Uphill mode of travel for skiers and splitboarders.

Credit: Crested Butte Avalanche Center

Adhesive skins applied to the bottom of skis or boards allow users to ascend snow covered slopes without sliding backwards. When skinning uphill, it’s best to choose a route that minimizes your exposure to steep terrain. Avalanches that occur while ascending often catch multiple people because it is more time-consuming to space out appropriately on uphill climbs. Furthermore, it is more difficult to escape from an avalanche if you are ascending with skins on compared to skiing or riding downhill.