Climbing skins are essential tools for backcountry skiers, made to enhance tractionwhen climbing uphill. Originally made from animal hides, today's skins are mostlysynthetic, made from materials that optimize grip and glide on snow. By attaching thesestrips to the undersides of your skis, you can tackle steep inclines more effectively.The outer surface of climbing skins is covered with specialized fibers—hairs orscales—that grip the snow, preventing the skis from sliding backward. When you pushyour skis forward, these fibers flatten out, allowing for a smooth glide and balancingtraction and efficiency.

Materials

Climbing skins can be designed to cover the full length of a ski or just the middle section (often referred to as kicker skins). They are typically attached to the ski base using various methods, including adhesives, buckles, straps, or a combination of all these things. 

Nylon and mohair are the most commonly used climbing skin materials. Mohair, whichcomes from the hair of Angora goats, is not only used in climbing skins but is also usedin many high-end apparel items because of its desirable properties. Nylon, a syntheticfiber, has countless applications, with climbing skins being just one of them.

GRIP AND GLIDE

Grip 

Different materials provide varying levels of grip. Nylon fibers are often shorter and offerbetter grip than longer mohair fibers, although this can vary among different skindesigns. The length of the individual fibers plays a critical role in determining traction.Shorter fibers generally create more grip on the snow. How the fibers are orientedrelative to the ski base can also influence grip. Proper alignment ensures the mostpossible grip with the snow. As a general principle, while nylon fibers often deliver thebest grip, mohair fibers can offer a smoother experience under the right conditions.

Glide 

Glide is affected by the same variables that influence grip. When sliding forward, some materials create less resistance than others. Typically, the better the grip, the poorer the glide. This means that while nylon skins may provide superior grip on steep climbs, mohair skins generally glide more efficiently over flatter terrain. The advantage of improved glide not only allows you to traverse flatter areas with greater ease and speed, but it can also increase your efficiency on steeper ascents. Maintaining contact with the snow as you push your skis forward can lead to a more effective climbing technique. Many backcountry skiers struggle with the habit of lifting their skis off the snow when sliding them forward; better-gliding skins can help break this habit. 

Caring for Your Skins

To ensure you get the most from your climbing skins, proper care, and storage are super important! 

Skin Care Guidelines:

● Avoid Damage: Even short descents on hard snow can cause damage to the plush side of your skins. Always handle them with care to maintain their integrity.

● Storage in Cold/Wet Conditions: During cold or wet outings, it’s advisable to store your skins inside your jacket between ascents. This practice helps preserve the adhesive’s effectiveness. 

● Protect from Extreme Heat and UV Light: Avoid leaving your skins in hot environments, such as a car on a sunny day, as this can weaken the adhesive. Similarly, protect them from prolonged exposure to UV light. 

● Drying After Use: Always bring your skins inside after using them in cold weather. Allow them to dry properly to prevent mould and deterioration. 

● Debris Removal: Use tweezers to carefully remove any debris that may stick to the adhesive surface, maintaining its grip. 

● Air Drying: Thoroughly air dry your skins between uses, avoiding direct heat sources, which can damage the adhesive. 

● Proper Storage: After drying, stick the adhesive sides of the skins together, fold them, and place them in a designated storage bag. For the off-season, keep them in a cool, dark place to prevent deterioration. 

● Reapplying Glue: If the adhesive becomes damaged over time, it is possible to reapply the glue to extend the life of your skins. 

Investing time in understanding and maintaining your climbing skins can significantly enhance your backcountry experience. By prioritizing proper care, you can extend the life of your skins and ensure they perform optimally when you need them most. Whether you’re climbing steep slopes or traversing flat terrain, well-maintained climbing skins will help you navigate the backcountry with confidence and efficiency.