Binding system

A Telemark binding configured to releasably couple a boot to a ski comprising:

• a toe receiving member configured to engage a toe portion of the boot;
• a releasable system configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states, wherein a first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is free to rotate with respect to the ski, and wherein a second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski, and wherein the releasable system further comprises:
• an engagement mechanism configured to selectively engage the toe receiving member in the second state, wherein the engagement mechanism is disposed on a rear lengthwise side of the toe receiving member;
• and
• a switching mechanism configured to transition the releasable mechanism between the first and second state, wherein a first force is required to switch the switching mechanism between the first and second state and a second force is required to switch the switching mechanism between the second and first state, and wherein the first and second force are both mechanically translated into a lengthwise linear under-boot force effectuated upon the engagement mechanism so as to selectively engage the engagement mechanism to the toe receiving member in the second state, and wherein the switching mechanism is disposed on a front lengthwise side of the toe receiving member.