What equipment do you need for Skimo racing?

Skimo skis are short, narrow and light making motion easy but control requiring sufficient skill. The main requirements are the minimum sizes 80/60/70 x 160cm men (150cm women) and 90% of the length with metallic edge. Some examples are seen below. To compare, typical all-mountain skis are: 133/97/113 x 177 weight 1450g/ski.

The binding are also very light using high tech materials for the lightest pin binding design. The main requirements are the minimum free heel for ascent, fixed for descents, with lateral/front complete release systems. Toe/heel must be the same brand, and ski brakes are mandatory. Some with the brake on the front and some on the rear mechanism, e.g. Grizzly GR 98 102g ea. or the Pierre Gignoux U77 Stopper 111g ea.

The combined ski/binding minimum allowable weights are 780g/ski men and 730g/ski women. (Typical touring set up weight is 1700g/ski). NOTE: Some bindings are bespoke to certain boots.

The lightest boots are made from carbon composite giving them stiffness for the light weight the minimalist nature of some boots require more skill on the descents so choosing the boot that suits you best is essential.

The main requirements are the shell must cover the ankles, the boot must have notched rubber soles (exact details are given in the ISMF rules) and have two independent closing mechanisms on each boot, in addition they must be able to fit metallic crampons.

Some boots are at the minimum allowable weights (boots and dry inner) are 500g/boot men and 450g/boot women whilst others can be up to 1600g

NOTE: There are also some more restrictions given for youth categories

Skin requirements are they must be synthetic material, cover at least 40% of the snow contact length of the ski with the tip attachment being part of the skin, adhesive tape is forbidden.

Poles are fairly standard but must have a pair of ski poles 25mm in maximum diameter, and with non-metallic baskets. Carbon fibre gives the lightest weight, e.g. Hagan Ultra Carbon Pole 125g/pole

The general requirement for clothing is for full length arm and full length leg windproof covering. additional layers for both upper and lower body may be included depending on the race type and conditions.

Skinsuits meet the requirements with clothing that is breathable but also windproof so can be used for the efforts of uphill and the cold of descents. Layers can be worn underneath but they are close fitting.

Rucksacks are designed to be as light as possible but still carry the essential kit as well as spares and drink and food for longer events, they must have ski attachments.

Note: The photo above shows a hook and loop for storing your skis quickly. There is a technique to using these effectively.

Most races the minimum essential kit is:

• Helmet
• Gloves
• UV Protection glasses
• ID
• Equipment

And unless events are on piste, safety equipment is mandatory:

• Avalanche Transceiver
• Probe and Shovel
• Survival Blanket
• Whistle
• Headtorch

Depending on the race type the following may also be required

• Metal Crampons
• Climbing Harness
• Karabiners
• Rope
• Ice Screw
• Ice Axe

Note: Although the requirements of these are given in the ISMF rules and the lightest weight is most suitable, generally these are not skimo specific items