How to Choose Climbing Skins for Skis
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1. Determine if you will get pre-cut or uncut universal skins
- Some brands such as Dynafit and Nordica make skins pre-cut to the length and width of their backcountry skis
- If your skis do not have a pre-cut skin available, you will have to purchase uncut universal skins
2. If purchasing uncut universal skins
- Determine the dimensions of your ski: Check your skis for Tip width, Waist Width, and Length (usually printed on the skis).
- If the dimensions aren't printed on your skis, measure the widest part of the tip and the narrowest part of the middle in millimeters. Also measure the length of your skis in centimeters.
- Match your ski tip width with a skin of the same or near the same width.
- Make sure the skin you choose is long enough for your ski.
3. Match the Climbing Skin's Tip and Tail Attachment to the type of ski you have
- If you are using a traditional ski with a narrower, pointy tip, the simple D-shaped Attach Clip will work
- If you are on modern all mountain skis with wider, blunter tips, you will need the kind of attachment found on G3 Alpinist Climbing Skins, Nordica Skins, or Marker Universal Freeride Skins
- If you have a twin tip ski with an upturned, rounded tail, you will need to add G3's Twin Tip Connector or go with Marker's wider tail attachment
4. Choose between Mohair, Nylon, or Hybrid Skins
- Mohair is best for longer tours or tours with a lot of up and down as they glide very well
- Nylon is very durable and waterproof. It is best for shorter tours such as slack-country or for conditions where there will be significant wear and tear on the skins (e.g., thin snow, etc.)
- Hybrid Mohair/Nylon - the best of both
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