Best Ski Skins of 2026
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Ski skins are an essential piece of equipment for any backcountry skier. These specialized strips of synthetic material attach to the bottom of skis and provide traction for uphill travel. They allow skiers to climb steep terrain without slipping, and then easily remove them for a smooth downhill ride. Ski skins come in a variety of sizes and materials, but they all serve the same purpose: to make backcountry skiing safer and more enjoyable. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, ski skins are a must-have for any backcountry adventure.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Ski Skins
Black Diamond Ascension Ski Climbing Skins
The Black Diamond Ascension Skins are designed to fit a range of ski lengths, making it easy for you to find the perfect match for your skis. With an adjustable tail that offers 10 cm of extra length, you can fine-tune the fit for better performance. The tip loop is also adjustable, so it can accommodate different ski tip shapes, giving you more flexibility. Plus, these skins come with a reliable 2-year warranty from Black Diamond, a trusted Utah brand known for quality outdoor gear since 1957, ensuring you get a durable and dependable product.
POMOCA Tour Pro Climbing Skin
The POMOCA Tour Pro Skins are designed for serious backcountry skiers who need reliable, durable gear. With a tougher build and new metal tail clip plus a versatile universal tip, these skins offer lasting strength and easy attachment. The 65% mohair and 35% nylon mix provides a great balance, giving you better grip for tricky climbs while still allowing smooth glides. Plus, the Ever Dry hydrophobic treatment keeps snow from sticking, so you won’t lose performance or get slowed down. These features work together to make your multi-day tours more efficient and hassle-free.
POMOCA Free Pro Ultralight Mohair-Mix Ski Skins
The POMOCA Free Pro Skins are designed for backcountry and freeride skiing, offering you a lightweight and easily packable option. With a new metal tail clip and universal tip attachment, these skins provide greater durability and a secure fit, so you can trust them on tough terrains. The unique blend of mohair and synthetic fibers helps you glide forward smoothly while giving you reliable grip when moving backward, improving your control on slopes. Plus, the Ever Dry 3.0 hydrophobic treatment keeps the skins from freezing up, ensuring they stay effective and easy to use even in wet or cold conditions.
Fischer Super Skin Mohair Mix 66 Nordic Ski Skins
The Fischer Super Skin Skins are full-length climbing skins designed to give you better grip on steep ascents, thanks to their secure metal hooks and elastic tip attachments. Made from a blend of 65% mohair and 35% nylon, these skins offer a great balance of strong adhesion and smooth glide, helping you move efficiently uphill without covering your ski edges. They work well with Fischer's Dual Skin system models, making them a versatile choice for your backcountry Nordic skis. When it's time to switch to downhill, you can easily remove the skins with a quick pull, saving you time and effort on the trail.
POMOCA Climb 2.0 Ready 2 Climb Ski Skins
The POMOCA Climb 2.0 Skins are designed to handle a wide range of snow conditions, making them a reliable choice for your backcountry adventures. With a blend of 70% mohair and 30% nylon, these skins offer a great balance between grip and smooth glide, so you can climb efficiently without slipping. The Ever Dry 3.0 waterproof technology helps keep the skins from freezing, ensuring they stay functional in tough winter weather without harming the environment. Plus, the Grip Technology provides extra stability, helping you feel confident and secure on your tours, no matter your skill level.
Airopr Queen Size Double Sleeping Bag
The Airopr Double Sleeping Bag offers a spacious queen-size design, measuring 94.5 by 59 inches, giving you and a partner plenty of room to move comfortably while sharing body heat. Its unique 3-in-1 design allows you to separate the bag into two air cushions, perfect for different camping needs or solo use. You'll stay warm in all seasons thanks to hollow cotton insulation and a waterproof polyester exterior that keeps moisture out and retains heat effectively. Plus, cleaning is easy since this sleeping bag is fully machine washable, making it a practical choice for both kids and adults on any outdoor adventure.
POMOCA Tour Explore Mohair-Mix Ski Skins
The POMOCA Tour Explore Skins are designed to make backcountry skiing easier and more enjoyable. Their new metal tail clip and universal tip attachment add durability and flexibility, so you can trust your skins to stay secure on any terrain. Made with a blend of 65% mohair and 35% nylon, these skins offer a great balance between grip and glide, giving you better control when the slopes get challenging. Plus, with the Ever Dry hydrophobic treatment, snow won’t stick to your skins, keeping your glide smooth and efficient throughout your tour.
Sno-Stuff 501-201 Ski Skin
The Sno-Stuff Ski Skin is designed with durability in mind, thanks to its 3/16-inch thick polyethylene plastic construction. This thickness ensures the skin can withstand rough terrains and extended use without wearing out quickly. As a key accessory for skiers, it helps you maintain better grip and control on snowy slopes, making your skiing experience safer and more enjoyable. With its reliable build, the Sno-Stuff Ski Skin offers convenience and peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your adventure rather than worrying about your gear.
G3 Genuine Guide Gear Splitboard+ Climbing Skins
The G3 Splitboard+ Skins are designed for all terrains and snow conditions, giving you the perfect mix of grip and glide whether you're climbing steep slopes or cruising downhill. They come with a new tail connector that lines up easily with your board, making setup quick and secure. The skins include splitboard-specific parts like a tip connector with two hands for a tight fit and a camming tail clip, ensuring your skins stay firmly attached without extra weight. Plus, they feature a PFC-free waterproof treatment that not only protects against moisture but also exceeds industry standards, keeping your skins reliable and eco-friendly during your backcountry adventures.
POMOCA Splitboard Explore Climbing Skin
The POMOCA Explore Skins are designed to make backcountry snowboarding easier, especially for beginners. They use a 65% mohair and 35% nylon mix, giving you a great balance of grip and smooth glide, so you can climb with confidence and control. The skins feature a special Ever Dry hydrophobic treatment, which keeps snow from sticking, helping you avoid slowdowns and extra weight. Plus, the Grip Plush angled fibers boost traction under your feet, reducing slipping on tricky climbs. These skins are sized specifically for splitboards, ensuring a perfect fit for your gear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I find skins for my skis?
To find the right skins for your skis, measure the widest part of your skis (usually the tip) and subtract 5-6 millimeters. This will give you the desired skin width. The goal is to cover the plastic base material on the bottom of your skis while leaving the metal edges bare. This ensures proper coverage and grip for climbing.
2. Can I leave my skins on my skis?
It is not recommended to leave your climbing skins stuck to your skis. When the temperature is very cold, it's best to keep your skins close to your body to prevent them from freezing. Before applying the skins, make sure to clean the base of your skis thoroughly and remove any snow or ice crystals. This will ensure proper adhesion and performance of the skins.
During our ski skin research, we found 24 ski skin products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,601 customer reviews through our big data system to write the ski skins list. We found that most customers choose ski skins with an average price of $173.39.
The ski skins are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of ski skins, including BLACK DIAMOND, POMOCA, Fischer, Airopr, Sno-Stuff. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 345 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.