What Is Skinning? Discover A New Winter Outdoor Sport

Skinning isn’t just a sport—it’s an experience, a journey into nature that blends physical challenge with the serenity of snowy landscapes. But what is skinning? And more importantly, how can you get involved in this thrilling sport?

What is Skinning?

Skinning, also known as uphill skiing, is a winter sport that involves climbing snow-covered slopes with skis equipped with “skins” — adhesive strips with a directional nap to prevent sliding backwards.

Origins and History of Skinning

Originally a means of transportation in snowy regions, skinning has evolved into a recreational and competitive sport, attracting a passionate community of enthusiasts worldwide.

Origins

• Transportation: The roots of skinning trace back to a time when people needed to traverse snowy landscapes for survival and transport. Skis, fitted with animal skins to prevent backward slipping, provided an effective solution. This early form of skiing was not a sport but a necessity in many snowy regions worldwide.
• Scandinavia: In particular, Scandinavia played a crucial role in the evolution of skiing. Archaeological findings suggest that people in this region used skis as early as 6,000 BC. The word ‘ski’ even comes from the Old Norse word ‘skíð,’ which means ‘split piece of wood.’
• Military Applications: Skis were also used for military purposes. For instance, during the Middle Ages, Scandinavian countries deployed ski-equipped troops in warfare. These soldiers would often move uphill before gliding down to engage the enemy.

Evolution to Sport

• Ski Mountaineering: The transformation of skinning from a mode of transportation to a recreational activity began with ski mountaineering, which involved climbing peaks on skis before descending. Early adventurers would often attach skins to their skis for the uphill portions of their journeys.
• 20th Century: It was during the 20th century that ski mountaineering began to grow in popularity as a sport. This period saw improvements in ski design and bindings, and the advent of synthetic skins, which significantly enhanced the skinning experience.
• Competitive Sport: Skinning, as a competitive sport, is relatively new. The first uphill skiing races date back to the early 20th century. Since then, skinning races have grown in popularity, attracting athletes from around the world to compete in grueling uphill and downhill races.

The Thrill of Skinning

The thrill of skinning is multi-dimensional, blending physical exertion, mental challenges, a connection with nature, and the joy of skiing into a unique and exhilarating experience.

The Physical Challenge

First and foremost, skinning is a physical adventure. As you attach skins to your skis and begin your ascent, your heart rate rises, your muscles work, and your breathing syncs with your strides. The incline of the terrain and the winter air add an extra layer of physical challenge, pushing your endurance and strength to their limits. Yet, this effort is an integral part of the skinning thrill, a test of personal grit and perseverance. With every step uphill, you’re not just moving forward; you’re overcoming, you’re achieving.

The Mental Experience

Beyond the physicality, skinning also offers a profound mental experience. There’s a meditative quality to the rhythm of your strides, the crunch of snow under your skis, and the serenity of the mountain landscape. Skinning requires you to be present, to focus on the path ahead and your movement, creating a unique space for mindfulness and introspection. Moreover, navigating varying snow conditions and terrain types poses mental challenges that keep the sport continually engaging and exciting.

Connecting to Nature

Then there’s the connection with nature. Skinning takes you away from the crowded ski resorts and lifts, leading you into untouched, pristine landscapes. You’re surrounded by the silence of the mountains, the majesty of snow-covered trees, and the stunning vistas only accessible to those willing to earn their turns. The sport offers an intimate experience of winter’s beauty and an opportunity to enjoy skiing in its purest, rawest form.

The Conquest

And finally, the descent. After the rigorous climb, you peel off the skins, secure your bindings, and gaze down the slope you’ve conquered. The thrill of skiing downhill on fresh snow, of the exhilarating speed and graceful turns, is a reward in itself. It’s the crowning glory of the skinning adventure, a joyful conclusion to a challenging journey.

In essence, the thrill of skinning lies in its combination of physical challenge, mental engagement, nature immersion, and the pure joy of skiing. It’s a holistic, adventurous sport that tests your limits and rewards you with unparalleled experiences. Skinning is indeed a thrill – a celebration of winter, mountains, skiing, and the sheer power of human will.

How to Get Started with Skinning

Starting your journey into the world of skinning is an exciting prospect. There’s much to learn and experience, and the process can be incredibly rewarding. Here are some steps to guide you on how to get started with skinning.

Step 1: Understand the Sport

Before you jump into the sport, it’s important to familiarize yourself with what skinning entails. Learn about the techniques, equipment, and physical demands involved. Read articles, watch videos, and speak to those already engaged in the sport. This will give you an understanding of what to expect and how to prepare for your first skinning adventure.

Step 2: Physical Preparation

Skinning is a physically demanding sport that requires a good level of fitness. Begin a fitness regime that includes both cardiovascular and strength training exercises. Focus on building endurance and strength in your legs and core, as these muscle groups are heavily involved in the sport.

Step 3: Gather the Necessary Equipment

Next, you’ll need to gather the necessary equipment.  The right gear is critical. Skis should be lightweight yet durable, bindings need to allow free heel movement for ascending, and boots should offer both comfort and support. Skins must be selected based on your skis and the terrain’s characteristics.  At the basic level, this includes:

• Skis: For skinning, you’ll need skis that are compatible with skins and bindings that allow free heel movement for the uphill portion.
• Skins: Skins, which attach to the bottom of your skis, provide the necessary traction to move uphill without slipping backward.
• Bindings: Touring bindings, which can switch between a locked and free heel, are essential for skinning.
• Boots: Look for ski boots that offer both comfort and performance. They should be designed for ski touring and have a walk mode for the uphill portion.
• Safety Equipment: An avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe are vital safety equipment pieces that you should carry on every outing.

Understanding the Equipment

The ‘skins’ attached to the bottom of skis make uphill movement possible, even on icy terrain. Once the climber reaches the summit, the skins are removed, transforming the uphill gear into downhill skis.

Step 4: Get Educated

Before hitting the slopes, it’s crucial to receive education on avalanche safety and rescue techniques. Consider taking an avalanche safety course to learn about recognizing avalanche terrain, interpreting forecasts, making safe decisions, and conducting a rescue. Knowledge in these areas is critical for your safety and the safety of others.

Step 5: Mastering the Technique

Now it’s time to learn the actual technique of skinning. This includes how to move efficiently uphill, how to make switchbacks on steep slopes, and how to manage varying snow conditions. At first, it’s a good idea to practice on gentle slopes until you’re comfortable, then gradually move on to steeper and more challenging terrain.

Step 6: Find a Mentor or Guide

When starting out, it’s beneficial to have a mentor or guide who can introduce you to the sport, share valuable tips, and ensure you’re skinning safely. This could be a friend experienced in skinning, a community group, or a professional mountain guide.

Step 7: Start Skinning!

Begin with gentle slopes to get a feel for the movement and technique. Focus on establishing a consistent pace and good technique rather than speed or distance. Remember, skinning is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

Starting your skinning journey involves careful preparation and education. But with the right approach, you can open the door to a sport that offers immense fitness benefits, a deep connection with nature, and the exhilaration of skiing down slopes you’ve earned with your own effort.

Skinning Communities and Events

Engaging with skinning communities and participating in events can greatly enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the sport. There’s a sense of camaraderie among skinners, an enthusiasm for sharing experiences, knowledge, and, of course, a shared love for the mountains and the thrill of the ascent and descent.

Skinning Communities

Skinning communities are abundant and provide a platform for enthusiasts to connect, share experiences, and offer advice. They exist in various forms:

• Online Forums and Social Media: Websites such as Reddit, Facebook, and Instagram have numerous groups and accounts dedicated to skinning. These platforms allow people from around the world to connect, discuss equipment, share routes, and post their experiences.
• Local Clubs: Many areas with suitable terrain have local skinning or ski mountaineering clubs. These clubs often organize regular outings, skills workshops, and social events. They can be a great way to meet like-minded people and learn from more experienced skinners.
• Professional Organizations: Professional organizations, such as the American Alpine Club or the Ski Mountaineering Association in the UK, often have resources and events dedicated to skinning.

Skinning Events

There are also many events centered around skinning, ranging from casual meetups to competitive races.

• Casual Events: These include social skinning outings, demo days, and skills workshops. Social outings are a great way to meet fellow skinners and explore new terrain. Demo days allow you to try out the latest gear. Workshops can help you improve your technique and learn new skills, like avalanche safety or efficient transitioning.
• Races: For those with a competitive streak, there are skinning races. These typically involve a marked course that participants must ascend and then descend as fast as possible. Races can range from local community events to high-profile international competitions like the Patrouille des Glaciers in Switzerland or the Pierra Menta in France.
• Festivals: Some regions host ski mountaineering festivals, combining races, workshops, gear demos, and social events. These festivals can be a fun way to immerse yourself in the skinning community and culture.

Joining a skinning community and participating in events can provide immense value, whether you’re a beginner looking for advice and encouragement, or a seasoned skinner seeking to share your experiences and engage in friendly competition. It’s about more than the sport itself – it’s about being part of a community that shares a common passion for adventure, challenge, and the beauty of the mountains.

Safety Measures and Precautions

As with any outdoor activity, especially one involving mountains and winter conditions, skinning does carry its share of risks and potential injuries. Being aware of these risks and how to minimize them is key to safely enjoying the sport.

Environmental Risks

The first category of risks involves the environment in which skinning takes place.

• Avalanches: One of the most significant risks when skinning is avalanches. Traveling in backcountry and high alpine environments exposes skinners to potential avalanche terrain. Understanding avalanche safety, regularly checking forecasts, and always carrying a beacon, probe, and shovel are crucial measures to mitigate this risk.
• Weather: Rapid changes in weather, including heavy snowfall, wind, or a sudden drop in temperature, can create hazardous conditions. Skinning in poor visibility can also increase the risk of injury. Checking the weather forecast and being prepared with the appropriate clothing and equipment can help you manage these risks.
• Altitude sickness: If skinning at high altitudes, especially if you are not acclimatized, there is a risk of altitude sickness, which can be severe if not treated promptly. Be aware of the symptoms and take the time to properly acclimatize when skinning at altitude.
• Getting lost: Skinning often involves moving away from marked trails and into the backcountry, which can increase the risk of getting lost. Knowing how to navigate and carrying a map and compass (or a GPS device) are important skills to mitigate this risk.

Physical Injuries

Despite our best efforts, accidents can still happen, and certain injuries are more common in skinning.

• Falls: Falls can occur during both the ascent and descent and can lead to a variety of injuries, from minor bruises and sprains to more serious injuries like fractures or head injuries. Good technique, appropriate equipment, and careful route selection can all reduce the risk of falling.
• Skin abrasions and blisters: Skin abrasions and blisters are common, especially among those new to the sport or breaking in new boots. Ensuring your boots and bindings are properly fitted and wearing the right socks can help prevent these issues.
• Overuse injuries: Overuse injuries, such as knee pain or tendonitis, can occur due to the repetitive nature of skinning. Proper technique, conditioning, and listening to your body when it needs to rest can prevent these injuries.

Safe Skinning Practices

Safety is paramount in skinning. It’s essential to check weather and avalanche forecasts, inform others about your plans, carry safety equipment, and respect mountain rules and regulations.

• Check the weather and avalanche forecast: Before heading out, always check the weather and avalanche conditions for your chosen location. Weather in mountainous areas can change rapidly and dramatically, and being caught in severe weather or avalanche-prone conditions can be dangerous. Make it a habit to regularly check reliable sources of weather and avalanche information, such as local mountain rescue organizations or meteorological websites.
• Carry essential safety gear: Your backpack should contain an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe, essential tools for locating and rescuing individuals in the event of an avalanche. Ensure your beacon is in working condition, your shovel is sturdy enough for digging in compacted snow, and your probe is long enough to effectively search beneath the snow.
• Plan your route: Planning your route in advance can help avoid dangerous areas, such as steep slopes, cliffs, and areas prone to avalanches. Use maps and guidebooks, consult local experts, or use GPS tools with the terrain layer to plan a safe and enjoyable route.
• Inform others about your plans: Always let someone know where you’re going, what route you plan to take, and when you expect to return. This is crucial in case of an emergency. If you fail to return as expected, rescuers will know where to start looking.
• Travel with a group: There’s safety in numbers when it comes to skinning. A group can help each other in case of an accident, and the camaraderie can make the experience more enjoyable. Ideally, travel with others who are experienced in skinning and have knowledge of the area.
• Get trained: Undertake an avalanche safety training course or similar to ensure you are equipped with the knowledge to assess and manage risks in the mountains. This will teach you how to interpret avalanche forecasts, identify dangerous terrain, and conduct an avalanche rescue.
• Stay within your limits: Know your physical limits and keep within them. Pushing yourself too hard not only increases the risk of injury but also means you might not have the energy you need if something goes wrong. Start with gentler slopes and work up to steeper terrain as your fitness and technique improve.
• Respect the mountain: Lastly, respect the mountain and its rules. Many ski resorts have specific routes and times for skinning to ensure everyone’s safety. Adhere to these rules and stay away from closed or restricted areas.

How is Skinning Different to Skiing?

Skinning and skiing, while sharing the same foundational element of sliding on snow with skis, serve different purposes and involve different techniques and equipment.

Purpose and Direction

The most fundamental difference between skinning and skiing is the direction of travel.

• Skiing is generally a downhill activity. Skiers ride a lift, helicopter, or snowcat to the top of a mountain or hill and then ski down. The focus is primarily on the descent.
• Skinning, also known as ski touring or backcountry skiing, involves both ascending and descending. Skinning is named after the ‘skins’ affixed to the bottom of the skis for the uphill portion, which provide grip to prevent sliding backwards. The skins are then removed for the downhill ski.

Equipment

The equipment used for skinning and downhill skiing differs to accommodate the different purposes of each activity.

• Skiing uses alpine skis, which are designed for downhill travel. The boots are rigid and the bindings fix the heel to the ski, providing control and precision for downhill skiing.
• Skinning uses specific ski touring equipment, which accommodates both uphill and downhill travel. The bindings allow the heel to lift off the ski for uphill travel (akin to walking or climbing), but can be locked down for the downhill ski. The boots have a ‘walk mode’ for flexibility during the uphill, and ‘ski mode’ for the downhill. ‘Skins’ are attached to the bottom of the skis for the uphill portion, then removed for skiing down.

Technique

Skiing and skinning also require different techniques.

• Skiing techniques focus on controlling speed and direction during a descent. This includes turning, stopping, carving, jumping, and handling different snow conditions.
• Skinning techniques involve both ascending and descending. Uphill techniques include maintaining an efficient pace, zig-zagging or ‘switchbacking’ up steep slopes, and effectively transitioning from uphill to downhill modes. Skinning also involves downhill skiing techniques for the descent.

Environment

Skiing typically takes place within the boundaries of a ski resort, on groomed runs or marked off-piste areas. Skinning, on the other hand, is often a backcountry activity, taking place outside of resort boundaries, in a more challenging and variable environment.

Fitness

Both activities require a good level of fitness, but skinning, with its uphill travel, tends to be more physically demanding and requires a higher level of cardiovascular fitness and endurance.

In essence, while both involve sliding down mountains on skis, skiing and skinning are quite different activities, each with its own techniques, equipment, and appeal. Skinning offers the allure of accessing untouched snow, the physical challenge of the ascent, and the satisfaction of earning your turns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to start skinning?

Start with a lesson from a qualified instructor who can provide essential tips and safety guidelines. You also need the appropriate gear, including skis, boots, bindings, and skins.

Is skinning dangerous?

Like any sport, skinning carries risks. However, these can be minimized with proper training, safety gear, weather awareness, and adhering to mountain rules and regulations.

Do I need to be super fit to start skinning?

While skinning is physically demanding, anyone with a basic fitness level can start. Your endurance and strength will improve as you continue to participate in the sport.

Can I skin on any mountain?

Not all ski resorts or mountains allow skinning, and some have specific routes and times for uphill skiing. Always check with the local authorities or resort management before heading out.

Is skinning a competitive sport?

Yes, there are competitive skinning events where athletes race against each other, often combining uphill and downhill skiing into a challenging course. These races provide a thrilling way to test your skills and fitness.

What type of equipment do I need for skinning?

The essential gear for skinning includes skis, skins, bindings that allow free heel movement, boots that provide a balance of support and comfort, poles, and safety equipment like an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe.

What is the difference between skinning and cross-country skiing?

While both involve a form of uphill movement, the key difference lies in the equipment and techniques used. Skinning is done with wider skis and requires the use of skins for uphill traction. Cross-country skiing uses thinner skis and doesn’t require skins, but employs a special binding and boot system for free heel movement.

How should I prepare physically for skinning?

It’s beneficial to have a good fitness base before starting skinning. Cardiovascular exercises like running, cycling, and stair climbing can help improve your endurance, while strength training can assist with the intense climbing involved in skinning.

Can children participate in skinning?

Yes, children can participate in skinning, though the physical demands of the sport make it more suitable for older kids and teenagers. As always, safety measures should be strictly followed, and beginners should start with easy, safe slopes.

What is the environmental impact of skinning?

Skinning has a minimal environmental impact, especially compared to downhill skiing at resorts. However, skinners should still practice “Leave No Trace” principles, avoid disturbing wildlife, and respect protected areas and boundaries.

Conclusion: Are You Ready to Start Skinning?

Skinning or ski touring is a remarkable sport that combines the thrill of skiing with the challenge of mountaineering. It offers a sense of adventure and accomplishment, taking you off the beaten track and into the heart of the winter wilderness. The journey of learning to skin is multifaceted, involving understanding the equipment, mastering techniques, and learning essential safety skills. It also brings you closer to nature and fellow outdoor enthusiasts through engaging communities and exciting events.

Despite the inherent risks, with the right preparation and respect for the environment, skinning can be a safe and exhilarating activity. It’s about more than just reaching the top and skiing down – it’s about the journey, the solitude, the camaraderie, and the incredible connection with the mountain environment. Happy skinning!