NeoSomaTech
Can you go off-piste or ski touring with a ski exoskeleton?
The answer in detail
A spring-based ski exoskeleton like the Ski-Mojo can be used off marked slopes, but its manufacturer designs it first for the descent. Its FAQ states that it fits almost all alpine and ski touring boots, and that it is compatible with ski touring for descents only.
On the climb, walking becomes harder with the springs engaged, again according to the manufacturer: you therefore need to switch the assistance off or stow the device in your backpack, then put it back on at the summit. Our product page also notes that the system can be disengaged in one movement, which helps when walking and on outings away from the slopes.
What the manufacturer says
- Descent only: in ski touring, the device is intended for the downhill phases.
- Climb: to be stowed in the backpack or kept switched off, since walking becomes harder with the springs engaged.
- Fitting at the summit: under two minutes according to the FAQ.
- Boots: almost all alpine and touring boots are suitable; rental boots are handled with temporary connectors.
- Engaging: a switch on each thigh: lowered, it engages the assistance; raised, it stops it.
The manufacturer also states a total weight of 1.6 kg in its FAQ, while our product page says 2.9 kg: check this value before working out the weight of your pack.
Step-by-step instructions
- Check that your touring boots are compatible with the exoskeleton's connectors, especially if they are new.
- During the climb, switch the assistance off with the switch on each thigh, or stow the device in your pack.
- At the summit, put the device back on: the manufacturer states under two minutes.
- Engage the assistance by lowering both switches before starting the descent.
- At the end of the outing, dry the device before storing it, the only routine care the manufacturer mentions.
Common mistakes
Problems mostly come from a use designed for the piste and carried over unchanged to the mountains.
- Climbing with the springs engaged, which makes walking more tiring.
- Forgetting to allow space and weight for the device in the backpack.
- Changing touring boots without changing the connectors.
- Assuming the exoskeleton replaces the preparation and safety equipment specific to off-piste skiing, which are outside the scope of this article.
Key takeaways
The Ski-Mojo can accompany a ski touring or off-piste outing, but only for the descent according to its manufacturer: you switch it off or stow it to climb, then put it back on at the summit within minutes. Check your boots' compatibility and the device's real weight before setting out. The exoskeleton brings no safety in the mountains: preparation, weather and suitable equipment remain essential. For the general context, read our complete ski exoskeleton guide.