a ski binding for downhill skiing and cross - country skiing has a plate which can be pivoted upwards in the front region about an axis located transversely to the longitudinal direction of the ski . a front ski binding and a rear heel holder for a ski boot or cross - country ski boot are fastened on the plate . at least one catch element which is arranged in front of , or in the region of , the rear sole holder can be used to secure the plate , in its rear region , on the abutment fitted on the ski . in addition , at least one catch element is arranged in the front region of the plate . the plate is fixed on the ski , and reinforced , in the manner of a conventional downhill ski binding by the further catch element in the front region of the ski binding and , in the locked state , is anchored at the front end and at the rear end , and at a number of locations therebetween , on parts of the ski or parts which have been fixed to the ski .