A cross-country ski binding for mounting on a ski to hold a ski boot includes a base plate for mounting on the upper surface of the ski. The base plate has a front section on which a resilient compression element, such as a spring, is mounted. The compression element is coupled to a forward end of a cable so that when rearward force is applied to the cable, the compression element provides resistance to the rearward movement of the cable, and then expands to pull the cable forward when the rearward force is removed. A toe plate is mounted on the base plate for receiving and holding a ski boot toe. The toe plate has a channel formed below the upper surface thereof, which extends from the front section rearwardly for receiving the cable. The cable is coupled at the forward end to the compression element and extends rearwardly through the channel. A heel holding element is coupled to the rearward end of the cable for attaching to the heel of the ski boot so that the cable and heel holding element "block" the ski boot from exiting the toe plate.