A ski binding comprises a sole element, a front retaining device, for retaining a toe of the ski boot, and an automatic heel unit, for retaining the heel of the ski boot. The sole element is pivotally mounted and is oriented transverse of the ski. The automatic heel unit allows release in the forward direction. The ski binding has a downhill position, in which the sole element is oriented parallel to the ski, and a climbing positions, in which the sole element can be pivoted. The automatic heel unit, both in the downhill and climbing positions, is arranged on the ski, with the heel region of a ski boot retained in the ski binding. In the climbing position of the ski binding, the heel can be freed, as a result of which the ski boot, can be pivoted about the pivot axis together with the sole element.