The Rottefella Xplore binding system was developed to bridge a long-standing gap in backcountry skiing equipment. For decades, skiers choosing between traditional Nordic backcountry setups and Alpine Touring gear often had to compromise between efficient touring and confident downhill performance.

In this conversation, Voile’s Dave Grissom sits down with Rottefella CEO Torstein Myklebostad to discuss where the Rottefella Xplore binding fits in the broader Nordic backcountry landscape, how it compares to NNN BC, and how new boots like the Alfa Free 2.0 XP are expanding what the system can do.

The Origin of the Rottefella Xplore Binding

Rottefella developed the Xplore binding system to address a gap that had emerged in the backcountry ski market.

For more than 30 years, the NNN BC binding system has served as a reliable platform for Nordic backcountry skiing. It works well for traditional touring applications and has proven durable across a wide range of conditions.

However, as Alpine Touring equipment evolved in a different direction, a large performance gap began to appear between lightweight Nordic touring setups and full Alpine Touring systems.

According to Torstein Myklebostad, Rottefella saw an opportunity to develop a binding system that could sit between those two categories. The goal was to maintain the freedom and mobility of a free-heel Nordic setup while improving overall stability and ski control.

The development process took several years and involved testing a number of different mechanical solutions before arriving at the current SpringPin design.

The resulting Rottefella Xplore binding was designed to improve binding stability, increase torsional stiffness, and deliver better downhill skiability while still allowing efficient uphill travel.

How Xplore Compares to NNN BC

While the Xplore binding system represents a significant step forward in performance, Rottefella does not see it as a replacement for NNN BC.

NNN BC will remain part of the market because it continues to serve the needs of many skiers who prioritize traditional touring efficiency and compatibility with narrow Nordic backcountry skis.

Instead, the Rottefella Xplore binding is positioned as the next step up for skiers who want more stability and control without moving into a full Alpine Touring system.

The concept behind Xplore is to preserve the free-heel experience while providing more support through the binding interface. Compared to NNN BC, the connection point between boot and binding is significantly wider, which increases torsional stiffness and overall stability when turning or traversing.

This design change is one of the key factors that allows the Xplore binding system to deliver stronger downhill performance while still functioning as a lightweight touring setup.

Flexors, Stability, and Downhill Control

One of the features that helps shape the skiing experience with the Rottefella Xplore binding is the use of interchangeable flexors.

Dave Grissom notes that he typically skis the system with a stiffer flexor. This adds resistance during the telemark turn and provides more support when driving the ski downhill.

This adjustability allows skiers to tune the binding system toward different priorities. A softer flexor can favor touring efficiency and stride freedom, while a stiffer flexor can increase downhill control.

This flexibility is one reason the Xplore system can function across a wide range of terrain and skiing styles.

Read: Why Every Backcountry Skier Needs to try XCD Skiing

The Role of Boot Innovation

Boot development is playing a major role in expanding what the Xplore platform can achieve.

Myklebostad emphasizes that the binding itself already provides substantial stability. As a result, many of the current performance limitations are determined by the boots rather than the binding.

Recent innovations in boot design are pushing the system further. One example discussed in the conversation is the Alfa Free 2.0 XP, which incorporates a plastic cuff and additional structural support to increase lateral stability.

These kinds of designs can significantly improve downhill performance while maintaining the lightweight touring characteristics that define the Rottefella Xplore system.

Boot Options for the Rottefella Xplore Binding

A major advantage of the Xplore binding system is the growing number of compatible boot options.

Skiers can choose boots that emphasize different performance characteristics depending on how they plan to use the system.

Examples mentioned in the conversation include XP boots from Alpina, Crispi, and Alfa. Models such as the Alpina Pioneer Pro and Crispi Futura Pro represent lighter touring-oriented options, while newer designs like the Alfa Free 2.0 aim to push the system further toward downhill performance.

As with any footwear purchase, Myklebostad emphasizes the importance of fit. Boot choice ultimately comes down to how the boot performs on the skier’s foot and how well it matches the intended application.

Read: XP Backcountry Ski Boot Comparison

Choosing Skis for the Rottefella Xplore Binding

The Rottefella Xplore binding can be mounted on a wide range of skis, but certain setups tend to work particularly well.

For Xplore, a ski with moderate width and some sidecut is often ideal. A shape that helps initiate turns can make downhill skiing easier while still allowing efficient travel.

Waxless or scale-based bases can also work well in this category of terrain. They allow skiers to move through rolling terrain without repeatedly stopping to apply or remove climbing skins.

Read: Everything You Need To Know About Scale-Based Skis

Dave Grissom notes that Voile recommends pairing the Xplore binding system with skis such as the Endeavor BC, which features an 84 mm waist in the 178 cm length.

While some skiers have experimented with mounting Xplore bindings on wider skis, the performance of the system will increasingly depend on the strength and stiffness of the boot used.

Where the System Is Gaining Momentum

The primary global markets for Nordic backcountry equipment remain Norway and the United States.

Myklebostad notes that interest in the Rottefella Xplore binding system appears to be growing, particularly through grassroots communities and online media.

As more skiers experiment with the system and share their experiences, awareness continues to spread among backcountry skiers looking for alternatives to traditional Nordic touring setups or Alpine Touring gear.

Rottefella expects continued growth in North America and plans to increase opportunities for skiers to test the equipment in the coming years.

Test the gear today

You can rent the Rottefella Xplore Binding, Alpina XP boots, and Endeavor BC skis at Voile’s Salt Lake City Rental Center.