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
17 excellent gear hacks for the wilds
If you’re heading out to the hills, you want to pack as light as possible. In which case, your stuff must multi-task. In that spirit, here are 17 of the best gear hacks we know.
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!
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.
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.
Field repair kit
Bringing a repair kit can be very useful, even if you’re not going on a long expedition. Preparation, as always, is never a bad thing.
Waxless or waxable skis?
Buying new skis and not sure whether to choose waxable or waxless bases? Maybe you think grip wax is tricky. Maybe you find the convenience of waxless is enticing. Here’s your path through the pros and cons (and the science!) of both…