Ski Touring Crampons

Ski touring knives are among the essential accessories for moving safely on icy slopes or hard snow.

What is a ski touring knife?

Function and use of knives

Ski touring crampons, also known as ski crampons, attach to the bottom of your skis to provide extra grip on the ascent. Most of the time, your climbing skins are sufficient, but on hard, icy, or frozen snow, crampons make it easier to progress. Thanks to their metal teeth, they prevent the ski from slipping backward and secure your progress through technical sections. This ski touring accessory is particularly popular with the most demanding skiers who practice mountaineering.

Compatible with mounting hardware

Each knife model is designed to fit a specific type of mounting. To make the right choice, check compatibility with your mounting system before purchasing. The knives easily adapt to the various systems on the market:

• Pin bindings: the most common type for ski touring, they offer significant weight savings and excellent power transmission. The crampons clip directly onto the binding plate.
• Frame bindings: closer to classic alpine bindings, they require specific crampons that are installed under the frame.
• Hybrid bindings: both versatile on the ascent and efficient on the descent, they generally have a dedicated crampon attachment system.

Remember to check your binding's specifications to find compatible crampons. At Snowleader, you'll find Marker crampons, ATK crampons, Dynafit crampons, and many other models suited to your equipment.

How to choose the right ski touring knives?

Selection criteria: size and weight

Choosing your crampons depends on several criteria, including the width of your skis and the weight of your equipment. The crampon size must match the waist width of your skis to ensure optimal grip. Manufacturers generally offer several sizes:

• 80 mm
• 90 mm
• 100 mm
• 110 mm and more

In terms of weight, opt for lightweight models if you're looking for performance, or more robust versions for intensive use. The weight of this equipment varies depending on the brand and the materials used.

The different types of knives

There are models suited to every use. Here are the main types of knives:

• Classic knives: versatile, they are suitable for most hikers and offer excellent grip for all uses.
• Wide crampons: ideal for those who want to benefit from better stability on fat skis in freeride touring.
• Lightweight crampons: specially adapted for competitors and weight-conscious ski mountaineers, these flagship models will certainly be appreciated during long outings.

Knife installation and maintenance

How to attach and remove knives

The crampons are attached directly to the ski, with the binding open in uphill mode. The procedure is very simple and accessible to everyone:

• Position the knife under the fastener
• Snap it into the notches provided for this purpose.
• Check that the teeth are facing downwards.

To remove them, simply release the locking mechanism and detach the knife. Practice this technique before your outing to improve your efficiency in the field.

Care instructions for a long lifespan

To keep your knives in good condition for as long as possible, a few simple steps are all it takes:

• Dry your knives after each use to prevent corrosion.
• Store them in a protective case to preserve the teeth
• Sharpen lightly with a file if the teeth become dull.
• Inspect the fastening system regularly

As with your skins and other ski touring accessories, regular maintenance ensures safety and longevity for your equipment.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about ski touring knives

How do I choose the right size of crampons for my ski touring?

Measure the waist width of your skis and select crampons that match or slightly exceed this measurement. If you are between sizes, choose the larger size to ensure grip across the entire width of the ski.

What types of bindings are compatible with ski touring crampons?

Knives are generally designed for a specific type of fastening:

• Insert bindings (Dynafit, ATK, Plum type)
• Frame fixings
• Hybrid bindings

Always check the compatibility indicated by the manufacturer before your purchase.

What are the advantages of the different types of ski touring knives?

Classic crampons offer a good compromise between grip and versatility. Lightweight models reduce fatigue on long outings. Wide crampons provide better stability on freeride skis. All you have to do is choose according to your skiing style and priorities!