Ski skins facts for kids

Climbing skin

Ascent with skins, John Surr en route to Slide Peak, California

Imagine you want to ski up a snowy mountain! That's where climbing skins come in handy. These are special strips that attach to the bottom of your skis. They help you walk or slide uphill on snow without slipping backward. Once you reach the top, you take them off to enjoy skiing downhill.

Climbing skins usually connect to your skis in a few ways. They have a loop for the ski tip, a hook for the tail, and a sticky adhesive on the bottom of the skin. They got their name because the first ones looked and felt like sealskin. Today, most skins are made from nylon, mohair, or a mix of both. They are designed to let your skis glide forward easily but stop them from sliding back. Skins are often a bit narrower than your skis. This allows the edges of your skis to grip the snow better. Some ski resorts even let people use skins to climb their slopes.

A Look Back: The History of Ski Skins

Long ago, people living in very cold, snowy places like the Arctic needed ways to travel. They invented skis to move across ice and snow. These clever people also found a way to make their skis even better for climbing. They used animal skins to get extra grip. This helped them travel across vast snowy areas. Skis with skins were very important for these groups. They allowed them to move around easily and quickly, saving a lot of energy.

What Are Ski Skins Made Of?

Traditional skins made from sealskin

Today, climbing skins are usually made from two main materials: mohair and nylon. Each material has its own strengths.

Mohair vs. Nylon: Choosing the Right Skin

Mohair skins are often smoother when you slide forward. This means they glide better on the snow. However, they might not offer as much grip as nylon skins. Mohair skins are also usually lighter and easier to fold up.

Nylon skins are very strong and last a long time. They are especially good for tough conditions, like icy snow or when you might scrape rocks. Skiers often choose between mohair and nylon based on the snow in their area. If the snow is soft and powdery, mohair is often preferred. But if the snow is likely to be icy, nylon is usually the better choice. Some companies even make skins that mix mohair and nylon fibers. This tries to give you the best of both worlds!

See Also

• Ski touring