This dimension is know as the binding stack height and can be both beneficial and detrimental:

• On piste / carving / racing: a larger stack height is generally perceived as beneficial---the FIS even passed a regulation limiting it to 50mm after the thickness of binding plates started getting out of hand. The main benefits are more leverage over the edge of the skis and the ability to tip the ski further on edge without boot/snow interference.
• Off piste / powder / park: a smaller stack height is generally seen as beneficial. Being closer to the ski provides more stability over uneven terrain (imagine trying to ski wearing stilts). A smaller stack height can sometimes indicate a lighter setup--less material raising your boot off the ski (obviously varies from binding to binding). A smaller stack height also gets you those last couple millimeters closer to face shots in powder =P

And of course, we can't neglect looking taller in the lift line or group photos!

This dimension is know as the binding stack height (as well as binding stand height) and can be both beneficial and detrimental:

• On piste / carving / racing: a larger stack height is generally perceived as beneficial---the FIS even passed a regulation limiting it to 50mm after the thickness of binding plates started getting out of hand. The main benefits are more leverage over the edge of the skis and the ability to tip the ski further on edge without boot/snow interference.
• Off piste / powder / park: a smaller stack height is generally seen as beneficial. Being closer to the ski provides more stability over uneven terrain (imagine trying to ski wearing stilts). A smaller stack height can sometimes indicate a lighter setup--less material raising your boot off the ski (obviously varies from binding to binding). A smaller stack height also gets you those last couple millimeters closer to face shots in powder =P

And of course, we can't neglect looking taller in the lift line or group photos!