Ski Touring Skin Care Calculator

How do I know when to replace climbing skins?

Replace climbing skins when the fibres are visibly worn flat, grip fails on moderate slopes regardless of cleaning, or the glue can no longer be re-applied to the skin backing. A mohair skin typically lasts 80–100 touring days, a mix skin 120–130 days, and a nylon skin 150+ days. Performance degradation: not just age: is the primary indicator.

Can I re-glue climbing skins myself?

Yes. Re-gluing is a straightforward process: remove old glue with a glue remover (Pomoca, Holmenkol), let the backing dry fully, apply fresh skin glue in thin even coats, and allow 24 hours to cure. Kits from Pomoca, Kohla and Black Diamond are widely available. A ski shop can also do it if you prefer professional application.

Why do my skins ice up in cold conditions?

Icing happens when wet snow or water gets under the fibres and refreezes. It is most common at temperatures near 0 °C or when crossing wet snow sections. Prevention: apply a skin wax (e.g. Toko Skin Proof, Nixwax Skin Proof) to the fibres before touring, and pre-warm skins against your body in very cold conditions so the glue makes better contact with the base.

What is the difference between mohair and nylon skins?

Mohair fibres come from angora goats and are naturally hydrophobic, which makes them glide much better than nylon on hard or cold snow. They are however softer and wear faster: 80–100 days vs 150+ for nylon. Nylon skins grip more aggressively and last longer but create noticeably more drag on flat or slightly downhill terrain. Mix skins (mohair-nylon blend) are the most popular compromise.

How should I store climbing skins between seasons?

Fold skins glue-to-glue, place in a mesh or fabric bag (not plastic, which traps moisture), and store at room temperature in a dry location. Avoid hot areas such as car boots or attics: heat causes the glue to melt and migrate into the fibres, which ruins adhesion. Do not freeze skins for extended periods as this also degrades the glue.

Can I use skins on any ski?

Skins must be sized to your ski width. Measure the width at the tip, waist and tail; the skin should cover the base fully with 2–3 mm clearance from each edge. Tip and tail attachments must be compatible with your ski's shovel shape and tail notch: many manufacturers offer universal clips, but some shapes (very wide tails, pin-hole systems) need specific attachment kits.

How long do climbing skins last?

Mohair: 80 to 120 touring days. Nylon: 120 to 180 days. Mix: 100 to 150 days. Lifespan depends on snow conditions (icy and abrasive snow wears skins faster), care (cleaning extends life 30 to 50 percent), and storage (heat and dirt shorten life). A well-maintained mix skin can reach 150 days.

Can you re-glue climbing skins (lifespan extension)?

Yes. Use skin-specific tube glue (Gold Label, Pomoca) or iron-on glue sheets. Clean old glue residue first. Re-gluing costs 15 to 25 USD and extends skin life by 30 to 50 days. Worth doing once; if glue fails again quickly, the skin material is also worn and full replacement is better.

Mohair vs nylon climbing skins: which to buy?

Mohair (mountain goat hair): best glide uphill, lightest, wears faster (80 to 120 days). Nylon (synthetic): best grip on steep ice, most durable (120 to 180 days), heaviest. Mix (65 percent mohair / 35 percent nylon): best all-around choice for most touring. Most recreational tourers should buy mix skins.