Ski Touring Skin Guide
Which ski touring skin is right for me?
Choosing the right ski touring skin can make a decisive difference during your tour. Grip on the ascent, efficient gliding, reliable adhesion to the ski, and ease of handling all play a major role in how comfortable and efficient your experience is. However, not every skin is equally well-suited for every type of use. The right ski touring skin for you depends primarily on how and where you intend to use it. The material of the skin is the key factor here. Additionally, the adhesive technology determines how easily the skin can be applied to or removed from the ski, as well as how strongly it adheres.
Material
- A skin made of 100% mohair offers an ideal balance between excellent gliding performance and controlled grip. Such skins are perfect for ski touring in open, backcountry terrain.
- A blend of mohair and synthetic fibers combines good gliding properties with greater durability and abrasion resistance—an advantage especially when skiing on groomed slopes or artificial snow.
Adhesive Technology
Easy handling with "Smart Glue." Both models presented here utilize Smart Glue technology. It allows for effortless removal from the ski and makes the process of attaching and detaching the skins simple. When used with care, it provides reliable adhesion even after repeated applications.
With the ALPINIST PRO and the VERTICAL PRO, KOHLA offers two types of ski touring skins, each designed for different terrains and requirements. While the ALPINIST PRO is engineered for maximum performance on long, demanding tours, the VERTICAL PRO stands out as a versatile all-rounder.
What does this mean in detail?
ALPINIST PRO – maximum performance in alpine terrain
Do you enjoy long days out, covering significant elevation gain, and are you looking for a climbing skin that you can rely on even during demanding tours? If so, the ALPINIST PRO is the perfect choice. The plush is made of 100% mohair. This natural fiber is prized for its exceptional gliding properties, enabling efficient movement during long ascents. At the same time, it provides controlled grip—ideal for ambitious ski tourers navigating alpine terrain who prioritize high-level performance.
The "Fiber Seal Layer" acts as a waterproof intermediate layer between the skin and the adhesive. It prevents moisture absorption, ensures the skin retains its shape, and helps avoid unnecessary weight gain. Meanwhile, "Smart Glue" technology ensures reliable adhesion—even in low temperatures—and makes the skins easy to handle. If necessary, the adhesive surface can be reactivated or recoated. A PFAS- and fluorine-free treatment provides additional protection against snow clumping (icing).
The ALPINIST PRO ski touring skin is particularly well-suited for skis with a waist width of 85 mm to 98 mm, such as the K2 Wayback, Atomic Backland, Völkl Rise Beyond, or Scott Superguide.
VERTICAL PRO – the versatile all-rounder
Not every ski tour takes place in high-alpine terrain. Perhaps you enjoy skiing on-piste just as much as in the backcountry, and you’re looking for a skin that is straightforward, robust, and highly versatile. This is precisely where the VERTICAL PRO excels. Its plush - composed of 65% mohair and 35% synthetic fibers—combines the excellent gliding properties of natural fiber with the robustness and durability of synthetics. The result is a well-balanced combination of grip, glide, and longevity. As with the ALPINIST PRO, a "Fiber Seal Layer" protects the skin from moisture absorption and helps maintain its structural integrity.
Smart Glue technology ensures ease of use and reliable adhesion—even in cold conditions and during repeated application and removal. Furthermore, a PFAS- and fluorine-free treatment helps prevent snow from sticking to the skin (clumping).
The VERTICAL PRO ski touring skin is particularly well-suited for skis with a waist width of 80 mm to 90 mm, such as the K2 Wayback, Atomic Backland, Völkl Rise, or Scott Superguide.
Both models are certified according to the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® label. This means that every component of the skin—from the fibers and materials to the adhesive—has been laboratory-tested for over 1,000 harmful substances.
Proper attachment is also key
Beyond the characteristics of the skin itself, the method used to attach it to the ski plays a crucial role. Every KOHLA skin comes standard with a universal attachment system for the ski tip. Depending on the type of ski, other systems - such as the T-Bar, Z-Hook, or I-Fix - are also available. At the tail of the ski, a K-Clip and elastic strap are used. For twin-tip skis or splitboards, a "butterfly" attachment can be added. This allows the skin to be precisely tailored to both the skis and the intended use—because the right combination of skin, ski, and attachment system lays the foundation for a reliable and enjoyable mountain experience.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Ski Touring Skin for yo
The ideal ski touring skin for you depends primarily on where and how you ski. For long, demanding tours in open terrain and on natural snow, 100% mohair skins excel, offering outstanding gliding properties. A mohair-mix skin, on the other hand, provides greater durability and abrasion resistance, making it particularly well-suited for a wide range of conditions, including tours on groomed slopes.
