Sizing a Ski Skin: Length and Width

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The High Route Editors

Kelly Cordes (L) and Brian Parker tramping through Wyoming in a place where ski skin coverage was never in doubt.

Kelly Cordes (L) and Brian Parker tramping through Wyoming in a place where ski skin coverage was never in doubt.

Sizing Skins

Let’s try to keep this simple. There are a few things to consider when sizing a skin. The two main dimensions to consider are length and width. Of course, you could go the easy route, which many folks do, and purchase pre-cut skins for your ski. 

That strategy isn’t so handy when, for example, you prefer a specific skin brand/model that doesn’t come pre-cut. You can build a skin from scratch by purchasing a length of skin off the roll and the appropriate tip/tail attachment system. We do this regularly for skimo race skins or efficiency mods. Last season, we highlighted Ski Trab’s tip hardware—it’s a sweet upgrade for those seeking a ski-mo-inspired tip-rip system for their larger skins/skis.  

However, if we’re not opting for a pre-cut skin, we often choose skins in the “trim to fit” category. This means the skin comes in a fixed length. Still, we can adjust the tail attachment to be shorter or longer to dial in the fit. The “trim to fit” applies because you’ll be trimming excess skin material down the length of the ski to accommodate the ski’s varying widths.

A Trim to fit skin on a Blizzard Zero G 95. This is a relatively traditional ski, with minimal tip rocker. There's plenty of skin coverage in the tip shovel.
A Trim to fit skin on a Blizzard Zero G 95. This is a relatively traditional ski, with minimal tip rocker. There’s plenty of skin coverage in the tip shovel.

This trim to fit skin in shown underfoot—with ample coverage where it counts.
This trim to fit skin in shown underfoot—with ample coverage where it counts.

Yes, the bases need some pre-season love. This trim to fit skin on the Blizzard Zero G 95 (minimal tail rocker—near straight) with plenty of base exposed. This lack of skin coverage in the tail section works great.
Yes, the bases need some pre-season love. This is a trim to fit skin on the Blizzard Zero G 95 (minimal tail rocker—near straight) with plenty of base exposed. This lack of skin coverage in the tail section works great.

Skin Width

When the skin arrives, you’ll likely see the skin material extend beyond the ski edges. (The skin is wider than your ski, particularly underfoot. Your job is to trim each side along the ski edge and expose the edge. How wide should you order your “trim to fit” skin? We’re here to help with that question.

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