Booting Up Inter Glacier With Skis Mounted In High Position

How to improve an A-frame ski carry system

Originally Posted: February 2022
Updated: December 2023

In the course of a backcountry skiing season, there are inevitably times when it becomes necessary to strap your skis onto your pack and start walking.  I prefer to use the A-frame carry method, but I find that most skis hang down too low, such that the tips hit my feet and legs.  One simple fix for this is to attach a 3M Command Jumbo Utility Hook onto the rear part of each ski.  These hooks catch on the lower side straps of a ski pack, thereby holding the skis in a higher position.  

The best location for the hooks will depend on ski length, pack configuration, skier height, and personal preference. I mount mine about 16 inches from the tail.  Each hook has a rated capacity of 7.5 pounds, which is fully adequate for pretty much any ski and binding.  It is also adequate for holding most ski/binding/boot combinations.

When not in use, be sure to remove the hooks and store them in your pack, leaving only the small Command brackets attached to your skis; otherwise, the hooks will get accidentally knocked off while you are skiing.

Affiliate Disclosure: The preceding text may contain affiliate links, which means that if you purchase something I’ve linked to, I might get a small commission at no additional cost to you.  Be assured, though, that I mention only items that I currently use or would recommend to a friend.

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