Tyrolia Ambition 12 Alpine Touring Binding - 2025

Ambition 12 Alpine Touring Binding

If it seems like everyone and their mom is offering an AT binding these days, it´s because they are. (Free gear tip: Just because Mom offers you a discount on her homemade AT bindings doesn´t mean you should buy them.) Tyrolia was one of the more recent entrants into the freeride-oriented AT game with the Adrenalin, and now the 84-year-old binding manufacturer is serving up the lighter, faster Ambition 12 Alpine Touring Binding, which uses the same technology as the Adrenalin but is a better bet for longer tours where covering serious ground takes precedent over hucking spine-compressing cliffs.

The Ambition weighs in at 4lbs 6oz per pair and has a wide 42mm footprint that´s designed with bigger skis in mind. Since larger skis require more powerful input, the Ambition´s front bracket is made of metal, which resists torsional twist better than plastic, and also is less prone to the eventual toe slop that´s an unhappy feature of most plastic-bracket AT bindings. Tyrolia has also done an excellent job of keeping the 90-degree pivot point directly under the toe, giving the Ambition an easier, more natural walking motion that´s enhanced by four climbing aid heights.

One of the drawbacks of standard AT setups is an unpredictable change in the flex of the ski due to the long plate that´s mounted between the toe and heel pieces. In an inspired moment, Tyrolia built the Ambition with a FreeFlex system in which the heel and toe are connected by a floating tube, letting the ski flex naturally for a more predictable, consistent ride. As a bonus, this system also allows for virtually infinite adjustment, making the Ambition a one-size-fits-all binding (all boot sole lengths between 260 and 350, anyway—you´ll be fine unless you´re an XXL Sasquatch). It´s compatible with AT and traditional alpine soles, and allows you switch between ski and walk modes without stepping out, saving you time and trouble. Something tells us mom couldn´t whip all this up in her basement lab.

Details

• Alpine touring binding made lighter for faraway backcountry skiing
• 4 - 12 release rating is the highest DIN out of any Ambition
• Alpine Touring Toe provides excellent safety release
• AT Heel stays out of the way when you´re climbing
• Heel risers aid uphill efficiency
• Telescopic tube accommodates different bootsole lengths
• Item #TYI0008

Tech Specs

Release Rating

4 - 12

Boot Compatibility

AT (ISO 5355), alpine (ISO 9523)

Brakes Included

no

Safety Features

AFS Anti Friction Slider

Stand Height

38mm

Heel Elevators

0°, 5°, 10°, 15°

Claimed Weight

4lb 6oz (1980g)

Manufacturer Warranty

2 years