These crampons, which should be part of your backcountry skiing kit list, are similar to hiking boot crampons but they are designed to fit on the base of ski boots.

[S]ki crampons have teeth on either side of the ski and provide ‘bite’ into the snow, like a boot crampon,” writes Rob Coppolillo in his book, The Ski Guide Manual.

From leather straps and Kandahar Bindings, the way we clip into our skis has come a long way since the early days.

Be sure to use proper boots that can kick steps in snow, and if in doubt, carry crampons and an ice axe." He specifies that "backcountry skiers should always carry a beacon, shovel, and probe." ...

In subsequent chapters, there are 10 photographs to illustrate the motion of skinning and 24 photos devoted to the execution of a kick turn.But there are gems of wisdom and lifesaving strategies ...

Jon Jay Jon Jay is a former Senior Editor for SKI Magazine. He directed all ski and ski boot testing for SKI Magazine from 2018 to 2021 and is still willing to test craft beer and good whiskey.