Climbing Skin Review

Climbing skins allow the backcountry skier to move forward, if rather slowly, and prevent backward movement of the skis. They are used to traverse especially steep or icy slopes with safety and control.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Backcountry skis Climbing skins to match the skis and the local conditions; nylon or mohair are the preferred materials Plastic bag for storage of skins when not being used Skin wax (optional)
Backcountry skis
Climbing skins to match the skis and the local conditions; nylon or mohair are the preferred materials
Plastic bag for storage of skins when not being used
Skin wax (optional)

Step 1

When conditions warrant, remove the skins from the bag. If skiing with a partner, save time and effort by applying the skins to each others' skiis.

Step 2

Leaving the skin folded as much as possible, apply the tip of the skin to the tip of the ski.

Step 3

Gradually unfold the rest of the skin, applying it to the base of the ski as you do so.

Step 4

Some skins also have a tail attachment with a stretchy hook for attachment to the tail of the ski. If so, attach it. In use, if the skin surface becomes wet and begins to accumulate snow, apply some skin wax to the surface of the skin to prevent buildup.

Step 5

To remove the skins, begin at the tail and gradually remove the skin toward the tip. Fold carefully as you go along, keeping the glued surface as free from moisture and debris as possible. Place in plastic bag, and put it in an inside pocket to keep the glue warm and workable.

Tips & Warnings

Climbing skins can help you safely descend a steep or packed slope by slowing your speed to retain balance and control.

Article Written By Garrison Pence

Garrison Pence has been a midwest-based (ghost)writer for three decades, taught university-level literature, and has written articles and white papers in trade publications of the Material Handling Institute, Engineering Today, Pharmaceutical, Food and Beverage Science, and Semiconductor. Pence holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Literature.

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