The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling more than a million alpine ski bindings because they can release unexpectedly.

The heel housing of the bindings can crack, causing them to release and the skier to lose control, the commission said Tuesday.

The manufacturer, Austria-based Atomic Skis GmbH, says it has received four reports of injuries, including a concussion, and injuries to the shoulder and knee, from falls.

About one million bindings were sold outside the United States, with an additional 125,000 sold in the U.S.

The recall includes only bindings manufactured from 1998 through 2002. The year of manufacture can be located on the underside of the heel lever.
The bindings retailed at various ski retailers for between $150 US and $350 US.

Consumers should stop using the bindings immediately and return them to any authorized Atomic Ski dealer for a free inspection and replacement of the heel component, if needed.

Recall notice