How to choose the right climbing skins for ski touring ?
Ski touring is not just about choosing the right skis or boots. Climbing skins play an essential role during ascents by providing the grip needed to move efficiently across the snow without sliding backwards. However, there are many different models, materials and attachment systems available, which can make choosing the right ones difficult, especially for a first purchase.
In this guide, discover how to choose climbing skins that are suited to your style of skiing, your equipment and the conditions you encounter in the mountains.
What are climbing skins?
Despite what their name might suggest, modern climbing skins are no longer made from animal skin. They are made from synthetic or natural fibres that allow skis to glide forwards while preventing them from sliding backwards during ascents.
They attach to the base of the ski using glue or a modern adhesive system and are removed before the descent.
The choice of climbing skins directly affects:
• Grip during ascents
• Glide performance
• Comfort during long tours
• Ease of handling
The different materials
Not all climbing skins offer the same level of performance. The choice of material mainly depends on your experience level, your style of skiing and the conditions in which you ski.
Mohair climbing skins
Made from angora goat wool, mohair skins prioritise glide performance.
Advantages:
• Excellent glide
• Very lightweight
• Ideal for long tours or experienced skiers
Disadvantages:
• Faster wear
• Slightly less grip on certain types of snow
Synthetic climbing skins
Synthetic models, generally made from nylon, are known for their durability.
Advantages:
• Very good grip
• Excellent resistance to wear
• Suitable for challenging conditions
Disadvantages:
• Slightly less efficient glide
• Slightly heavier
They are particularly well suited to beginners as well as skiers looking for durable equipment.
Mixed climbing skins
Mixed climbing skins combine mohair and synthetic fibres.
Today, they offer one of the best compromises between glide, grip and durability, making them a popular choice among ski tourers.
How to choose the right width?
A climbing skin should cover almost the entire width of the ski base in order to provide good grip during ascents.
Once trimmed, a few millimetres of the ski edge should generally remain visible on each side. This setup provides good grip while keeping the edges available for traversing slopes or skiing on hard snow.
Most manufacturers offer climbing skins that can be trimmed to fit, allowing them to be precisely adapted to each ski model.
Choosing the right attachment system
All climbing skins have a front attachment system. The rear attachment varies depending on the model and manufacturer.
Front clip and rear tensioner
This is the most common system.
It provides:
• Excellent hold
• Good skin tension
• High reliability, even on long tours
Specific attachment systems
Some brands develop their own attachment systems specifically for their skis.
Before purchasing, always check that the climbing skins are compatible with your equipment.
Which climbing skins should you choose for your style of skiing?
You're a beginner
Synthetic or mixed climbing skins are generally the most suitable.
They offer excellent grip, are more resistant to wear and require less maintenance.
You ski regularly
Mixed climbing skins are often the best compromise between performance, durability and ease of use.
You're looking for maximum performance
Mohair climbing skins are popular with experienced skiers thanks to their low weight and excellent glide performance.
However, they require more care and regular maintenance.
Important criteria not to overlook
Beyond the material, several factors can affect your comfort and performance on the mountain.
Weight
During a long ascent, a few hundred grams can make a noticeable difference.
Ease of handling
Some climbing skins are easier to remove, fold and put back into place, particularly when temperatures are very low.
Glue quality
Good adhesion ensures that the climbing skin stays securely in place despite moisture, snow and changes in temperature.
Modern technologies also make skins easier to remove while reducing dirt and debris from sticking to the adhesive.
The most common mistakes
When choosing their first pair of climbing skins, many ski tourers make the same mistakes.
In particular, avoid:
• Choosing based solely on price
• Neglecting compatibility with your skis
• Trimming the skins incorrectly
• Storing them while they are still wet
• Forgetting to dry them before storage
Expert advice
For your first pair, we recommend choosing a mixed model. It offers an excellent balance between grip, glide and durability, while remaining versatile enough for most ski touring adventures.
After each use, always allow your climbing skins to dry at room temperature before storing them. Regular maintenance will help preserve their performance for several seasons.
Frequently asked questions
Are climbing skins universal?
No. They must be suitable for the width and length of your skis.
Do climbing skins need to be trimmed?
Yes, in most cases. They are generally sold wider than necessary so that they can be precisely trimmed to fit the ski.
How long do climbing skins last?
Their lifespan depends on how often they are used, snow conditions and how well they are maintained. With proper care, they can last for several seasons.
Can you use the same climbing skins on several pairs of skis?
Only if the dimensions and attachment systems are compatible.
Conclusion
Climbing skins are an essential part of ski touring equipment. When chosen correctly, they improve grip, make ascents easier and make your time in the mountains more enjoyable. By taking into account the material, dimensions, attachment system and your level of experience, you can find a pair that is perfectly suited to your needs.
Read next
Planning your first ski touring adventure? Also check out our guide “How to Prepare for Your First Ski Touring Adventure?” to discover the essential equipment, best practices and key tips to know before heading into the mountains.
