Release binding for skis

A release binding for a ski usable both for cross-country and downhill runs, comprising a front touring plate portion having a front end and an opposite rear end, a rear touring plate portion connected about a substantially horizontal first axis to said front touring plate portion for pivotal movement, mounting means on said ski for pivotally connecting said front touring plate portion adjacent its front end to the ski for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal second axis, said touring plate rear portion having a rear end opposite to its connection to said touring plate front portion, a heel holder having a front end connected to said touring plate rear portion rear end, locking means for connecting said heel holder to the ski for downhill runs, a sole holder connected to the front end of said touring plate front portion for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical third axis relative to said touring plate, said sole holder having a blocking part seated on said touring plate front portion, said blocking part having an upstanding portion disposed above the horizontal pivotal second axis of said touring plate front portion, a blocking element disposed on the ski in front of said blocking part, blocking element mounting means for mounting said blocking element on said ski adapted to be fixed on said ski in front of said blocking part, spring means located on the blocking element mounting means biasing said blocking element against said blocking part, said blocking element being movable against the action of said spring means upon an upwardly swinging motion of both said touring plate front portion about said second axis and said sole holder and said blocking part about said substantially vertical third axis.