The Six Best Snacks for the Skin Track

All Images: Aaron Dodds

When you head for the backcountry, being prepared is priority number one. We all know the essentials: beacon, shovel, probe, water, layers, med kit… the list goes on. But when we move past what we need, we start to talk about what we want, and what else could you want on a long tour besides the perfect food selection? We’ve published variations of the best chairlift snacks over the years, but when considering options for beyond resort boundaries, the selection differs.

Snacks and skiing go hand in hand. Whether it’s in the parking lot, at the lodge, on the chairlift or the skin track, there are always those who fuel for necessity and those who fuel for taste. We think both parties have their merits, so we took all of the above into account when crafting FREESKIER’s list of the six best snacks for the skin track.

6. Ol’ Reliable – Nature Valley Bar

You know it, you love it, it’s the Nature Valley Bar. Easy to share, healthy and portable, this snack is a solid choice for any backcountry mission. We give this green-wrapped, crunchy bar precedence over a Clif Bar (or similar chow) because of the cold weather. While those thicker bars tend to freeze up as the temps drop, a Nature Valley Bar tends to be quite a bit easier to bite into, even in the coldest elements.

Plus, many resorts have baskets of these goodies lying around for free at ticket windows and guest service counters. Stock up while you can next time!

Pros:

Low volume, easily packable
Tastier than many, arguably healthier, granola bars
Easy to break apart and share with friends

Cons:

CRUMBS!
Will shatter easily in its packaging with poor packing or a tumble

5. Reese’s Take Five

A controversial addition to the list, the Resse’s Take Five became a personal favorite of FREESKEIR Editor Jordy Grant-Krenz last winter. Available at gas stations all across America, the Take Five is no mere candy bar. Consisting of a chocolate outside filled with pretzels, caramel, peanut butter and peanuts, this quaintly packaged, mildly nutritious but extremely delicious snack will give you the sodium and sugar you need to push for the summit.

When asked about the Take Five, local enthusiast Sam Dresser had this to say. “No, seriously, I take five of them with me everywhere I go. Take 5 is so much more than a name, it’s my gospel. Think about it this way: Your buddy says, ‘Hey, I brought some candy, you can Take 1.’ That’s like someone post-holing in the skin track. Now imagine they said, ‘I brought some candy, why don’t you Take 5?’ That’s like a magic rope tow appearing in your favorite backcountry zone. It’s not rocket science, it’s chocolate, pretzel, peanut butter, peanuts and caramel.’

Editor’s Tip: This one is better frozen. Place it in an outer layer to get it perfectly cold and crisp while freeing up a bit of room for other gear deeper in the pack.

Pros:

The best-tasting snack on this list
Comes with two per package, ready to share with your touring partner
High amounts of sugar and sodium, great for a burst of energy

Cons:

Allergic to peanuts? Not the choice food for you
Eat too many and a sugar crash will be waiting for you when you least want it
Forget half in your jacket pocket and… the cleanup is not easy

4. Bagged Spaghetti

We’ve stood on this hill before, and we’ll do it again. The bagged spaghetti is not for those looking to munch as they go. But if you’re content with fueling up at the trailhead and not munching again until you’ve reached the peak, you might have to give it a try. Cook your bag o’ spag to your preference the night before, and don’t forget a small fork.

Store it in its own compartment if possible, but certainly make sure it’s not piled under other gear to avoid a plastic bag explosion. Enjoy bountiful carbohydrates at the top of your line, and (after a few minutes of digestion and enjoying the view) drop in with plenty of fuel.

Editor’s Tip: If you can spare the extra weight, pack in Tupperware and store at the bottom of your backpack. Keeps your meal out of the way and avoids a leaky plastic bag.

Pros:

Ample carbohydrates and nutrients (depending on meat & vegetables included in pasta)
Fuel for a long day in the mountains
Can power multiple members of the group

Cons:

Weight. Not as light as other options on the list
Takes up space and not great for eating in quick spurts
Possibility Michael Scott carbo load melt down

*The FREESKIER team takes off skins and refuels during the 2023 FS Backcountry Test*

3. Cuties (Or Another Small Orange)

Coming in at number three is the Cutie, or any other small orange. Any fruit is a good choice, but we have our reasons for sticking with this one. A banana will get squished and bruised before you’ve left the trailhead. Grapes are difficult to keep track of and can take up a lot of room without offering much sustenance. Apples aren’t bad but they’re mostly sugar and water. If you want a well-rounded fruit loaded with Vitamin C that’s easy to store, grab a few Cuties and hit the skin track.

Pros:

Rip ’em open and share slices with the crew
Easy to pack and conserve space
Vitamin C to keep you healthy in the winter

Cons:

Taking off gloves to peel can be a downside in the cold
Sticky hands
Pack away the peel

2. Sliced Deli Meat + Cheese Stick

They call this one the Midwest salad. Sliced deli meat and a cheese stick are always a welcome addition. If stuffed into a plastic bag correctly, this one will easily slide into any available space you have in your bag. Cold temps will keep it fresh, so you can store this one anywhere you have room. It’s simple and filling, but sometimes that’s the best option when you’re out for a long day.

Editor’s Tip: Hit the gas station and grab a few mustard packets from the hot dog section to bring a little flavor.

Pros:

Filling, provides energy for longer missions
Can mix and match meats + sauce packet to your preference
Easy to prep

Cons:

Vegetarians and non-dairy skiers, steer clear
Must drink ample water with sodium levels like these

1. Stinger Waffle

No, this is not a paid ad. While not the most glamorous or original, the Stinger Waffle tops our list thanks to its convenience, taste and energy-packed ingredients that deliver sugar, fats and carbohydrates to your body when its in need. Their thin composition makes it easy to store multiple in your pack without consuming space or extra weight. They have around 160 calories each, and can be eaten while you’re moving on the skin track or perched at the top of a line. Some would say they even get better as they firm up in the cold.

Pros: