How To Properly Care For Skis

It costs a lot of money to buy ski equipment and regular maintenance will help you get the most value for all you spent. In addition to giving you better performance, regular maintenance will enable the skis to last longer. Yes, you can take your skis to the experts at the pro shop to get them tuned and waxed. However, you can also do the work yourself. For the cost of a professional tuning, you can buy most of the tools needed and it's not even complicated!

However, when it comes to stone grinding the bases, you will need proper machinery. Done once or twice a season, this chore is best left to a ski shop pro with a stone grinder. Over time the base of the ski can become nicked and the edges can become burred, which affects your ski performance and also exposes the skis to excess moisture that will shorten their life span.

To keep your skis in top condition you should do some basic ski care every 5 to 10 ski days. Skis should be waxed, edges sharpened and bindings examined to make sure they are adjusted properly.

Waxing

As skis glide over snow, the friction will melt the snow and cause a thin layer of water to form. Therefore, if the skis are unwaxed, water can seep into the base and cause damage. In addition to protecting your skis, wax improves performance by causing the water to form into droplets, which makes it easier to turn.

Waxes are made to suit specific temperature conditions and there are two ways it can be applied -- rubbing or melting. Wax which is rubbed on the base cold will quickly wear off, therefore, hot wax provides a much more durable finish. When applying hot wax, use a special waxing iron or use an old clothes iron. Drip the hot wax along the base of each ski, smoothing it out by using the iron. After the ski has been set aside to cool and once the wax has hardened, it can then be polished with a rubbing pad.

Edges

The steel edges along the sides of the skis aid in turning and stopping. If you hit the stones or bang the skis together, the steel edges can become nicked and gouged. Run your finger along the edge. If you find any nicks or burrs, the edges will need to be sharpened, which requires a bit more skill than waxing. It is important to remember not to remove too much metal. Use an edging stone with a light motion to remove any burrs, keeping the stone at the same angle for the length of the ski.

Storage

Before storing your skis for the summer, be sure and give them a coat of wax. This protects them from moisture and also prevents rust from forming on the edges. In addition to that, the bases of the ski will absorb the wax while they are being stored, giving the bases a more durable finish.

Another good idea to prevent the springs from losing their tension is to loosen the release mechanisms on the bindings. But be sure to set them back again before hitting the slopes next winter. Better yet, have them set by a technician for maximum safety.