Accession #1980.037.001: Ski Skins

A ski skin is a strip of material that is attached to the bottom of a ski to provide traction when ascending slopes.

Originally made from animal skins, which have fibres that naturally lie in one direction, modern ski skins are typically made from synthetic materials such as nylon or mohair. The design of the skin allows skis to glide forward easily but provides grip to prevent sliding backward, making them essential for backcountry skiing and ski touring.

These ski skins from the Kamloops Museum and Archive’s collection belonged to Harold Garrish, who was a local Kamloops ski instructor.

This artifact was donated by Don Garrish to be included in the KMA’s 2018 exhibition, Powder Keg: Downhill Ski Culture in Kamloops.