Key takeaways
- Climbing skins attach to ski/splitboard bases to grip the snow for climbing uphill.
- Their directional nap glides forward but grips backward, stopping backslip on the climb.
- Materials: nylon (grippy, durable), mohair (glides better, less durable), or blends.
- Removed for the descent; keep the glue clean and dry, and store them properly to preserve stickiness.
From the original sealskins once used for the purpose.
What climbing skins are
Climbing skins are strips of fabric that attach to the bases of touring skis or a splitboard to provide grip for climbing uphill on snow. The fabric’s directional nap glides forward but grips when it would slide backward, so you can stride up a slope without backsliding. The name is a holdover from the original sealskins once used for the job.
How they work and the materials
- Nylon — strong grip and durable, but glides less.
- Mohair — glides better and lighter, but wears faster.
- Blends — balance grip and glide.
The back has adhesive glue plus tip and tail attachments to hold the skin to the ski; you peel them off for the descent.
At the bottom of a backcountry climb, a tourer sticks skins to their touring skis, strides up the slope gripping with each step, then at the top peels the skins, folds them glue-to-glue, and stows them to ski down.
Caring for skins
Keep the glue clean and free of snow and debris, dry them after use, and store them with the backing or folded glue-to-glue. In cold or wet conditions, keep skins warm so the glue stays tacky — peeling skins mid-climb is a classic backcountry frustration. Skins are essential for touring, ski mountaineering, and splitboarding.
The bottom line
Climbing skins are what make uphill ski travel possible: directional fabric strips that glide forward and grip backward so you can stride up slopes, then peel off for the descent. Choose nylon for grip, mohair for glide, or a blend for both — and take care of the glue and nap, because well-maintained skins are the difference between a smooth climb and skins peeling off mid-slope.
Frequently asked questions
What are climbing skins?
Climbing skins are fabric strips that stick to the bottoms of touring skis or a splitboard to grip the snow when climbing uphill. The fabric has a directional nap that slides forward but grips when it would slide backward, so you can stride up a slope without the skis sliding out from under you. You peel them off to ski down.
What are climbing skins made of?
The plush (gripping surface) is typically nylon, mohair, or a nylon-mohair blend. Nylon grips well and is durable but glides less; mohair (from Angora goats) glides better and is lighter but wears faster; blends balance the two. The back has an adhesive (glue) and tip/tail attachments to hold the skin to the ski.
How do you care for climbing skins?
Keep the glue side clean and free of snow, dirt, and pine needles, dry them after use, and store them with the supplied backing or folded glue-to-glue so they don't lose stickiness or pick up debris. In very cold or wet conditions, keeping skins warm (e.g., inside a jacket) helps the glue stay tacky so they don't peel off mid-climb.
Sources
- Ski touring gear — The Mountaineers
- Backcountry equipment — American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education