How to Use Touring Skins on a Ski Tour

There are many tips and tricks for how to use ski skins on a tour and how to store them. We’ve gathered some tips that we believe will give you a better experience in the mountains, with skins that last year after year!

Skin Protector:

New ski skins often come with a crampon protector or plastic film. The purpose of this is to preserve the glue on the skin. We recommend leaving this at home, as it is both impractical and unnecessary to bring to the mountains. However, don’t throw it away!

How to Attach Skins:

Most ski skins for touring skis come with a tip attachment and a tail attachment. Our skins are applied starting from the front and gradually fixed toward the tail. There is a small buckle that clips around the ski’s tail to prevent the skin from falling off. Make sure this is tight. It’s important to ensure that the steel edge along the entire ski is visible so you get good grip on hard snow. Be sure to run your hand over the skin a few times to remove any air pockets between the ski and the skin. Snow and ice can build up here, which weakens the grip of the skin on the ski. This is especially important at the front of the skin.

How to Fold Skins:

When removing your skins, it’s important to avoid getting snow on the adhesive, while also folding them as neatly as possible so they take up less space in your backpack or inner pocket. Our tip is to place the ski on the ground and remove half of the skin from the back. Then fold the skin with the adhesive sides facing each other, starting from the middle. Adhesive side to adhesive side is the best way to pack the skin to preserve the glue for as long as possible. This method also helps prevent snow from sticking to the adhesive and keeps the skin from flying around on windy tours. The skin is now compactly packed and takes up less space in the bag. You’re now ready for your descent!

How to Dry Ski Skins:

It’s important that the skins don’t stay wet in your backpack when you return from your tour. The key is to give them room to dry. Do not hang them directly over a stove or place them on a hot floor, as this can weaken the glue.

How to Store Ski Skins:

If you’re not planning to use your skins for an extended period or over the summer, it’s essential to store them correctly. Now is the time to use the crampon protector that came with your skins. Our tip is to store the skins in a dry and cool place, such as a cold shed. Many people also store their skins in the freezer over the summer to keep the glue in optimal condition.