Backpacker Magazine – Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011

Maintain Ski Gear: Keep Climbing Skins Sticky

Good grip is the key to fast and easy climbing.

by: Heather Hansman

Tags:
• Skills
|
• Technique
|
• Ski gear
|

---

>> Test tackiness.
Before heading out, make sure your glue is strong by trying to pull the sticky sides apart. It should take some muscle. Next, attach them to your skis; they should adhere readily and not shed any residue when you remove them. If dry skis won’t stick at home, they won’t work in skiing conditions, so consider buying a new pair.

>> Handle with care.
Avoid gumming up skin glue with pine needles, dirt, excess ski wax, snow, or dog hair.

>> De-ice and dry.
Snow, ice, and moisture buildup between ski and skin is the primary reason skins loose grip when you’re on the move. Remove buildup with a gloved hand, fold skins glue-to-glue, and warm/dry them inside your jacket between runs.

>> Stay attached.
A strong tip attachment is crucial to hold skins as they grip snow and provide resistance against sliding. If your toe clip breaks, cinch duct tape or a ski strap (buckle side up) around the widest part of the tip to lock the skin in place. You can usually make do without fixing a tail attachment, but if a flailing tail is tripping you up, a ski strap will also work to hold it in place.

>> Store
Between trips, dry skins completely, fold each in half lengthwise (sandwich the mesh backing sheet, which comes with new skins, between the sticky sides), then double it loosely. Store at room temperature and in a designated stuffsack, especially if you have shaped skins (their edges will be exposed to dirt even when folded).

Subscribe to Backpacker magazine
Sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter