A sliding plate supports a heel (or toe or both) binding member on a ski. By depressing a remote switch the skier activates a linear actuator on the ski, thereby releasing a latch which allows a stored energy source to force a rear lock arm assembly to pivot upward. By the pivoting upward of the central pivot joint between the forward and rear lock arms, the overall length of the lock arm assembly is reduced. The sliding plate is attached to one end of the lock arm assembly. Thus, when the lock arm assembly is remotely actuated into the release mode, and shortened, the sliding plate pulls its ski binding member and increases the distance between the ski binding members, thereby releasing the boot from the ski binding members even in a backward fall. Other spring activated embodiments include a piston release assembly.