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approach skis

Original Post
Nate K · · Bozeman, MT · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 240

I need some approach skis for this winter. I found an old pair of 160 length rental skis and alpine trekkers for binding/ boot interface. Im wondering about skins though, i have an old pair for a much larger ski that im never going to use again lying around and was thinking of just supergluing them to the bottom of the skis since i wont ever be going fast downhill in that setup anyways. has anyone else tried something like this? Do you think it will work?

Mike McL · · South Lake Tahoe · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 2,030

I wouldn't do it. I doubt the superglue will stick very long to a ski base and it will muck up the bases permanently. Just trim the skins down and use them as they're intended. You don't necessarily need a tail clip. Trim them down to the correct length and width. Re-glue them with good skin glue (BD gold bond glue) and they'll stick fine. You can still cruise downhill with your skins on anyways in this fashion. If you really need a tail clip you can fashion a rat tail (google it if you don't know what it is - it's easy to fashion).

You plan on skiing downhill with trekkers in alpine binders and climbing boots?

Antoine Grenier · · MontrĂ©al · Joined Nov 2013 · Points: 1,052

I agree with Mike, trim the skins down and maybe opt for a used pair of silvretta 505 (if you can find them) and you'll have a much more capable setup. I had 155 cm skis with these bindings and they were better than I expected on gentle downhill or flowy sections. Dramatic difference in speed to get in and out of some backcountry fun.

DanSwift · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2014 · Points: 0

I would look at a military surplus site for old skins they strap on and cost between $5 and $10. I think I got mine from Coleman's online. Either that or get a sewing machine and sew some webbing on to the tail section after you cut your skins down. And yes 505s if you can find them I have been on the search for some for like 5 years!! Anyone out there have some they would be willing to part with????

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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