THE CORRECT LENGTH OF SKI AND WIDTH OF THE SKIN

Generell info

Touring on skis combines the skills of alpine skiing with the fitness and endurance of cross country skiing. The special attraction of this sport is being free in your movements on the mountain and being able to get away from the cable cars and slopes. For the uphill attack special climbing skins are glued to the skis base for grip, the binding is released under the heel and is locked again for the downhill descent. The touring skis are set up especially for more difficult terrain and powder snow. A small revolution has taken place over the last few years. The trend has moved away from the longer straighter skis towards the shorter carver. These skis have the advantage of being easier to kick turn and that they float higher in deeper snow due to a wider base. Now days the touring ski can also be skied on a normal slope but it must be noted that they are not to be compared here with an alpine ski as they are much softer and offer less torsion and stability, therefore not perfect for harder slops. On the other hand a ski that is too hard is not allways suitable off piste as they are often more difficult to manoeuvre.

The correct length for touring skis

As a approximate rule one can say body height minus 10 to 15cm ( up to minus 25 cm in extreme cases), please remember that the skis side cut plays a role also. For powder skiing enthusiasts it is recommended to take a ski length at head height for more elevation in deep powder snow because of the larger base surface area. Below is a small chart with the recommended ski lengths. If assistance is required we are glad to help.

The correct width of climbing skin

Just as important is a suitable climbing skin, by the carving skis the skin must be compatible with the skis carving shape. The safest way is to order or purchase the skin with the ski. More information at www.kochalpin.at/en/brands/contour

The basic rule is: skin width = middle width of the carving ski minus 3mm.