Selecting the right climbing skins for your skis is essential for a successful backcountry adventure. With numerous options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best climbing skins for your needs. This guide will help you navigate the top choices in the market, including options from Pomoca, Black Diamond, Fischer, and Contour. We’ll also discuss how to properly fit and maintain your climbing skins for optimal performance.
What Are Climbing Skins?
Climbing skins are essential for ski touring, allowing you to ascend slopes without sliding backward. Made from synthetic or mohair materials, these skins attach to the bottom of your skis, providing traction on the snow. They are easily removable, allowing you to transition from uphill to downhill travel efficiently.
How to Choose the Best Climbing Skins
When selecting climbing skins, consider factors such as material, width, length, and attachment systems. Additionally, it’s important to choose skins that suit your specific skiing style and terrain preferences.
Top Climbing Skins on the Market
Pomoca Climbing Skins
Pomoca is renowned for producing high-quality climbing skins with a focus on durability and performance. Here are some of their top models:
Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide 140 mm Climbing Skins
These skins offer an excellent balance of grip and glide, making them ideal for varied terrain. The S-Glide technology enhances the glide while maintaining sufficient traction for uphill climbs.
Pomoca Tour Pro Climbing Skins
Available in multiple widths (100 mm, 120 mm, and 140 mm), these skins are versatile and cater to different ski sizes. The Tour Pro skins are known for their durability and ease of use, making them a popular choice among backcountry enthusiasts.
Pomoca Climb 2.0 Climbing Skins
Offered in 120 mm and 140 mm widths, the Climb 2.0 skins feature a mix of mohair and nylon, providing a great balance of grip and glide. These skins are suitable for a wide range of conditions, from powder to icy slopes.
Pomoca Free Pro Climbing Skins
The Free Pro skins are lightweight and designed for ski mountaineers who prioritize speed. Available in 123 mm and 140 mm widths, these skins are perfect for those looking to cover long distances quickly.
Black Diamond Climbing Skins
Black Diamond is another leading brand in the climbing skin market, known for their reliable and innovative products.
Black Diamond GlideLite Mix Fixed-Length Climbing Skins – 135 mm
These skins are crafted with a blend of mohair and nylon, offering a combination of glide and durability. The fixed-length design makes them easy to use, and they are a great choice for skiers who want a reliable, all-around climbing skin.
Black Diamond Ascension Nylon Skins
The Ascension Nylon skins are known for their excellent traction and durability. They are a bit heavier than other options, but their performance on steep and icy terrain is unmatched.
Fischer Super Skins – Full Length
Fischer’s Super Skins are full-length skins that provide excellent grip and glide. They are designed for skiers who need maximum coverage and traction on challenging terrain.
Contour Skin Trimming Tool
Properly fitting your climbing skins is crucial for optimal performance. The Contour Skin Trimming Tool is a handy device that allows you to customize your skins to fit your skis perfectly. By trimming the skins to match your ski’s dimensions, you ensure maximum grip and glide efficiency.
How to Attach and Maintain Your Climbing Skins
Attaching Your Climbing Skins
- Clean Your Skis: Before attaching the skins, ensure your skis are clean and free of snow and ice.
- Align the Skins: Start by aligning the skin with the tip of your ski. Most skins come with tip loops or clips for easy attachment.
- Secure the Tail: Pull the skin taut and attach the tail clip or fastener to the end of your ski.
- Smooth Out the Skins: Run your hand along the length of the ski to ensure the skin is adhered without any air bubbles or wrinkles.
Maintaining Your Climbing Skins
Proper maintenance of your climbing skins will extend their lifespan and ensure peak performance:
- Dry Them Properly: After each use, dry your skins thoroughly to prevent the adhesive from degrading.
- Store Them Correctly: Keep your skins stored in a cool, dry place. Use the protective skin savers that come with most skins to maintain adhesive quality.
- Clean the Glue: If the glue becomes dirty or loses its stickiness, clean it with a skin-specific cleaner or replace it as needed.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Loss of Adhesion: If your skins lose their stickiness, try cleaning the glue or applying a skin glue renewer.
- Edge Peel: Ensure your skins are properly trimmed to prevent the edges from peeling.
- Snow Build-Up: Use a ski-specific wax on the skin surface to prevent snow from sticking.
Conclusion
Choosing the best climbing skins for your skis is essential for a successful backcountry adventure. With top options from brands like Pomoca, Black Diamond, and Fischer, there’s a perfect fit for every skier’s needs. Ensure you attach and maintain your skins properly to enjoy optimal performance and longevity. With the right climbing skins, you’ll be well-equipped for any terrain your ski tour takes you on.