Snow of Tomorrow | Skin Care - Spring is here

Spring conditions: The tough time for the skins

Spring beckons with long sunny days and mild temperatures, so everyone looks forward to extended, sunny tours. But while powder snow is still gentle on the skins in winter, things are often different in spring. Before you can start an enjoyable firn descent, the skins often have to drag over hard frozen snow. The sharp snow crystals put a strain on any coating and slowly wear it down. In addition, there are sometimes sections over stone slabs, meadow remains or puddles of meltwater, which put additional strain on the skin. Although a prudent ski tourer would normally take off their skis here, the short firn window doesn't wait, so sometimes prudence is put on the back burner. Wet snow or puddles of water can cause water to accumulate in the skins. If you then encounter colder snow, for example in shaded areas, this water can freeze. This is exactly what causes the classic snow to roll up - most enthusiastic ski tourers know this all too well.

Spring tours therefore not only challenge the body, but also the skins. If you impregnate and wax your skins in good time and keep them clean, you can still enjoy the ascent without the snow getting stuck under your skis like little bricks.

Fluorinated impregnations

Fluorinated impregnating agents contain so-called PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances). These substances form a particularly water and dirt-repellent layer on the skins. It is precisely these properties that have made them the standard in the care of ski skins and in many other areas for many years. For a long time, impregnations containing fluorine offered the best combination of effective water repellency, improved gliding properties, high durability and low abrasion.

Change in skin care

Today, the focus is more on sustainability and health. Many manufacturers are consciously opting for fluorine-free care products. Although these alternatives are significantly more environmentally friendly, they also have certain limitations. Without fluorine, coats are generally less durable and offer less water repellency.

Natural waxes and/or kerosene waxes, i.e. hydrocarbons with a paraffinic structure, are frequently used today. Natural waxes such as beeswax are environmentally friendly and biodegradable, but have limited water repellency and durability. Kerosene waxes, on the other hand, are based on crude oil and consist of long-chain hydrocarbons. They are highly hydrophobic, i.e. water-repellent, relatively abrasion-resistant and can be easily worked into the coat structure. As a result, they provide improved gliding properties and offer solid protection against moisture and clogging. Compared to products containing fluorine, they are significantly less critical for the environment and health, but do not quite achieve their extreme performance.

Products labeled as "100 % biodegradable" are usually based on natural waxes and plant-based ingredients. Classic kerosene waxes made from petroleum usually do not meet this requirement and are therefore not used in such products. In practice, combinations are therefore often used: natural waxes for sustainability and ease of use, supplemented by kerosene waxes for better durability and protection.

What this means in practice

Modern climbing skins are already hydrophobically treated when they are purchased. Nevertheless, swelling can occur, especially in damp conditions. With mohair skins in particular, this is often an indication that the material is already more stressed or worn.

The skin manufacturer KOHLA therefore recommends impregnating the material about every five to six ski tours to keep it performing well and reliably protect it from moisture.

There are basically three different types of product for coat care:

• Waterproofing spray - is sprayed onto the coat before use, protects against water absorption and improves gliding properties.

• Coat wax for ironing in - is ironed into the coat at low temperatures (depending on the type of wax) and provides a longer-lasting protective layer.

• Coat wax for on the go - compact version to take with you on tour. Can be applied directly if necessary, e.g. when the skins start to stub.

• Recommended products

  KOHLA Greenline care series

  The Greenline series is based on 100 % natural coat care. All products are environmentally friendly and biodegradable. They are based on natural beeswax and ensure optimum performance on tour.

  • KOHLA Greenline - waterproofing spray
    Reduces the water absorption of the skins, improves the gliding properties and prevents clogging.

    Application: Should be applied approx. 12 hours before the tour, skins are best cleaned before application.

  • KOHLA Greenline Skin Wax / Skin Wax "to go" - natural wax
    Maintains the skin structure and improves gliding properties.

    Application: The wax can be ironed in at 60-70 °C for optimum effect.
    Also available as a compact "to go" version for when you are out and about, of course you don't necessarily have to iron it on the go.