's unlikely these two products will be confused. A rare nod to the consumer intellect that we appreciate. Technology has come a long way and Tyrolia's latest Almonte PT Binding bears all the trappings of a modern and performant tech binding. All the same, it maintains a simple and intuitive design of ages past. The toe features an ergonomic lever and pins that sit at just the right distance to make step-in effortless. The heel rotates sideways to activate an automatic brake lock (if you're using them) and allows easy access to a flat, mid, and high riser, all nicely flippable with a pole or hand. An optional Performance Spacer can be added under your boot to optimize power transmission to your skis, and a gapless heel design ensures consistent release as you pressure into your turns. Tyrolia took great care to create an eco-conscious binding, using recycled and sustainable materials in the Almonte. Notably, all plastic parts are sourced from renewable raw materials. The Almonte beckons you back to the early days of simple backcountry skiing and offers you the dependable and intuitive performance to do so.
- Optional heel spacer for improved power transmission (+6g).
- Brakes automatically lock up via a heel rotation, if you're using them.
- Two vertical-release spring options and an adjustable lateral release let you dial it in.
- Gapless heel keeps a consistent release when the ski is flexed.
- Convenient riser system with 3 height options keeps you happy on the uphill.
- Narrow geometry of the toe piece allows for an easy step-in.
- Environmentally friendly construction is kind to the places we love and cherish.
- Lineage dates back to the early 1930's.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
258g [brakeless] 303g [90mm brakes] |
| Weight (pair) | 516g [brakeless] 606g [90mm brakes] |
|
Boot |
Tech |
|
Brakes |
Optional Leashes |
|
BSL |
22mm |
|
Riser |
2 + flat |
|
Vertical |
Fixed |
|
Lateral |
4-10 [10] 5-12 [12] |
|
Crampon |
Yes |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Aluminum and renewable plastics |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Ski touring |
| Notes | Easy step-in due to narrower toe pins in the open position |
| Bottom Line | Simple and intuitive performance |
| Compare to other Lean Bindings | |
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Questions & Reviews
5/17/2025
If I clip off the brake of the binding there is a metal tube/pin reaching out of the heel piece that normally interacts with the brake to ensure it stays up while skinning. Is there an extra cover/cap for this metal pin when you use the binding without brakes? Also, I am not sure if the spacers actually can be mounted without the brakes, but together with some extra cover/cap to replace the pedal part of the brakes this might work?
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5/16/2025
Two questions:
1) what does gapless heel mean? Does the boot have direct contact with the heal piece without the normal gap to allow some flex, or does it refer to the gap under the heal toward the ski?
2) If I ski this binding without brakes — where is the attachment point for the leashes?
1) what does gapless heel mean? Does the boot have direct contact with the heal piece without the normal gap to allow some flex, or does it refer to the gap under the heal toward the ski?
2) If I ski this binding without brakes — where is the attachment point for the leashes?
5/17/2025
Hi Jo,
The heel being "gapless" means that it is designed to be adjusted with only a very small gap (approximately 1mm) between the boot heel and the heel piece of the binding. The reason for this is so that the spacing between the heel and the boot is consistent - if you flex the ski, the heel piece will slide rearward along a springloaded track to compensate. This allows for more consistent lateral release values, and ensures that you can release if the ski is compressed. It may also offer some energy return out of a hard turn!
There is not a very obvious way to attach a leash to this binding. Our best solution after testing it is to girth hitch a piece of fuse cord (included with the Almonte-branded leashes) to a toe wing on the binding, where there's a hole that can accommodate it. You will need to ensure you are skiing with the leash on the outside of the ski, so that you don't run the risk of hooking your other ski on the leash.
The heel being "gapless" means that it is designed to be adjusted with only a very small gap (approximately 1mm) between the boot heel and the heel piece of the binding. The reason for this is so that the spacing between the heel and the boot is consistent - if you flex the ski, the heel piece will slide rearward along a springloaded track to compensate. This allows for more consistent lateral release values, and ensures that you can release if the ski is compressed. It may also offer some energy return out of a hard turn!
There is not a very obvious way to attach a leash to this binding. Our best solution after testing it is to girth hitch a piece of fuse cord (included with the Almonte-branded leashes) to a toe wing on the binding, where there's a hole that can accommodate it. You will need to ensure you are skiing with the leash on the outside of the ski, so that you don't run the risk of hooking your other ski on the leash.
Answer this question:
4/10/2025
What do the heel risers rotate on? I've skied the atomic backland / salomon mtn bindings and those heel risers get floppy over time as the metal wears down on the pin bearing. Could these have the same problem?
4/11/2025
Evan, Tyrolia uses a spring similar to the Dynafit risers. Seems like they will be good for a long time.
Answer this question:
3/12/2025
Hiya, I've got a couple questions: 1) would the 90mm brake fit a 97mm waist (specifically Dynafit Free 97). And 2) what sort of crampons can be used? Would a Dynafit crampon work? Thanks!
3/12/2025
Hi Rhys,
I just tested the 90mm brake on a 97mm ski and I believe it will work! It may need some slight bending depending on the position, but should be okay. And yes, a Dynafit crampon would work!
I just tested the 90mm brake on a 97mm ski and I believe it will work! It may need some slight bending depending on the position, but should be okay. And yes, a Dynafit crampon would work!
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2/21/2025
Is the only difference between the Almonte 10 and 12 the U-spring tension?
Do the 10 and 12 related directly to DIN? I.e., if I usually ski an 8 or 9 DIN, can I go with either binding?
Do the 10 and 12 related directly to DIN? I.e., if I usually ski an 8 or 9 DIN, can I go with either binding?
2/21/2025
Hi Aaron!
That is correct! The 10 and 12 relate to the maximum adjustable release value. These values are uncertified, so we can't refer to them as DIN. However, we can think of these values and their function similarly. If you typically ski around an 8 or 9, the 10 or 12 Almonte will safely accommodate you. Thanks!
That is correct! The 10 and 12 relate to the maximum adjustable release value. These values are uncertified, so we can't refer to them as DIN. However, we can think of these values and their function similarly. If you typically ski around an 8 or 9, the 10 or 12 Almonte will safely accommodate you. Thanks!
Answer this question:
I've used these for the majority of the season and have got a good idea of how they perform at this point. What more can I say? They are a great, lightweight binding with just the right mix of features. Optional brakes, freeride spacers, gapless heel, a true flat mode and 2 additional riser modes. The heels are easy to turn and step in is a breeze. I've had no issues with funtionality or durability and I expect that trend to continue. For Tyrolia/Head's first entry into the tech binding world, they've hit a home run.
For reference I've got these mounted on a pair of Atomic Backland 109s x 184cm
For reference I've got these mounted on a pair of Atomic Backland 109s x 184cm
Comment on this review:
1/7/2025
Looking for a light-ish binding for blacklight 88 fitness/mountaineering skis. Intermediate skier at 175 lbs.
1-The Almonte can have the brake removed easily correct?
2-Would this be a judicious choice over the alpinist 10 (heavier in brakeless vs brakeless) and the Crest 10?
3- wouls the Alpinist 10 actually ski better?
I dont really need brake. Want something close to 250g thats durable.
1-The Almonte can have the brake removed easily correct?
2-Would this be a judicious choice over the alpinist 10 (heavier in brakeless vs brakeless) and the Crest 10?
3- wouls the Alpinist 10 actually ski better?
I dont really need brake. Want something close to 250g thats durable.
1/7/2025
Hi Vincent,
Either of these bindings would pair well!
We sell the Almonte without the brake, so you wouldn't need to remove it - assuming you're not going to want brakes. If you do want brakes, they are not too hard to add. This is a very similar binding to the Alpinist in a lot of ways, but it does offer more heel riser options from flat mode than the Alpinist does, which many skiers will appreciate. Compared to the current Crest, it is lighter and has a gapless heel, but the Crest has more adjustability in the release.
I do not believe the Alpinist 10 would ski any better or worse than this binding! I think they would be incredibly difficult/impossible to tell apart in a blind feel-test, if such a thing existed. Both use similar materials and have gapless, elastic heels. Between the two of them, I might lean towards the Almonte simply because it's lighter.
Either of these bindings would pair well!
We sell the Almonte without the brake, so you wouldn't need to remove it - assuming you're not going to want brakes. If you do want brakes, they are not too hard to add. This is a very similar binding to the Alpinist in a lot of ways, but it does offer more heel riser options from flat mode than the Alpinist does, which many skiers will appreciate. Compared to the current Crest, it is lighter and has a gapless heel, but the Crest has more adjustability in the release.
I do not believe the Alpinist 10 would ski any better or worse than this binding! I think they would be incredibly difficult/impossible to tell apart in a blind feel-test, if such a thing existed. Both use similar materials and have gapless, elastic heels. Between the two of them, I might lean towards the Almonte simply because it's lighter.
Answer this question:
12/3/2024
Ivan
(used product regularly)
It is the best touring binding, I’ve ever skied. Easy to use! In its category as light as the rest.
On the down hill it truly skis like an alpine binding, awesome
On the down hill it truly skis like an alpine binding, awesome
Comment on this review:
10/21/2024
Is it possible to use the spacer without the brakes or do you need the brakes to fit it?
10/22/2024
Ezra,
The spacer can be used without the brakes.
The spacer can be used without the brakes.
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9/17/2024
What's the ramp on these?
9/18/2024
Hi Anthony. I just measured the pins now, the delta (height of heel pins past the toe pins) came out to 11mm, which is tall but not atypical for tech bindings. The ramp angle is actually dependent on the length of your boot. If you want to see how the Almonte delta compares to other AT bindings, check out our article on binding pin heights.
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