How to Apply Climbing Skins

Climbing skins are an essential piece of equipment for backcountry skiing or snowboarding, as they provide traction to ascend uphill. Here's how to apply climbing skins to your skis or snowboard:

1. Start by laying your skis or snowboard on a flat surface, with the base facing up. Make sure they're clean and dry before applying the skins.

2. Remove any snow or debris from the base of your skis or snowboard, as this can affect the adhesion of the skins.

3. Take the climbing skins and hold them by the center, with the adhesive side facing down. Make sure the skin is the correct length for your skis or snowboard.

4. Align the front edge of the skin with the tip of your ski or snowboard, making sure the skin is centered.

5. Slowly lay the skin down on the base of your ski or snowboard, smoothing it out as you go to prevent air bubbles or wrinkles. Make sure the skin is straight and aligned with the edges of your skis or snowboard.

6. Apply pressure to the skin with your hands or a ski-specific tool to ensure it's firmly attached to the base. Run your hands along the length of the skin to smooth out any remaining air pockets or wrinkles.

7. Repeat the process for the second ski or snowboard.

8. To remove the skins, simply grab the tail of the skin and pull it off, starting from the back and working your way forward.

9. Once the skins are removed, be sure to fold them neatly and store them in a cool, dry place.

It's important to note that different brands of climbing skins may have slightly different application and removal procedures, so always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidance.