skins
skins
Skins are the randonnée skier's primary ascension tools. They are adhesive-backed pieces of fabric with tiny "hairs" pointing rearward; when affixed to the bottom of your skis and held in place by both their own glue and mechanical means, they allow skis to slide forward freely without slipping backward on hills.
A skilled ski tourist using skins can ascend most common black-diamond level terrain at a ski resort - though this is not advised during operating hours. In combination with uphill kick turns and careful route-finding, ascents of 35º to 40º are not uncommon in fresh snow.
Skins are available in synthetic (nylon), mohair and a combination of the two materials. Generally nylon is slightly more durable and gives better grip in wet snow, while mohair is known to give better glide and is preferred by racers. At this point in time, it is almost impossible to find mohair skins in the US; those seriously interested in randonnée racing would do better to seek out an online European source like Telemark Pyrenees.
Fixing devices vary widely - the loop with metal cam-over clip (Clip-Fix) and the loop with stretchy synthetic strap (above, left & center) are common. Some people prefer the simplicity of a loop or loop with rubber stretcher for the tip and no tail fixing hardware, but given good glue and proper tension, all of the above methods can work well.
Skins can either be straight (uniform width from tip to tail) or, more commonly these days, trimmed to fit the exact contour of the skis. Skins that are trimmed to fit "wall-to wall" (leaving only the ski edge and perhaps 2mm of base showing) give a decided advantage when skinning on steep or hard surfaces, as there is no slippery edge to lose grip, but offer slightly inferior "glide" to a straight skin.
In marginal temperature conditions, or when skinning up through the freezing point, snow sticking to the bottom of your skins can be a problem. You probably won't slide backward, but each ski may take on several pounds of snow weight and they certainly won't slide forward efficiently. Several companies make bar or spray wax solutions to help prevent this, but they are most effectively applied when the skins are dry (ie. before you leave the house) - rubbing some of the same wax you use on your skis on the plush side of the skins before you set out is also effective.
Ski crampons (or Harscheisen, in German), are aluminum contraptions with sharp serrations on the underside, meant to be used in conjunction with skins and offering much improved grip in certain icy, crusty and steep conditions. They attach under the boot either to a portion of the binding or to the ski itself.
© 2007 Gregory C. Louie