The hike-and-ride switch is a simple button located behind the heelpiece. Hike mode is activated simply by pushing back on it with your ski pole, which slides back four metal teeth and frees up the frame part of the binding. A simple riser bar with high and low settings aids climbing. Moving back to ride mode simply requires flipping the riser out of the way and stepping back down. When ice-free, the system is foolproof. If it does ice over it’s relatively easy to clear.