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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bltg2fMb4JA

Tailoring your skins

 
Unpack the skin from its packaging. Check that the skin fits the ski BEFORE you remove the protective film on the adhesive.
 
Remove the protective film under the skin. Fasten the top of the skin at the ski tip.
 
Attach the skin to the sole of the ski from front to back, smoothing it flat so that it’s centred on the base. There should be some excess skin sticking out on over the sides.
 
Attach the rear fixture; tighten it. Then smooth out the skin one more time, making sure there are no creases or air between the skin and the sole. Use your hand or a plastic scraper or anything that lets you press it flat. Pay special attention to ensuring that the skin sits tightly on the steel edges.
 
Find the cutting tool that comes with your skins. The blade should be guided by the ski’s steel edge, cutting a couple of millimetres inside it; the wings of the cutting tool should be between the skin and the base.
 
It’s important that you don’t cut against the direction of the fibres: go from tip to tail. Pull the blade slowly but firmly towards the rear of the ski. Be careful to keep the knife close to the edge.
 
Repeat on the other side.
 
Done! When your skins have been trimmed, there should be approx. 2mm clearance at the steel edge, so that the metal is visible when the skin is attached.
 
Remove the skins, put them glue-to-glue (preferably with the included interlayer mesh) and store them in the storage bag.
https://vimeo.com/309449212?embedded=true&source=video_title&owner=91680866

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »