New skins?
If you’ve just got some new skins, or your first full set for the mountains – boots, beacon, helmet, poles, skis and skins – you’ll be anxious to get your skins right.
Today, most skins come in fixed lengths and widths. They also have fixtures at the front, and preferably an adjustable fixture at the back, allowing you to adjust the length for your skins. Skins typically come in “clothes sizes”, from extra-small to extra-large. A glance at the size chart or packaging well tell you which one you need.
Does the skin have to cover the entire sole?
No. A skin made for getting you to the top of a mountain doesn’t have to cover the entire ski base. That would be a lot of skin. Neither the tip of the ski and the rear 20cm of the skin are used when you’re propelling yourself. It’s also not a big problem if the skin’s slightly narrower than the ski’s widest points. All you need is relatively good coverage underfoot. Less skin under the ski means less resistance. Which means better glide. You don’t want to lift your skis from the snow while you’re ascending. Generally, most “universal skins” come in 120–130cm widths. This should work in most cases.
Tailoring your skins
Setting up camp – essential routines
Preparation is, as always, everything. You can never be too well practiced and prepared. Take pitching a tent in strong winds, for instance. It’s something you can train for…
Rocker, nordic rocker, taper and sidecut
Reading the specs, we read about rocker, nordic rocker, taper, and sidecut. If you don’t know what these things are, or what effect they have on the properties of your skis, read on as we break it down…
Choosing the right skin
Short skins have revolutionised trips to the backcountry on nordic skis. Long skins get you to the top. You can nail gliding, climbing, pulling, gripping, poor conditions, good conditions, days when you’re feeling too lazy to wax. We break down material, length, width, care, and everything else you’ll want to know.
Building a winter windbreak for you tent
To build a windbreak from snow, or not to build a windbreak from snow? This question comes up a lot. Here’s our advice – with a tip for those who’d rather not make the effort…
What’s inside your skis?
What are the skis made of? How are they made? What sets Åsnes apart? Here’s that guide to the inside of our skis you were looking for!
Tuning steel edges
Tuning and maintaining your steel edges is pretty simple if you have the tools. If you don’t, you can take them to a workshop to have them machined. Everyone has an opinion when it comes to grinding. And much is a matter of preference. But it’s worthwhile bearing in mind that ski designers made their decisions for a reason…