The high-tech Skate-X ski binding system took first place at a major design industry event hosted by Norsk Industri.
The new binding system is a collaboration between the companies Rottefella and Madshus. After nine years of research and development, they created a completely new type of binding system.
The Skate-X team accepted the prestigious award with a mix of pride and deep emotion during the Design Industry Conference in Oslo on Thursday.
“Thank you so much for appreciating our work! The sports industry has its ups and downs, and some people think we’re crazy for spending nine years on one product. But we believe investing in innovation is worth it,” said Torstein Myklebostad, CEO of Rottefella.
What makes Skate-X different?
Instead of the traditional metal pin at the front of the ski boot, Skate-X uses a cleat system under the ball of the foot - similar to how cycling shoes attach to pedals.
This design provides a stronger connection to the ski and better stability while skating. The result? Faster times for competitive skiers and a more stable, enjoyable experience for recreational skiers.
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Used by the world’s best
World Cup athletes have already been using the new Skate-X system for the past two seasons. But the 2024 European and World Championships in biathlon were the first major international events to officially feature it.
Top athletes like the 2025 overall World Cup champion Sturla Holm Lægreid and two-time World Champion Endre Strømsheim rave about the new system.
“I think it works great. It gives me more power at the end of each push and a springier return, and makes my skiing feel faster and stronger than ever,” Strømsheim says.
What the jury said
Here’s what the award jury had to say:
“Skate-X sets a new standard and is revolutionizing cross-country skiing. It’s already approved by the International Ski Federation (FIS) and can be used in all official races. Rottefella and Madshus have shown what’s possible when two experienced teams combine their technical knowledge and passion for skiing. Skate-X leads to faster times for competitive skiers and a better experience in the snow for everyone.”