The running surface of a ski with unique individual tractive elements arranged in a pattern that allow for uphill movement by the skier. Individual tractive elements used on the running surface of a ski that have unique features in the surface design that enable more efficient operation for uphill movement by the skier. Individual tractive elements arranged in a pattern on a ski bottom in such a way that allows for minimum resistance to the snow surface in the glide portion of uphill ski movement, and maximum resistance in the grip (or kick) portion of uphill ski movement. Individual tractive elements that can be used uniquely on a ski bottom where a portion of the ski bottom surface is a device that can be removed and reattached. Individual tractive elements on the running surface of a ski bottom that can be arranged in a unique and optimal array to maximize the functions of uphill glide and uphill kick through movement of the skis by the skier. Individual tractive elements that can be incorporated on a climbing skin used in tractive uphill/forward skiing in a unique array configuration. Individual tractive elements in a unique array configuration that can be incorporated with additional tractive materials on a climbing skin used in tractive uphill/forward skiing.

Embodiments relate to a denticle scale array including a plurality of denticle scales arranged in pattern and configured to be incorporated onto a ski base, wherein the plurality of denticle scales includes at least a denticle scale including a glide contact area configured to contact terrain when the ski base is unweighted and moving forward, a kick contact area greater than the glide contact area and configured to contact the terrain when the ski base is weighted and not moving forward, at least a longitudinal profile comprising an S-curve, a curved trailing edge profile, and at least a longitudinal groove running parallel with the forward movement of the ski base.

A rear portion of a ski mountaineering binding has a base with a turret rotatable into a first position. The binding portion attaches to a ski boot heel for downhill skiing. The turret has a second position for walking uphill. A ski brake includes a braking lever rotatable to assume a braking position and a non-active position. The brake has elastic for rotating the braking lever towards the braking position, the braking lever is pressed by the ski boot heel, when the turret is in the first position, in order to reach the non-active position. A rotation member rotatably borne by the base bears the braking lever. The rotation member and the turret are interconnected and solidly constrained to one another, with the turret in the second turret position and the braking lever in the non-active position, to enable walking uphill.

A snow ski has a longitudinal body defining a sole for gliding on the snow. The ski includes: (a) a platform slidably coupled to the body for sliding longitudinally relative to the body; and (b) a gripping element slidably and rotatably coupled to the body and rotatably coupled to the platform. The gripping element extends downward to penetrate the snow in response to the platform being slid rearward relative to the body. The gripping element retracts upward above the sole when the platform is slid forward relative to the body. First and second gripping elements may be disposed on opposing sides of the body. A locking mechanism selectively locks the platform at a forward position, in which the gripping element is retracted, one or more intermediate positions, or a rearward position in which the gripping element extends to penetrate the snow. A ski-traction kit for retrofitting a ski is provided.

An accessory traction device removably attached to undersides of backcountry skis is described herein. The device will provide users' ability to ascend terrain without removing skis and walking uphill. As designed, the device has novel structure with flanged or clamping ends with a threaded fastening rod that improves longevity while minimizing any possible damage to the ski itself. The traction wave patterns and grooves are also optimally designed and tapered. An additional inventive aspect involves a few hinge options wherein the hinge allows the device to be conveniently folding and stowed in a backcountry skier's backpack.

A snow ski has a longitudinal body defining a sole for gliding on the snow. The ski includes: (a) a platform slidably coupled to the body for sliding longitudinally relative to the body; and (b) a gripping element slidably and rotatably coupled to the body and rotatably coupled to the platform. The gripping element extends downward to penetrate the snow in response to the platform being slid rearward relative to the body. The gripping element retracts upward above the sole when the platform is slid forward relative to the body. First and second gripping elements may be disposed on opposing sides of the body. A locking mechanism selectively locks the platform at a forward position, in which the gripping element is retracted, one or more intermediate positions, or a rearward position in which the gripping element extends to penetrate the snow.

A ski-traction kit for retrofitting a ski is provided.

Climbing aids for use on snow comprising a climbing skin and one or both of a climbing skin tip and tail are disclosed. At least the climbing skin tip and/or tail is comprised of a flexible sheet that may be composed of a plastic polymer. Embodiments are disclosed in which the sheet is resilient and curved in a generally transverse direction to transfer forces towards the edges of the climbing aid to reduce entry of snow between the climbing aid and the undersurface of a ski or snowboard.

The present invention is a skin cleat device for increasing grip while ski touring. The skin cleat is configured to be attached around a ski by a skier without disengaging the ski boot from the skis and can be removed and re-attached depending on the needs of the user. The skin cleat is a strap-like device that includes two end sections and a studded central section there-between. The central section is intended to be placed underneath the base of the ski and skin such that the studs extend into the snow. The two end sections can be attached together by a coupling to form a continuous structure around the waist of the ski. Using the coupling, the structure can be tightened around the ski securing it in place and preventing the skin cleat from rotating around the ski or the studs from moving substantially when in use.

Traction systems for skis producing traction on snow and ice covered surfaces; the skis selected from a group consisting a pair of Back Country skis each are mounted with an apparatus; having DC powered controls, tilt switch, pressurized carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) gas powered pneumatic actuators operating gripping parts; controlled by a servo unit. And further consisting a pair of snowmobile skis each having an assembly of parts; driven by an hydraulic rotor that pivots the skis, adjusting their position when cornering, providing traction, according to a snowmobile steering system. And is powered and controlled by at least one of: hydraulic steering system, an electro-hydraulic steering system; an electric power steering system using an electric motor instead of hydraulic rotor.

A rear portion of a ski mountaineering binding has a base with a turret rotatable into a first position. The binding portion attaches to a ski boot heel for downhill skiing. The turret has a second position for walking uphill. A ski brake includes a braking lever rotatable to assume a braking position and a non-active position. The brake has elastic for rotating the braking lever towards the braking position, the braking lever is pressed by the ski boot heel, when the turret is in the first position, in order to reach the non-active position. A rotation member rotatably borne by the base bears the braking lever. The rotation member and the turret are interconnected and solidly constrained to one another, with the turret in the second turret position and the braking lever in the non-active position, to enable walking uphill.