How to Make Your Own Ski Skins

Some skiers wear ski skins on the bottom of their skis, which enables them to safely climb to the top of mountains. The skiers use them because the skins prevent them from sliding backwards while going up a steep hill.

Some people purchase ski skins when they purchase their skis, but you can easily make them yourself by following a few simple instructions.

1. Spread out some skin camelhair material on a large table. The material will have rubber on the underside and the rubber should be placed downward.


2. Set your skis on top of the material.


3. Use a marker to trace the shape of the skis onto the material.


4. Remove the skis from the material.


5. Use a straight edge to cut out the pattern you traced on the material. Make sure it goes all the way through the material.


6. Remove any excess material to make the edges smooth.


7. Cut out some holes in the skins to attach the skin clips. The clips are used to hold the skins onto the skis. The clips are available in several different varieties and can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. Refer to the instructions on the clips as to how to attach them to the skins.


8. Turn the ski skins over. The rubber should be facing upward.


9. Apply a generous amount of skin glue to the bottom of each of the skins.


10. Attach the skins to the bottom of the skis.


11. Attach the clips to the back and front of the skis.