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
Hot waxing skins
Hot waxing skins? Yes. That’s right. The rumours are true: you can wax skins. With glide wax. And an iron. And for alpine touring, it works a total treat.
Photography on tour
Capturing moments of magic with a camera can add an extra dimension to the tour experience. With a little system and some simple steps, you can become an even better photographer. Here are some tips how.
Clothes for dogs in the cold
When it gets cold, spare a thought for you dog. Even dogs with a lot of fur can freeze if they don’t have an insulating undercoat. It doesn’t actually have to be much colder than -5° before many dogs can have problems – but there are still some who think dogs are unfreezeable. Here’s how to make sure they don’t.
Five tips for hitting the slopes with skins!
Five rules for skinning up a mountain safely and enjoyably. A truly competent, experienced ski guide would probably say there should be about twenty. We’re sticking to five get this true wisdom to stick! Consider these rules the basic pillars of laying down ski tracks right – a checklist of things to remember the next time you point your skis to the peak.
Tips for long distance ski tours
The first thing I want to say is that if you’re dreaming of something – do it. Just start making it happen! Don’t put it off. Because if there’s one thing that’s certain, it’s that you won’t regret it. It’s amazing what you can achieve if you only begin.
Using nature in Norway – like a Norwegian
Norway’s guarantee of the right to roam is a cherished part of our national identity.
But even though you’re free to move about throughout the country, there are still laws and regulations that must be respected.