The International Cessna^® 170 Association

If I was buying skiis for the 170 and could afford the extra cost, there is no question in my mind but to get the Aero R2800 one-time retractable skiis. I know guys who run them on Maules and have nothing but good things to say about them. The main benefit I see is you have an option to have the wheels down or skiis down when you get to your intended landing site. During break-up is the perfect example when you expect to land on skiis but the strip is melted back to hard surface and the skiis are not going to work. If you need gas and that's the only place you can get it, wheels sure come in handy.

Yes. That annual worry/gamble starts in a couple weeks. Those skis look like an excellent idea to get the 170 out this time of year, the minimal weight difference looks worth it. I’ll study that website to understand the “one-time” feature.
One cub owner is out on the lake switching from straight skis to tires right now. He’s a Slope worker, and is concerned how conditions will be when he returns. The lake will (likely) be fine then, but will the ski strips at the airports? – your point.

What about the Trick-Air skis? Anyone have these? I don't think he has a STC yet for the 170s. A friend has these on a Super Cub and loves them.

John