The ‘sealskins’ that this skier is seen positioning under the soles of his touring skis consist of a fibre surface (mohair, synthetic or mixed) which will be in contact with the snow, and of an adhesive surface on the ski side. The skins are either glued to ensure a perfect grip on the ski or fixed by molecular suction cups, a more expensive but easier system to use. They allow skiers to climb relatively steep slopes without slipping backwards.