Gear review | Kohla Alpinist Pro

First impression

The Kohla Alpinist Pro is a high-quality ski touring skin for cutting to size, whose pile consists of 100% mohair. This promises excellent gliding properties and, thanks to the "Fiberseal" technology, also very low water absorption. As these are cut-to-size skins, they should fit any type of ski. Thanks to fluorine- and PFAS-free production, they are also relatively environmentally friendly. For the significance of PFAS as "eternal chemicals", please refer to our corresponding article.

For the adhesive system, Kohla relies on the modern, easy-to-use "Smart Glue" skin adhesive. The adhesive is designed so that it is easy to remove and reposition and works reliably even in cold temperatures and repeated skinning and deskinning.

A universal system is used to attach the skins to the ski: a stable front bracket grips securely on various ski tip shapes, while a length-adjustable end hook ensures a tight fit of the skins on the ski. The Alpinist Pro is supplied with a skin bag, a cutter for cutting to size and plastic skin separators. The pile is impregnated ex works to prevent the formation of studs. The performance can be regularly refreshed with standard, fluorine-free skin waxes and impregnations.

Finally, I would like to mention the strikingly bright color, which has no influence on the properties, but at least looks very good in photos.

Tester and test conditions

I've been ski touring for about 20 years, and a lot of it. While there were initially few opportunities this season due to the very limited snow conditions in the Eastern Alps, in a normal season I probably do over 50 ski tours, often starting from the lift.

I have already tested skins from various manufacturers. Currently, I mostly use models from Kohla, Pomoca and Montana on my numerous touring skis. Basically, I'm not a fan of "modern" skin adhesives, but prefer to use reliable, old-fashioned adhesives. Although these have to be used with a release film and are more difficult to remove from the skis, they still adhere reliably to the skis even after many days of use, even when skinning up for the third time a day at temperatures well below freezing. I was therefore very excited about the Smart Glue from Kohla, which, despite the new technology, is supposed to adhere well to the skis even after repeated skinning and skinning.

I have been using the skins for about a month and a half, i.e. during practically all the ski tours this season. I tested them with an Atomic Maverick 96 CTi in a wide variety of conditions.

On a ski tour

The skins are easy to put on. The Smart Glue is actually a good thing here, as you can also correct things quickly if you get something "stuck". The tip and tail attachments also fit very well, so you can get going quickly.

It quickly becomes clear that the Alpinist PRO from Kohla glides really well. I would have expected that from a skin made of 100 % mohair. But of course it's also nice when a positive expectation comes true in practice. Regardless of the snow, the Alpinist PRO glides wonderfully and therefore saves a lot of energy on the ascent. The grip on the ascent is also good. However, the skin cannot quite keep up with mixed or synthetic skins. Especially in icy conditions or in well-trodden, too steep ascent tracks, it occasionally slips back slightly, especially if the steps are not set properly. Concentration and technique are therefore required here. In general, however, the skin holds up very well and the ascent is easy to complete. Water absorption seems to be very low, even in wet spring snow. However, this may also be due to the fact that the skins are still quite new.

The Smart Glue works wonderfully, even in cold temperatures - at least as long as the coat remains dry. If the skin gets a little damp - either because you weren't careful when putting it on and there was still snow on the ski, it fell off or snow got underneath it on the ascent - it still holds reliably. However, repeated re-skinning can lead to problems. I have attached the skin to my skis up to four times a day and it has always held in the end. However, you have to be careful that no snow gets on the adhesive side and that it warms up a little in your jacket pocket at low temperatures. On the other hand, the coat is actually very easy to handle and can also be transported and packed together without the need for several people to pull it apart afterwards. Out of habit, I usually use the skin separator foils, but these should not really be necessary, except for storage.

So far, the Alpnist PRO skins have also proved to be very durable. However, I can't say much about their real durability. Basically, I would assume that the pile of a pure mohair skin is less durable than that of mixed or synthetic skins.

Conclusion

These high-end skins are made of 100% mohair and therefore have very good gliding properties. It is reliable, light and beautifully colorful - a great skin for ski tourers who are looking for a skin that glides well and is easy to handle.

Advantages and disadvantages

+ Lightweight

+ Glides very well

+ Tip and tail attachment fit very well

- Quite expensive

More information

RRP €210,-

• 100 % mohair - maximum glide performance & controlled hold

• Smart Glue - reliable adhesive, easy to handle, renewable

• Fiberseal technology - waterproof coat structure and strong dimensional stability

• Fluorine & PFAS-free - environmentally friendly & future-proof

• Can be cut to size yourself - perfect fit for wide and narrow skis

• Reliable in any weather - high performance even at low temperatures

• Flexible use - universal front bar system for adaptation to any ski model

Click here to visit the Kohla website for more information.

The skins were provided to PowderGuide free of charge by the manufacturer. Find out how we test them in ourtest statement.