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
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Choosing bindings for cross-country BC skis
Not certain which bindings choose for cross-country skiing in the backcounty? Confused by the difference between NNN-BC or 75mm bindings? Cable-curious? Find all the answers here!
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Care for the outdoors dog
All good research on dog training agrees: planning is key for keeping a dog happy and thriving. This applies when adapting to new environments and weather conditions. Ideally, your dog would probably be inside the cabin or at home in front of the fireplace as much as possible when it’s cold outside. But if we make the decision to take the dog out into the cold, it’s our responsibility to make certain that the animal’s well protected.
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So – what exactly is a skin, anyway?
Skins are more than a strip of carpet with glue on the back. They’re tools designed to help us in pursuit of pristine snow, perfect lines, and/or solitude. Something this magical demands a proper description of how it’s made.
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How to use Åsnes short skins
Wondering how to use Åsnes short skins? Not sure what these skins are good for and what the point is? Or wondering how to install a short skin? How to customize them? Whatever it is, here are the answers.
![](https://asnes-academy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/KaiOtto_19_7-400x250.jpg)
Equipment tips for Expedition Amundsen
If you’ve signed up for the “world’s hardest expedition race” then you know it’s seriously demanding. Meticulous preparation is absolutely required if you’re going to make it to the finish line at all. This includes making the right choices about equipment. So here’s our guide to help.
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Dressing for adventure: what to wear in the wild
Norwegian grandmothers have it right: always wear wool against the skin. Beginning with wool as the first layer, the three-layer principle applies. Step this way for a guide to wrapping up warm in the wild.