Bindings made the difference

The March 1978 issue of SKI features an article entitled "Bindings: they can change the way you ski." by D. Pfeiffer. In 1991 the International Journal of Sport Biomechanics published "An alpine ski binding with electrically modulated twist release," describing a toe piece with a "special solenoid activated mechanism that alters the binding spring constant." So yes, in anybody's book, bindings have made the difference--fewer injuries, better skiing. But, it sure was easier to scoot across the flat places between the lodge and the ski lift when you could convert your alpine ski to a X-country board by flipping the cable out of the heel hook!