To get the goods you've got to get to the goods. Since we don't all get the free heli trips that means we have to skin there. That's ok though cause with today's quality equipment, getting there is half the fun and more than half the beauty. When choosing your skins be sure to consider the width of your skis. Regardless of your choice you'll usually have to have your skins trimmed to fit your skis. You can do this yourself or have your local shop do it for you. Sierra spring storms can have warm temps immediately following the snowfall. In these conditions the wet fresh snow will build up heavily on your skins when you leave the shade. Glob Stopper is unbeatable for this. Crampons, extendable poles, and toboggan sleds can also help you get there easily and in style.
Update- I'm currently on the Black Diamond GlideLite skins and give them three thumbs up (let's see you try that). They're mounted on Gotamas turning them into tank treads that eat up the mountain. If you follow the link don't be fooled by the part about fitting them in your pocket. That may be true of the smaller sizes , but when you get up in the 130mm-140mm range it just doesn't work. That's true for all skins though. The rear clip is especially suited for today's twin tip skis. For non twin tip skis I highly recommend the Black Diamond Ascension Clipfix skins, but you don't get the cool tire tread pattern.
I've never had anything but Black Diamond Skins, both the Ascension and now the GlideLite. I've never wished for anything else either. A great product backed up by great customer service.
G3, or Genuine Guide Gear
K2's new product is a fantastic design IMO, and may be the way of the future. At this point, however, it does have the drawback of only working with K2 Backside Series skis, which limits resale value and will be a problem if you buy new (non K2) skis
