The Alpina Control 60 ski comes pre-mounted with Rottefella's Touring Auto binding, so stepping in and pushing a button to release covers the entire binding learning curve. A Posi-grip base handles small climbing sections without wax, and an early rise tip helps the ski turn instead of digging into the snow. It's built for classic-style cross-country skiing on groomed tracks and sized to fit a wide range of first-time skiers. What Our Gearhead(R) Experts Are Saying:"I put a total beginner on these last season and the binding never came up as a complaint. They stepped in, pushed the button to get out, and spent their whole first day worrying about balance instead of gear."