Backcountry Ski Accessories

• Climbing Skins
• Other Accessories

You've got the basic equipment for cross-country skiing. But do you have everything to ensure your skis are outfitted for the backcountry? There may be a couple of items listed here that you haven't thought of. Read on to learn about some useful accessories.

Climbing Skins

Climbing skins are strips of material that attach to the undersides of backcountry skis to provide traction for climbing or touring. They not only save energy by keeping you from backsliding on moderate terrain, they can also save time by allowing you to take a direct, uphill route instead of having to ski around on gentler ground. They're handy to have when you're carrying a heavy pack, too, as they can give you a little extra control.

Originally sealskin, skins are now generally made of mohair or nylon. Their outer surfaces have hairs or scales that grab the snow, preventing backward movement of the skis. When the skis are moved forward, these surfaces flatten out, allowing some glide. Skins can cover the full length of the ski or just the middle section. They typically attach to ski bases with adhesive, buckles, straps or a combination of these.

Your choice of climbing skins depends on a couple of things. Where will you be skiing, and with how much gear? Winter camping or skiing from hut to hut with a big pack is much easier with full-length skins. On a day trip devoted to carving as many turns as you can, you may do just fine with shorter skins. How often you ski can also determine how much you want to invest in your skins.

Traditional skins range from about 48 to 80 millimeters wide to fit different styles of skis, from narrower touring skis to wider randonee and telemark skis. Buy them in a width as close to your skis' waist width as possible, so that they cover the ski base up to the metal edges.

Shaped telemark and randonee skis have extra-wide tips and tails. When waist-width skins are placed on them, a significant portion of the ski base at the tips and tails is not covered, and climbing grip is reduced. Skins for shaped skis are available in widths up to 120 millimeters. A tool is usually included with the these skins allowing you to trim them to the exact hourglass shape of your skis for optimal climbing grip.

Nylon and Mohair Skins

Mohair and nylon skins are similar in that they are attached with both clips and adhesives. Mohair skins perform well in dry snow. They grip well going uphill and still glide on short downhill stretches. Nylon skins are better for wet snow, as the nylon resists water and thus icing up. Skin wax can be applied to the working surface of skins to prevent freezing and ice buildup.

"Euro" style skins have rubber loops at the ski tips and riveted hooks to secure the tails. This combination, along with an adhesive backing, stretches the skins and helps to hold them firmly in place. Standard-style skins attach with adhesive backings, welded stainless-steel loops at the tips and metal hooks at the tails.

Adhesive-backed skins require some care when handled. Avoid dropping them in the snow, and try to keep them clean so the adhesives remain sticky. To store adhesive skins, make sure they are completely dry, then fold them, sticky sides together. Put them in a plastic bag to prevent the glue from drying.

Short Skins

Short, lightweight "kicker" skins are great to have along when only a little traction is necessary. These short skins cover roughly the middle third of the ski, forming a "kick zone." Adhesive can also be used to make sure they stay in place, especially if you're making a day of repeated downhill runs with climbing back up in between.

Other Accessories

Ski Crampons

Snow can sometimes be too steep or icy for skins alone to provide traction. Ski crampons add traction and security for going up or crossing especially steep, icy slopes. Ski crampons usually attach to the binding hinges. When you step down, the crampon bites in, and when you lift your foot, it comes up off the snow.

Heel Lifts

Heel lifts are attached to telemark bindings to relieve muscle fatigue in your calves as you climb. Commonly made of wire, the lifts provide a platform for your heels, so that the Achilles tendons aren't stretched. They can save you energy on long ascents, especially if you're carrying a heavy load. Some inexpensive lifts attach to the boots and can be flipped out of the way when not in use.

Telemark Knee Pads

As a telemark skier, you have the unique experience of "kneeling" in the snow as you carve turns down a slope. And with this experience, you sometimes have the misfortune of finding rocks, stumps or avalanche debris—with your knees! Knee pads to the rescue. Carry them along on early- and late-season trips when the snow just may not be deep enough to bury obstacles completely.