How to Buy Skins for Telemark Skiing

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Telemark skiers strap skins to the base of their skis to climb uphill. They allow skis to slide forward but resist sliding backward.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Measure the length of your telemark ski from tip to tail.
Step 2

Measure the width of your ski at its center.
Step 3

Determine the terrain you'll be skiing to choose the right type of skin. Plastic skins grip better on steeper slopes, synthetic fiber skins glide forward more easily on gentle slopes.
Step 4

Choose between plastic skins which are adjustable to length or a synthetic fiber skin that will come in a preset length for your ski.
Step 5

Pick the skin of your choice according to the length and width. Skins should be a few millimeters narrower than the ski and as long as the ski.

Tips & Warnings

Skins that are wider than the skis will rub against the edges, causing them to wear quickly.
Plastic skins have straps to remain in place, synthetic fiber skins have sticky bottoms to bind to the ski. Both are easy to put on and take off.

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