• Weekly avalanche conditions report
    Weekly Episode

    Avalanche Conditions Report

    Weekly snowpack summary covering Rogers Pass, the Selkirks and the Canadian Rockies. Published every Friday throughout the season.

    Listen Now →

    Weekly avalanche & safety updates throughout the season

  • BSC Guide Books
    Proprietary Content

    BSC Guide Books & Maps

    Researched and written by our team. Printed guides and georeferenced digital maps for Canada's best backcountry terrain.

    Shop the Store →

    Printed guides + georeferenced digital maps — all authored by BSC

  • BSC Membership

    Access 300+
    Full Routes

    Subscribe to Backcountry Skiing Canada and unlock complete route descriptions, trailhead details, approach beta, seasonal conditions and linked digital maps — for every route we've documented across Western Canada.

    • 300+ full route descriptions with trailheads, approach notes and descent options
    • Georeferenced digital maps — Gaia GPS and CalTopo compatible
    • ATES-rated and updated each season with current conditions beta
    • Support independent backcountry skiing content since 2009
    Subscribe to BSC Browse free content →

    Route details also available in BSC printed guidebooks

  • Know Before You Go

    Check Today's Forecast

    Real-time avalanche danger ratings updated daily by Avalanche Canada. Always check before heading out.

    View Forecast →

    Avalanche awareness saves lives

  • Know Before You Go

    Check Today's Forecast

    Real-time avalanche danger ratings updated daily by Avalanche Canada. Always check before heading out.

    View Forecast →

    240+ videos — gear reviews, conditions reports & backcountry edits

Plum Guide Bindings - REVIEW

  • 2011-04-27 20:26:59

    Plum Guide BindingsThe Plum Guide Binding design is similar to other tech bindings on the market with the exception of weight, materials and a few innovations of their own: The heel piece of the Plum Guide Binding can be rotated in both directions to achieve the desired heel lift. There's a 15mm distance between the ski boot and the top of the ski which allows for a natural flex and eliminates the 'dead spot' between the toe and heel piece.

    While most of the other Plum Guide Binding features (listed in the full review here) are unique, one thing that remains the same is the mounting pattern. This is 100% identical to the (non race) Dynafit touring bindings so no need to re-drill those skis if you are looking to change brands.


    Read the rest of this review here, and see why this binding is one to watch.



  • 2011-04-29 12:32:10

    Informative review. Couple of comments...

    1. Interesting that you are also using the BD Quadrants. Two of us have noticed the same problem with toe clearance with Quadrants and the Plums. We both have used tech bindings for years, but find that the Quadrant is a bulky fit with the toe pieces, something that isn't a problem with the Dynafit tech bindings. I've actually used permanent felt to mark the positions on the toe of the boot so I can be sure I'm stepping in at the right point.

    2. If you are using a soft ski (i.e., DPS Carbon), set the heel clearance carefully. The flex of a soft ski can cause the boot to fully contact the Plum heelpiece, fracturing the polymer block. Plum is aware of this problem, but chose not to inform public because they apparently believed it would be a rare occurrence. I've seen three heels blow in a two week period before the info came back to ski techs in the Whistler area and adjustments were made. Plum fully backed the replacement of the heel pieces, but users still lost ski time waiting for the replacements.

    3. The ski brake (non-optional) is an issue. These are touring bindings, and some will continue to tour without brakes, risking losing a ski in the backcounty. At the same time, leashes should not be considered an option in avalanche terrain, so what to do?

  • 2011-09-29 03:49:05

    Hi All,
    to reply to Rebob's post, it is correct that PLUM has not informed public about fractured polymer blocks, inasmuch as it has been a very isolated issue (4 cases among thousands of pairs).
    It is important to note that 2 of these cases were due to improper mounting, with an insufficient heel clearance.
    Even though improper mounting is not covered by the warranty, PLUM has replaced these free of charge.

    As for the front lock lever, it has been fully re-designed, in order to suppress this release issue with certain models of boots.
    Owners of current Guide bindings can have them upgraded with the new front lock levers.
    Just send me a PM, and we'll organize this.

    Alexis / PLUM Bindings