When choosing a ski binding, you mainly have to decide on whether you need a touring ski binding or an alpine ski binding. A touring binding allows the heel of the boot to be released and the toe remains locked in giving the skier the ability to climb hills while still attached to their skis. Telemark skiers, for instance, use touring style bindings. An alpine binding or downhill binding is designed to retain a ski boot at both the heel and toe, until a calculated amount of pressure is placed on either the heel or toe when falling that releases the boot from the binding. This is the common type of binding generally used at ski resorts.