Best Climbing Skins for Skis of 2024/25
The Top 4 Climbing Skins for Backcountry Skiing and Ski Touring
Ripping the Black Diamond Glidelite Mix STS Skins. Photo by Stasia Stockwell
Updated November 12th, 2024 with a new winner and a new honorable mention
Gear Reviews > Ski & Snow
Climbing skins are one of the most important pieces of ski gear for powering yourself uphill while backcountry skiing and ski touring. Over five seasons, we've tested skins side-by-side to find the best climbing skins for backcountry skiing.
In fact, we think it’s fair to say that backcountry skiing would not exist without climbing skins for skis. After all, without a chairlift, you need some way to get to the top of the mountain in order to ski down (and hiking in your boots and post-holing isn’t the answer).
Climbing skins—a plush material that sticks to the bottom of your skis and provides traction as you glide uphill—can either make a backcountry ski adventure a breeze or make parts of the experience more frustrating than necessary.
Between our research and personal backcountry skiing experience, we’ve found the best climbing skins for grip, glide, and overall efficiency to keep you going uphill smoothly so you can enjoy the way back down. For new ski tourers or seasoned adventurers, here are our top seven picks.
Want to get into backcountry skiing? See our guide on How to Get Started Backcountry Skiing.
Related: Best Ski Backpacks
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For more of our favorite backcountry ski recommendations, see our most popular Snow Gear Guide stories:
Climbing Skins Comparison Table
We judged the most popular climbing skins side-by-side. This comparison table shows how each model did comparatively on the criteria that most users found important.
| CLIMBING SKIN | TREELINE AWARD | PRICE* | MATERIAL | WEIGHT PER PAIR (~170cm) | TRIM TOOL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide | Best Overall Read review |
$210 - $240 | 70% mohair 30% nylon | 504 g | Not letter-style, 2-handed, easiest to use |
| G3 Alpinist+ Universal | Best for Grip and Durability Read review |
$200 - $216 | 100% nylon | 524 g | Offset blade, easy to use |
| Black Diamond GlideLite Mix STS | Best Bang for the Buck Read review |
$220 | 65% mohair 35% nylon | 652 g | True letter style, hardest to use |
| Pomoca Free Pro 2.0 | Best Lightweight / Best Packable Read review |
$220 | 70% mohair, 30% nylon | 480 g | Not letter style, 2 handed, easiest to use |
| Black Diamond Ascension | Honorable Mention-Best for Grip and Durability Read review |
$190 | 100% nylon | 737 g | True letter style, hardest to use |
| Pomoca Climb Pro Mohair | Honorable Mention-Best for Glide Read review |
$210 - $225 | 100% mohair | 504 g | Not letter-style, 2-handed, easiest to use |
* Prices differ varying on length. They reflect MSRP and are subject to change. We note any discounts we see on our Deals page, which is updated daily.
The Best Climbing Skins for Skis
The Best Climbing Skins: Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide
Material: 70% mohair, 30% nylon
Weight/Packability: 252 g / skin
Trim tool: Not letter style, 2 handed, easiest to use
Widths: 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 mm
Lengths: XS (145-160 cm) to XL (185-200 cm)
What we liked: best balance of grip, glide, durability, packability, glue sticks and removes without leaving residue
What we didn’t like: tail attachment clips aren’t the easiest to use on all skis, but aren’t bad
For the optimal balance of grip, glide, durability, and packability, the Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide stands out as our top pick for an all-around climbing skin. The plush on these skins is a blend of 70% mohair for optimal glide and 30% nylon for added durability and grip. In just about all conditions encountered on a typical ski tour, these skins perform at the top of the pack and have a solid construction that will last multiple seasons with consistent use (most quality skins will see about 100 days of touring before significant wear is seen).
The Climb Pro S-Glide skins glide smooth and easy while remaining plenty grippy even on steeper, more hard-packed slopes.
They pack down to a size that is right about in the middle of the road: they’re not the lightest or smallest, but they’re far from the bulkiest or heaviest. We were easily able to stash both skins in one jacket skin pocket on backcountry tours without hassle.
Compare Prices On The Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide
Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide skins on ski bases. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
When it comes to weight, these skins are on the lighter side though not quite the lightest in our review, and certainly not the lightest on the market. While specific weight will differ depending on the length and the skin width to fit the skins to your skis, these average around 1 pound per pair.
The s put and works smoothly on just about all skis. Admittedly, its competitor, G3 skins, tend to have the easiest to use and most universally fitting tip attachment. But that doesn’t mean the Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide skins are bad or hard to use. We have had no issues over a season of ski touring with our Pro S-Glide.
The glue on the Pomoca skins is just right. Some skin glue is so tough that it’s nearly impossible to pull the skins apart in order to put them on your skis. Other skin glues may leave a hint of residue on your skis after ripping them off, compromising the glide and wax on your ski bases. The Pomoca skins pull apart without too much force and never leave anything behind on ski bases while sticking well without snow creep. The glue also lasts multiple seasons (dozens of days) with consistent use before it starts losing its strength.
If you’re looking for a go-to skin for all your backcountry ski adventures that finds an ideal balance between grip and glide and offers top-quality durability, look no further than the Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide.
Best Climbing Skins for Grip & Durability: G3 Alpinist+ Universal
Material: 100% nylon
Weight/Packability: 262 g /skin
Trim tool: Offset blade, easy to use
Widths: 100, 115, 130, 145 mm
Lengths: XS (150-166 cm) to L (183-199 cm)
What we liked: grip, great for wet or icy conditions, added durability, vegan, lighter weight and glides better than other nylon options
What we didn’t like: nylon skins as a category are heavier and don’t glide as well as most mohair
If you’re skinning in particularly wet or icy conditions, or looking for the added durability that an all-nylon skin offers, then the G3 Alpinist+ Universal is a great option. This skin is made with a full nylon plush, which means you get an exceptional grip and increased durability as compared to mohair mix or all-mohair skins.
In general, we find that a mohair mix skin (like the Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide, reviewed above) is an ideal option for most ski tourers.
The nylon plush of the G3 Alpiniust+ Universal comes with extra weight and some compromised glide. But compared to other full nylon skins (like the Black Diamond Ascension, reviewed below), the G3 Alpinist+ Universal saves weight and glides better.
The Alpinist+ Universal skins pack down on the slightly larger end of the spectrum — bulkier than the Pomoca skins in our review, but smaller than many other all-nylon skins. While this will differ depending on your ski size, these skins average just under 1.2 pounds per pair. This is only about 2 ounces more than the Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide, which is impressive for a full nylon skin. Other full nylon skins, like the Black Diamond Ascension in our Honorable Mentions, weigh at least 5 ounces more than these G3s.
Compare Prices Of The G3 Alpinist+ Universal
G3 is able to achieve this light weight in a nylon skin partially by using their unique TPU tip. This scale-like tip material is strategically placed to increase glide and save weight without compromising grip or allowing snow to creep under your skins.
G3 climbing skins’ tip attachment is the easiest to use and has a universal fit. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
The tip attachment (consistent on all G3 skin models) is by far the easiest to use and has the most universal fit. The clips slide on easily and stay put no matter the size or shape of your ski tips. The tail attachment is similar to other brands and models and is simple to use.
The glue on the Alpinist Universal skins is quite sticky, making them tough to pull apart when stored. But they hang on tight to ski bases so you’re never left fiddling with loose skins. Some customer and media reviews mention the glue leaving a slight residue on ski bases, but we have not encountered this issue in our multiple days of long tours in the Colorado Rockies.
The trim tool for G3 skins is moderately easy to use. It’s not quite as hassle-free as the Pomoca trim tool but it has a much better design than Black Diamond’s.
The G3 tip attachment on the Alpinist skins. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
If we can give you a great reason to consider these skins, it is this: they’re one of the lightest full nylon skins on the market that stands out for durability and grip. Several ski tours in the Colorado backcountry in a range of conditions — from cold powder to hardpack and wet spring snow, and many a skin track both mellow and steep — prove that these skins get the job done well and grip on just about anything.
They show signs of being durable for the long haul through multiple seasons and miles on the skin track, likely to last upwards of at least 100 days before beginning to wear. (The plush on nylon skins is overall sturdier and more durable than mohair. Given that these skins are all nylon, the plush should maintain grip longer than all mohair or mohair mix skin in our review.)
Ultimately, these skins will not glide as well or match the weight and packability of the mohair mix or all mohair skins. But compared to the Pomoca options in our review, you’ll save some money and still get an excellent set of climbing skins to use in any condition.
G3 ALPINIST+ UNIVERSAL VS. POMOCA CLIMB PRO S-GLIDE
The biggest difference between these two skins is that the Pomocas have a plush made of a mohair and nylon blend while the G3 plush is all nylon. The Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide, reviewed above, will have better glide for more efficient skinning and weighs a couple of ounces less than the G3. The G3 will provide better grip across a variety of snow conditions and will maintain that grip longer than mohair competitors, but it won’t glide as well.
Another difference in these skins is the tip attachment. The Pomoca skins have one wire that slides over the ski tip while the G3 tip attachment consists of two metal hooks. The Pomoca tip attachment will fit most skis without issue. However, if you have skis with particularly odd, extra-large, or rather small tips, the G3 tip attachment is the most universal and easiest to use.
Aside from that, there is a price difference between the two skins. You’ll save about $35 with the G3 skins and still get a skin that performs very well and lasts a long time. If you want to spend the extra money on the Pomoca, you’ll get a skin that glides better and has a better balance of features overall by doing with the Climb Pro S-Glide.
G3 ALPINIST+ UNIVERSAL VS. BLACK DIAMOND GLIDELITE MIX STS
The Black Diamond GlideLite Mix STS (full review below) is similar to the Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide, our overall winner. The main difference between these two skins is the plush material. The Alpinist+ Universal is nylon while the GlideLite Mix STS is a mohair mix with 35% nylon.
These skins fall within a similar price range — so if that’s a major factor for you, these both make great options. The G3 skins will bring a little more grip and durability to the table, while the Black Diamond skins will bring efficient glide. (This is not to say that the BD skins aren’t durable—they certainly are, as proven by our multiple seasons of use. The nylon plush on the G3 skins will just maintain a good grip better than the Black Diamond mohair mix plush.) Despite being all nylon, the G3 skins will also be a bit lighter than the Black Diamonds.
One other minor difference between the two is the trim tool. While this shouldn’t ultimately be a deciding factor, it is worth considering. The G3 trim tool is easier to use than the one from Black Diamond.
Best lightweight Climbing Skins / best packable climbing skins: Pomoca Free Pro 2.0
Material: 70% mohair, 30% nylon
Weight/Packability: 240g/skin
Trim tool: Not letter style, 2 handed, easiest to use
Widths: 123mm, 140mm
Lengths: XS (145-160 cm) to XL (185-200 cm)
What we liked: light, packable, and reliable
What we didn’t like: compromises on grip and durability
If you’re conscious about the overall weight of your setup and the space in your pack when touring, you’ll likely want a pair of skins that align with that, too. The Pomoca Free Pro 2.0 skins find the ideal balance between weight savings, packability, and efficiency, with overall grip and durability.
These skins are made with 70% mohair for excellent glide and 30% nylon for added durability and grip. This is the same blend as our overall winner, the Climb Pro S-Glide. We like this blend of mohair and nylon and think it’s a fine balance to get the advantages of both materials. The Free Pro skins have the same tip and tail attachment as the Climb Pro S-Glide, which we think work very well and fit almost all standard ski shapes and sizes.
Where the Free Pro 2.0 saves much of its weight compared to the Climb Pro S-Glide skins is in the backing material. It is much thinner, and therefore lighter and also a lot more packable than other models in our test, including the Climb Pro S-Glide. That makes these skins great for folks who want to save as much weight as possible on the uphill without sacrificing too much performance.
These skins glide incredibly well, in part thanks to the mohair and also because they are so light, which makes for more efficient movement on the uphill overall. They grip almost, but not quite as well as the Climb Pro S-Glides and that grip should be sufficient for any backcountry skier with at least some notable experience. If you’re brand new to ski touring, consider the Climb Pro S-Glide or G3 Alpinist.
The downside to all this weight savings and packability is that these skins don’t boast quite as much durability and grip as others in our test. The thin backer material ultimately affects the longevity of these skins, but if weight and space savings is a top priority, then that’s a compromise you’re likely willing to make. And that’s not to say these skins will disintegrate after one use. They are still a well made piece of gear that should last many dozens of ski days.
POMOCA CLIMB PRO S-GLIDE VS. POMOCA FREE PRO 2.0
Both the Climb Pro S-Glide and Free Pro 2.0 skins use a 70/30 blend of mohair and nylon in the plush, which we think is a great combo for most skiers.
Where these skins differ primarily is in the backing material. It is much thinner and lighter on the Free Pro than the Climb Pro S-Glide, which makes the Free Pro a lot more packable. But, the thicker backer on the Climb Pro S-Glide makes them more durable overall. We think the Free Pro skins glide slightly better, while the Climb Pro S-Glides grip a bit better.
If you’re looking for good overall performance and durability, go with the Climb Pro S-Glide. If you want the performance of these Pomoca skins but in a lighter and more packable package, but don’t mind sacrificing a little grip and durability, then consider the Free Pro 2.0.
Best Value Climbing Skins: Black Diamond GlideLite Mix STS
Material: 65% mohair, 35% nylon
Weight/Packability: 652g/pair (M)
Trim tool: True letter style, more difficult to use
Widths: 133 mm
Lengths: XS (157 - 168 cm) to XL (181 - 192 cm)
What we liked: value for the price, balance of grip, glide, and packability
What we didn’t like: could glide better, could be lighter weight
The Black Diamond GlideLite Mix STS are mohair mix skins. They have been a crowd favorite among backcountry skiers for years now, and for good reason. They strike a nice balance between grip, good glide, and packability while coming in at a reasonable price point.
Made of 65% mohair and 35% nylon, the GlideLite Mix STS skins are comparable in construction to the Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide skins (reviewed above), which are also a mohair mix. The Pomoca skins outperform the GlideLite Mix skins with a better glide at a lower weight, but the Black Diamond skins are easier on the wallet.
Compare Prices On The Black Diamond Glidelite Mix STS
Our writer used the Black Diamond GlideLite Mix STS skins as her go-to for four seasons of consistent backcountry skiing and had very few qualms. The skins glide efficiently and offer adequate grip even on steeper skin tracks.
They fit snugly in jacket skin pockets, packing down smaller than nylon skins, but are a bit bulkier than the Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide skins (review above).
The GlideLite Mix skins weigh in at just over 1.4 pounds on average — heavier than the Pomoca skins and comparable to the G3 Alpinist+ Universal, but lighter than the nylon Black Diamond Ascension skins, reviewed below.
The tip and tail attachments on the Black Diamond skins are average; they work with most ski shapes and gave us no hassle over seasons of use. What did give us hassle: the included trim tool. Black Diamond’s trim tool is a letter-style blade and is by far the trickiest to use of all our options in this review. As compared to the Pomoca and G3 skin cutters, this one is much more finicky and requires more patience and finesse compared to the others that do the job rather seamlessly.
The glue on the Black Diamond skins is sticky and durable. When the skins are stored stuck together, they’re tougher to pull apart than the Pomoca skins. After about 100 days or so of consistent use, the glue began to fail and allow for some snow to creep under the skins, which is average for good skin glue. Throughout seasons of use, the glue never left any noticeable residue on ski bases.
Overall, the Black Diamond GlideLite Mix STS skins provide a balanced, quality skin at a great price point. If you’re looking to save a little money and get the most bang for your buck, this is the climbing skin for you.
Both of these skins have a mohair mix plush: The Black Diamonds are made of 65% mohair and 35% nylon while the Pomocas are 70% mohair and 30% nylon. Both skins balance grip and glide well. The Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide skins (full review above) outshine the Black Diamonds in the realms of weight savings and packability. The Pomoca skins are almost 5 ounces lighter than the Black Diamonds.
When it comes to attachments — tip and tail as well as glue — we think the skins are comparable. The trim tool for the Pomoca skins is the easiest among the brands to use, while the Black Diamond trim tool is the most finicky.
The other main difference between these skins is the price. While the difference is somewhat nominal, it matters for budget-conscious folks. You’ll pay about $20 or so less for the Black Diamond skins.
Ultimately, if high performance and weight savings are at the top of your list, the Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide is worth the bit of extra cash. If budget is a priority, you’ll get excellent skins for the price in the Black Diamond GlideLite Mix STS with just a little extra weight under your feet.
Other climbing skins we tested
Runner-Up Climbing Skins for Lasting Durability and Grip: Black Diamond Ascension
Material: 100% nylon
Weight/Packability: 737 g/pair
Trim tool: True letter style, more difficult to use
The Black Diamond Ascension skins are our runner-up to the G3 Alpinist+ Universal (full review above). Both are full nylon skins, and while the Ascension is still a good skin option, the Alpinist+ Universal gets our nod for their impressively low weight and decent glide for nylon skins.
The Ascension skins are rather bulky (the most cumbersome of all the options in this review) and don’t glide as well as models with mohair, but, like the Alpinist+ Universal, they grip exceptionally well and have excellent durability.
While you’ll compromise glide and weight/packability with these skins, if you need a true workhorse at a good price, these skins will get the job done and last multiple seasons of hard use. We put these skins through the wringer, and only after six seasons of use did the glue and grip really start to fail. While these skins are among the bulkiest and heaviest out there, they provide some of the best long-lasting durability.
Compare Prices On The Black Diamond Ascension Climbing Skins
Runner-Up Climbing Skins for best glide:Pomoca Climb Pro Mohair
Material: 100% mohair
Weight/Packability: 252 g /pair (M)
Trim tool: Not letter style, 2 handed, easiest to use
Widths: 100, 120 mm
Lengths: XS (145-160 cm) to XL (185-200 cm)
What we liked: extremely light weight, fast, best glide, efficiency
What we didn’t like: doesn’t grip as well, not as durable
If you’re looking for the features that an all-mohair skin brings—light weight, packability, and exceptional glide—the Climb Pro skins offer that. These skins glide very well and pack down nicely for the downhill, especially compared to synthetic counterparts like the G3 model. This generally makes touring more efficient overall, and that matters when you have to first climb up what you want to ski down, especially if you want to do it with speed.
Compare Prices Of The Pomoca Climb Pro Mohair
But, these perks don’t come without some compromise. All-mohair skins are not as durable as even nylon-mohair blend skins, generally speaking. These skins also do not grip as well as others, including our winner, the Climb Pro S-Glide, and the G3. So while these skins are great for specific use cases, unless weight and packability is of the utmost concern, we think skiers will be happier with the performance of the Free Pro for something that’s still light and packable, or the Climb Pro S-Glide for something more durable.
Skins stick to ski bases with skin glue. Skin tip attachment on the Pomoca Pro. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
Climbing Skin Basics
Climbing skins are an essential piece of gear made for backcountry ski touring: you won’t be going uphill on your skis without them. Made of either nylon or natural mohair (or mohair blend which both) material, with directional fibers called the plush, they allow you to glide uphill in forward motion but create friction when sliding backward that gives you purchase to climb up snowy slopes on skis.
The skins stick to ski bases with skin glue and are trimmed to the ski’s shape for maximum performance. Rip the skins off your ski bases once you reach the top and you’re ready for the fun part: the downhill.
While climbing skins aren’t the most exciting pieces of ski gear you’ll buy, they are one of the most important for touring in the backcountry.
You can learn more skills and tips in our How to get started backcountry skiing article.
Climbing Skin Material: Nylon vs. Mohair
The grippy material on climbing skins, known as the “plush”, is made of nylon fibers, mohair (natural fibers from Angora goats), or a blend of both. Generally, nylon skins are heavier, more durable, better gripping, and less packable than mohair skins. Mohair skins offer excellent glide, a lighter weight, and more packability, but tend to wear out faster and may not grip quite as well in icy or wet snow conditions.
How we Researched and Tested
We started our research by first considering our author’s multiple years of backcountry ski experience combined with experience using multiple different sets of skins (see Why You Should Trust Us). Then, we analyzed reviews from Powder Magazine, Outdoor Gear Lab, Blister Review, Powder7, and Switchback Travel as well as customer reviews from Evo, REI, and Backcountry to research what both experts and everyday customers had to say about different skin models (see Sources). After that, we did some more skinning and testing to confirm our choices. What we wound up with is a comprehensive review of the best models out there for climbing skins.
The packability of Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide climbing skin. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Buying advice
What to look for in a good pair of climbing skins
While most climbing skins appear to be fairly similar, there are differences in material and setup that give each pair nuances that are suited to different styles of backcountry skiing.
In order to find which climbing skins best suit you, you’ll need to assess your style of skiing, skill level, and how you plan to use your skins.
Material and grip
Some climbing skins are made to grip extremely well for folks who ski in particularly wet or icy conditions.
Grip is also great for skiers who are new to skinning and backcountry skiing.
Some are made to glide fast and pack light and small for skiers who are out for long, tough days when efficiency and weight savings are paramount.
Weight and gliding efficiency
Casual backcountry skiers may not mind sacrificing weight and gliding efficiency for a pair of skins that grip well in any conditions.
Skiers who plan for long uphills and long days in the backcountry may sacrifice some grip in order to skin more efficiently. Our winners in this review are a mix of those that do each well and some that split the difference.
Glue
Some skin glue is so tough that it’s nearly impossible to pull the skins apart in order to put them on your skis. Other skin glues may leave a hint of residue on your skis after ripping them off, compromising the glide and wax on your ski bases. The best climbing skins pull apart without too much force and never leave anything behind on ski bases while sticking well without snow creep. The glue should also last multiple seasons (dozens of days) with consistent use before it starts losing its strength.
Tip and tail attachments
Aside from glide and grip, some other factors to consider when choosing climbing skins are what the tip and tail attachments are like, and how good the glue is (it should stick to your ski bases without letting snow creep under the ski skins, but shouldn’t leave any glue residue when you rip the skins off).
How easy tail clip is to use
Another, more minor piece to consider is how easy the tail clip tool is to use. This is the tool you’ll use to trim the skins to the shape of your skis. We considered all these when researching and testing skins.
Durability
Even with the most durable skins on the market, they’re bound to wear out before the rest of your setup (skis, ski boots, bindings) if you consistently tour with them. That doesn’t mean it’s worth skimping on this piece of gear.
Remember, you rely solely on climbing skins and your own strength to power yourself uphill in the backcountry; this is one of the most important pieces of gear for ski touring.
How to Choose the right skins for you
Ripping skins from the ski base. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
Skins that are a blend of mohair and nylon are a popular and solid choice for all-around touring since they do the best job of balancing grip with glide and weight with durability.
Skiers who need top-notch efficiency for long tours should consider all mohair skins since the glide and packability is worth the sacrifice of durability and grip.
Those seeking great grip and durability at a nice price point will find nylon skins to get the job done while towing a little extra weight.
Most backcountry skiers will find mohair-mix or all-nylon skins to be plenty sufficient for glide and weight, while mohair-mix skins are overall the best option for versatility and balance of features.
When selecting skins, consider the type of ski touring you usually do (or plan to do), and that will help you to determine which features to prioritize. While most skins are fairly similar in price, if saving money is a priority, there are great options out there, typically in the form of nylon or mohair mix skins (like the G3 Alpinist or Black Diamond GlideLite Mix STS).
While you may only save about $20 or so, it goes a long way if you happen to be starting out and need to acquire a full gear setup for backcountry skiing. However, if you have the extra cash to splurge, we think skins like the Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide are well worth it.
Ski Climbing Skins vs. Splitboard Skins
Climbing skins for skiing have a different shape than splitboard skins but use similar technology. Some brands and models, like Black Diamond’s Ascension skins, are available in separate ski and splitboard models. Read more about the differences in this guide by Backcountry.
Related: How to Get Started Ice Climbing
How to Trim Climbing Skins
Only in rare, specific cases do skins come already cut to the shape and size of the skis they’re meant for — it’s uncommon, but some companies sell skins designed specifically for certain skis (aka, pre cut climbing skins). If you’re not this lucky, this means that you’ll need to trim your skins yourself with the provided trim tool. You can often pay a local shop to do this for you, but we don’t think that’s necessary since the process is fairly painless. (Some shops may offer a complimentary skin trim with the purchase of skins, which can save you a bit of time at no extra cost. However, we wouldn’t recommend paying extra to have this done as it’s a fairly simple task.)
Unless your skis are particularly wide, you’ll trim your skins to match the width of your ski bases with the ski edges just peeking out. Depending on the skin design or how you cut and adjust the skins, there may be some ski base exposed in the tip and tail. Since there won’t be much (or any) contact with the snow on the very tips or tails of your skis when skinning — the center of your ski beneath your boots is where the bulk of your grip will come from — this is okay! It’s actually common and a great way to save a little weight in your setup.
Once you’ve trimmed your skins, you’ll be able to adjust the tail clip to the appropriate length for your skis, and you’ll be all set to go!
FAQ
Can I use climbing skins on all types of skis?
Generally, climbing skins are designed to be compatible with various types of skis, including alpine, backcountry, and touring skis. However, it's essential to ensure that the skins are the correct width and length for your specific ski model. Some specialized skis may require skins with specific features, so it's recommended to check the manufacturer's guidelines for compatibility.
What type of adhesive is best for climbing skins?
The adhesive on climbing skins can vary, but most commonly, it falls into two categories: traditional glue and newer, more user-friendly, and less toxic alternatives. Traditional glue offers excellent adhesion but may require more maintenance. Some newer options, such as silicone-based adhesives, are known for their stickiness and easier handling. The best adhesive depends on personal preference, skiing conditions, and the level of maintenance the user is comfortable with.
How often should I reapply the adhesive on my climbing skins?
The frequency of reapplying adhesive depends on factors such as usage, snow conditions, and the type of adhesive. In general, it's recommended to monitor the condition of the adhesive regularly. If you notice reduced stickiness or if the skins are collecting excessive dirt and debris, it's time to consider reapplying the adhesive. Some skiers may need to do this annually, while others can go longer between reapplications.
What are some signs that my climbing skins need replacement?
Several signs indicate that climbing skins may need replacement:
1. Reduced traction: If you notice a significant decrease in traction and slipping occurs even on moderate slopes.
2. Deterioration of glue: If the adhesive becomes ineffective, leading to poor skin-to-ski adhesion.
3. Visible damage: Tears, cuts, or other visible damage to the skin material.
4. Excessive water absorption: If the skins are absorbing water, affecting their performance and making them heavier.
5. Uneven wear: If the skins wear unevenly, compromising their overall effectiveness.
Do climbing skins work well in wet snow conditions?
Climbing skins can lose effectiveness in wet snow conditions. Some skins are designed with water-resistant features to mitigate this issue, but it's essential to choose skins suitable for the specific snow conditions you anticipate.
Do climbing skins work with ski wax?
Using ski wax on climbing skins can reduce snow buildup and enhance glide. However, it's essential to use wax specifically designed for climbing skins and follow the manufacturer's guidelines to avoid compromising the adhesive.
How to store skins: Care and Maintenance
Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide skins stored. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
In order to get the most out of your skins, you’ll want to be sure to take proper care of them. Ideally, store them indoors some place with consistent temperatures: this helps preserve the glue over time, and if they aren’t ice cold when you go to put them on your skis in the morning, the glue will stick to your ski bases better. After a day of touring, you’ll want to leave your skins out to dry before storing them to maintain the integrity of the plush. Little things like this will stretch the life of your skins out as long as possible.
How to Wax Climbing Skins
Similar to waxing your ski bases for maximum glide and overall maintenance, you can also wax your climbing skins. You can use either a rub-on wax (most common) or even apply hot wax to your skins. This gives you maximum glide on the skin track and keeps snow from sticking to your skins in warmer conditions. To use rub-on wax, simply apply occasionally as instructed; it’s especially useful in spring when the snow gets heavier and sticker. Evo has simple step-by-step instructions on how to hot wax your skins.
The author getting some well-earned turns in Hakuba, Japan. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
Why You Should Trust Us
A true mountain dweller, Stasia feels far more at home on a high alpine ridge than on a busy city street. She's worked as a backpacking guide in southeast Alaska and has written for outlets like BACKPACKER, REI Co-op Journal, and The Dyrt, among others. Stasia is a lifelong skier, mountain biker, and trail runner who's passionate about lowering the barriers to entry for outdoor sports. She hopes to inspire people to love and respect the wild natural world through her work.
When it comes to skiing, Stasia is no stranger. Raised in the mountains of northern Utah and now based in Breckenridge, Colorado, she has skied an average of at least 50 days a year since she could walk. She has over six seasons of backcountry skiing experience under her belt, having ski toured in places like southeast Alaska, northern British Columbia, Japan, California, and of course her home in the Rockies. Stasia uses these years of experience to inform her ski gear reviews.
As a freelance writer and gear tester, Stasia and Treeline Review are not sponsored, an ambassador, or an employee of any of the companies mentioned here. This review is unbiased and we do this to help you find the best product for the best price. Treeline Review doesn’t accept sponsored content, native advertising, or paid reviews.
You can see all of Stasia's Treeline Review stories on her author page and her other work on her website.
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