I’m always looking for new ways to keep my skis safe and secure while travelling. Since I ski a lot, I decided to create a quick tutorial on how to lock skis with a cable lock. I hope this helps other backcountry skiers out there who are looking to improve their security while skiing.
Table of Contents
The Only Tools You Need
I’ll tell you right off the bat, you don’t need any special tools to lock your skis with a cable. In fact, all you need are two things: a cable and a lock. It literally takes two seconds to connect the two items and you’re ready to go.
A spooled cable works great for this and it’s also the most commonly used type of cable when it comes to securing skis. Once you’ve got a spooled cable, it’s time to move on to the second item, the lock. This is where things get interesting because you need to find the right tool for the job. There are many different types of locks available and to choose the right one for your skis, you need to do some research. This is because not all locks are created equal and some are specifically designed for use with skis. For example, most ski locks are designed to work with alpine skis which have a narrower ski base and a pointed nose compared to other types of skiing such as cross-country or monster trucks.
The Difference In Base Width
One of the first things you need to establish is the difference in base width between your two skis. This is important because not all locks are created equal and some may only work with certain types of skis. For instance, most triathlon locks work best with a narrow base width like those used in ski racing. These types of locks are short, squat, and stubby and they’re made of metal. If your base width is relatively wide, your options for locks are much greater. For example, most alpine locks will work with wide bases as long as you’re not traveling faster than 80 kilometers per hour (50 miles per hour). If you’re in super fast terrain or going really high, you may need a different solution.
Choosing The Right Locks
The next step is to choose the right lock for your particular situation. There are many different types of locks and each one has unique properties. One of the first things you need to do is establish what you’re looking for in a lock. Do you need something that’s light? One that’s weatherproof? One that’s easy to use? How about something that’s lockable from both sides? It’s also important to decide how long you want the lock to stay attached before you reattach your skis. For example, if you’re going for a day and you want to leave the lock on all day, you may need a different solution than someone who plans on skiing all week.
Locks Vs. Clips
Before we go any further, let’s address one of the most common questions people ask when it comes to securing their skis: are clips better than locks? My answer is yes, clips are generally better than locks when it comes to securing your skis. One of the great things about clips is that you don’t have to calculate the base width of your two skis to find out which ones they are. You can simply take a look at the one you have and know if it will work with the other. Another great thing about clips is how easy they are to use. All you need are two hands and some patience to clip your skis.
Clips also have the advantage of being more discreet. If you’re driving on a backcountry road or trail and you want to secure the skis without causing a scene, you can simply clip them and go about your day. Some of the great things about clips are how easy they are to use and how discreet they are. If you’re driving on a public road, you can always take off the clips and wave off without anyone realizing what you were up to. While clips are generally easier to use than locks, they have their drawbacks. One of the primary disadvantages of using clips is that they have a tendency to come loose. This is especially true if you overuse them or if the weather is severe. If you’re driving on a road and the snow is flying sideways, you may experience some slippage which in turn may lead to accidents. When it comes to securing your skis, I’d suggest using a combination of the two. For example, you can use a lock to secure your skis at the base and clips on the tips to keep them from moving around too much while you’re driving. This is also a great way to prevent any injuries should you skid or lose control of the vehicle. Just remember, if you’re going for a longer period of time than usual, take more than one set of clips. You may also need to look into purchasing a special tool to open your clips in case they get stuck while driving in the snow. This is an advantage of using clips and locks together. It’s also advisable to use an audible signaling device while driving with skis to alert other drivers of your presence.
More Than Meets The Eye
I want to touch on one last point before we get to the good stuff. There’s more than one type of security you need to ensure while skiing and none of this just relates to the locks and/or clips used to secure your skis. You also need to look into the type of equipment you’re using to travel on the mountain as well as the vehicle you’re driving. For example, if you’re driving an RV, you may need to look into the locks used to secure the vehicle. Even if you’re not driving an RV, you may still need to worry about the locks used to secure your skis. Additionally, you need to practice safe driving techniques. Learn how to drive defensively and obey all signs and warnings while on the road. This is especially important if you’re going fast or near areas where there are other drivers or vehicles on the road. It may not be safe to assume that just because it’s a small car, it won’t cause an injury or an accident. Always check the conditions of the road before you start driving and know your limits. This way, you’re sure to enjoy your time on the mountain and don’t have to worry about being harmed or injured in any way.
Now that you’re equipped with the proper tools and know how to use them, it’s time to enjoy your time on the mountain. Make sure to keep all safety and security measures in mind, especially when driving in tricky conditions or near busy areas. Also, practice safe driving techniques, know your vehicle’s limits, and obey all signs and warnings while on the road. This way, you’ll be sure to have a safe and pleasant experience while skiing. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions regarding locks or clips, we’re here to help.