Preparing for winter sports requires rigour and precision, especially when it comes to equipment. An ill-fitting boot or an incorrectly adjusted binding can not only affect your comfort, but also increase the risk of accidents on the slopes. Designed by the Mountain Commission of the Union Sport & Cycle (USC), the ISOSKI application offers an innovative technological solution for quickly and easily checking the compatibility of your equipment and adjusting your bindings in accordance with current standards.
A changing technical and standards context
With the arrival of the ISO 23223 standard, GripWalk ski boots have changed the face of winter sports. Combining the grip and comfort of touring ski boots with the technical features of alpine boots, this innovation has been widely adopted in rental parks and shops. However, their compatibility with traditional bindings is not universal, which sometimes complicates users’ choices.
To address this complexity, ISOSKI uses international standards (ISO 11088 for binding adjustment and ISO 23223 for GripWalk shoes). In just a few simple steps, it guides users towards optimum, safe configuration of their equipment.
Main features of the ISOSKI application
ISOSKI stands out for its intuitive interface and comprehensive modules, making it suitable for use at all levels of practice. Two main functions are available:
1- Checking equipment compatibility :
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- Identification of boot standard (‘ISO 5355’ for alpine boots, ‘ISO 9523’ for hiking boots).
- Detection of ‘A’ (adult) or ‘C’ (child) markings.
- Confirmation of compatibility between bindings and GripWalk boots.
2- Binding adjustment: the reference method for adjusting alpine ski bindings is defined by the
international standard ISO 11088. The criteria taken into account by this standard for adjusting binding settings include :
4 criteria to be determined by the skier:
- Weight (in kg),
- Height (in cm)
- Age,
- Type of skier: TYPE 1: Beginners / TYPE 2: Intermediate skiers / TYPE 3: Advanced skiers
The DIN in ski bindings (‘Deutsches Institut für Normung’) represents the standardised system for adjusting bindings, guaranteeing a release adapted to each skier in the event of a fall or impact. ISOSKI incorporates these criteria into its algorithm to offer optimal DIN adjustment. For example, a beginner skier with a light weight will be assigned a low DIN to ensure early release of the bindings, thus minimising the risk of injury. On the other hand, an expert skier with a larger build will need a higher DIN to avoid accidental release.
ISOSKI application: an accessible interface supported by experts
The ergonomics of the application make it easy for any user to navigate between the modules. Available free of charge on the Apple Store and Google Play, ISOSKI is at the fingertips of nearly 1,200 partner retailers and tuning workshops in the main European ski resorts.
This project has the support of major equipment brands (Salomon, Rossignol, Dynastar, etc.) and distribution networks (Intersport, Skiset, Decathlon). This collaboration guarantees the reliability of the data and compliance with international standards.
Example of use: Jean, intermediate skier
Jean, 35, is preparing for his winter holidays. By scanning his ski boots via ISOSKI, he discovers that they are ‘ISO 5355 A’ standard and that they are compatible with his GripWalk bindings marked ‘A’. After entering his weight (75 kg), height (180 cm) and type of skiing (‘intermediate’), the application shows him the optimum settings for his bindings. They can then visit a professional to make the final adjustments.
Key figures for widespread adoption
21 billion: cumulative sales of companies affiliated to the Union Sport & Cycle.
40 brands involved in the ISOSKI project.
3,000 points of sale in the USC network, facilitating access to the application.
The ISOSKI application is constantly redefining the standards of winter sports preparation. Drawing on advanced technologies and solid partnerships, it successfully meets skiers’ safety and comfort needs.
The future of ISOSKI could include innovations such as the integration of a ‘history’ module to retain previous settings, translation into more languages to reach an international audience, and closer collaboration with ski resorts for an even more connected experience. By expanding its functionalities and continuing to raise awareness among users, ISOSKI can become an indispensable companion for winter sports fans the world over.
