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Everything you need to know about OAC Skinbased Touring Skis!

Escape the Ordinary – Transform Your Canadian Winter Adventures with Skin Skis.

Part 1 – What are they? Who are they for?

Skin skis are basically a classic ski with strips of synthetic hair placed underfoot to replace either one’s kick wax, klister or waxless “fish scales” for grip on the snow. They are sort of a combination of a snowshoe and a pair of skis in the same package. This makes them the perfect choice for exploring the rugged backcountry or groomed trails in an efficient and fun way!

  • Great for use on ice especially for climates with lots of freeze/thaw cycles
  • Skin skis work on all snow conditions, mushy, dirty, wet snow, cold snow
  • Convenience – no need to wax, no bindings

Part 2 – Choosing the model that’s right for you

Length 129 cm
Weight 970 g

Most snowshoe like in the lineup.
Composite edges for safety when using around pets.
Traveling in deep powder snow and/or dense forests.
Its short length makes it highly maneuverable in areas of thick vegetation, while its broad width and improved shovel design offer plenty of float when needed.

Length 100 cm
Weight 490 g

For kids aged 5 – 10.
Lightweight and stable, this skishoe is also perfect for those just learning the joys of sliding on snow.
Pair it with the EA Junior Universal binding, and you have a combination that gives kids real freedom to explore the wintry wilderness.

Length 149 cm
Weight 1150 g

The most popular and versatile ski in the Skinbased collection. Reliably handles a wide array of terrain, snow types, and adventures.
A new tip and tail design provides more float and better tracking, while the seamlessly integrated ABS base reinforcements increase durability in high-wear areas.
Highest grip for climbing; metal edges.
Most float for going downhill.

Length 137 cm
Weight 1040 G

Top performance on rolling terrain and in a variety of conditions. Its touring efficiency and downhill performance are sure to bring lots of smiles to all winter outings.
A fully featured XCD ski for younger skiers. Excels on variable and rolling terrain.
For riders 10 years of age and older!

 

Length 160 cm
Weight 1200 G

Designed for downhill Skinbased enthusiasts.
Excels on hard packed snow conditions and more open terrain. Made for traveling in the hills.
For days on untracked winter trails or skiing laps after work at your local spot, look no further.

Length 160 cm
Weight 1200 G

XCD BC 160, sits directly between the XCD GT and the KAR in terms of performance and versatility
Exceptionally versatile skin ski.
Built for outings in the hills where variable snow conditions and terrain will be encountered. Ideal for larger XCD skiers, as well as those carrying a heavy pack.

Part 3 – How to get started – Techniques

Now that you’ve chosen the best skin skis for your situation it’s time to head out and hit the trails! Here we have listed some beginner tips and techniques to get you started! It is much more enjoyable when you know what you are doing!

Small Steps to Start

To start you want to ensure you are practicing on flat ground where you don’t run the risk of getting caught on a steep downhill. Take small steps and push forward in a gliding motion to get going. The small steps will make it easier to maintain balance and will also be easier on your body

Maintain Posture

Stand up as straight as you can to help with technique and combat back pain. If you lean too much in either direction you are more likely to be uncomfortable and fall over

Techniques for Uphill

Use rounded turns to get uphill effectively when possible. This means moving uphill and sideways in a constant ‘S’ pattern. That will allow you to gradually make it up the hill.

The following video explains how to traverse uphill perfectly!

Different Types of Kick Turns

Here is some more information on the different types of kick turns. There are 3 different types called Tail Jab Kick TurnPole Basket Grab, and Windshield Wiper. The following is a video explaining it all!

Techniques for Downhill

The telemark turn offers stability and control while descending steep terrain. As with all new techniques, it’s best to begin on gradual slopes. This will allow you to focus on building skills in a fun and low-consequence environment.

Part 4 – Care & Maintenance

Skinbased™ skis maintenance

In order to maintain optimal performance, your Skinbased™ skis will require occasional care. There are two areas in particular that need special attention: the Unicoat base and the climbing skin.

Our skis come from the factory pre-waxed and ready for use out of the box. Over time though, you may notice a decrease in glide performance. This can be improved with the application of a quick (cold) wax or liquid wax. These waxes can be applied indoors or outdoors, and even during a short break in your ski day. Liquid base waxes and conditioners can also be used, but require indoor drying time before being ready for use.

Note: under no circumstance should hot waxes and irons be used, as these can permanently damage the Unicoat base!

Similarly, our climbing skins come ready to go straight from the factory. After much use, you may find the climbing skin beginning to absorb water or having a buildup of ice. Again, only use rub on (cold) waxes and liquid conditioners for treatment. Both the rub on waxes and liquid conditioners work the same way as they do for the base – the rub on waxes offer indoor, outdoor, and in-the-field application, while the liquid conditioners require a dry skin for application and indoor drying time.
To maintain the Unicoat base we recommend using Skinbased™ Warm Weather and Cold Weather Wax or, alternatively, mountain FLOW Quick Wax.
To maintain the climbing skin we recommend using Skinbased™ Calming Skin Wax or, alternatively, mountainFLOW’s Skin Wax Rub On or Nikwax Ski Skin Proof.

Binding Maintenance

In order to keep your bindings functioning properly, we suggest that binding maintenance be performed regularly, and especially before any longer ski outing.

Binding maintenance is both quick and easy to perform.

1) Lift the orange lever and slide the heel unit back, removing it completely from the baseplate. Clean any debris from the heel unit with a cloth.

2) Lubricate the spring unit with silicone spray. Wipe away any excess with a clean cloth.

3) Clean the binding baseplate of any dirt or debris with a cloth.

4) When finished, slide the heel unit back into its position and lock in place.

5) Check that the screws of the toe and ankle strap buckles are not loose. If necessary, tighten using a #2 Phillips head screwdriver.

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