How to choose your skins?
A must for ski touring, skins allow you to combine the pleasures of skiing with an optimal anti-backwards system. We explain how to choose them.
What are skins used for?
Whether your touring skis have fishscale bases or are waxed, skins help you handle all kinds of snow without wearing yourself out. That’s why you need to choose skins that are suitable for your practice and, of course, your equipment. Simply stick the adhesive part onto the soles of your skis and attach them to be ready to go!
They provide extra grip for your skis, compensating for the shortcomings of fishscale or wax anti-backwards systems on icy or powdery ascents, or on steep climbs. They’re also a great way to ease your effort if you’re carrying a backpack.
Good to know: How do touring skins work?
The anti-backwards system of the skins is simple to understand. When gliding, the fibres are aligned to allow smooth progress. As soon as you stop moving one foot to switch to the other, the fibres catch on the snow, preventing backward movement.
Choice of skins: with glue or self-adhesive?
The historical bonding system for skins, glue, requires some know-how and careful maintenance. You’ll need to regularly re-glue them and always store them on their protector or net to prevent them from sticking together.
If you’re a beginner or ski touring occasionally, it’s recommended to opt for self-adhesive skins. These come with an acrylic or silicone coating, making them quick and easy to attach. They’re also easy to fold for storage and can be cleaned with water whenever needed.
What material should I choose for my skins?
Skins were originally made from real sealskin but have long been replaced by more humane materials. For ski touring skins, there are three main types to consider:
Mohair touring skins
Made from Angora goat wool, mohair skins are considered the Rolls Royce of skins. They offer excellent glide and strong anti-backwards effect. However, they’re fragile and prone to snow accumulation (snowpack), which can reduce effectiveness. They remain the top choice for competitors.
Good to know: How to maintain your mohair skins
To preserve mohair skins, dry them flat on their protective plastic (for glue models) and keep them away from strong heat sources such as the sun or radiators.
Synthetic skins
Synthetic skins have thicker and denser fibres, providing strong grip but less glide. They’re highly durable and adapt well to different terrains, making them ideal for steep ascents.
Blended skins
Blended skins combine mohair’s glide with synthetic durability, typically using 70% natural fibres and 30% synthetic. These are versatile, offering good glide, anti-backwards effect, and durability, suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers.
Don’t forget about the attachment hooks for your skins!
While skins adhere to your ski bases, they also require attachment systems to stay securely in place. Here are the main types:
- Single attachment: Common on most touring skis, this system uses a small metal or plastic stirrup at the ski tip.
- Double attachment: Includes a stirrup at the tip and a tightener at the tail, ideal for wide touring skis and long ascents.
- Quick attachment: Favoured by competitors, allowing skins to be removed quickly without taking off your skis. Compatibility is limited to certain brands.
- Insert attachment: Fits into a hole at the ski tip, but not all skis support this system.
And what about the size?
Skins often need to be trimmed to match the width of your skis without covering the edges. Lengthwise, they should stop 10–15 cm before the ski tail.
Now that you know how to choose your skins, you'll be able to conquer ascents with ease!
Three key points for choosing your skins:
- Choose skins with an attachment system compatible with your touring skis.
- Decide whether glue or self-adhesive skins suit your needs best.
- Pick between mohair, synthetic, or blended materials based on your skiing style.