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Maintain peak performance with a few simple steps to prevent minor ski and gear issues from becoming major ones. Proper ski maintenance promotes improved performance on the slopes, and simple gear maintenance is the easiest way to prevent costly replacements or injury. Fortunately, proper gear and ski maintenance are relatively easy to keep up with, and with these straightforward tips, you’ll be dodging pines and hitting rails with confidence in no time. Let’s start with the basics of ski maintenance.
Keep Skis Dry & Inspect for Damage
After every ski session, properly dry the entirety of your skis to prevent moisture and rust from compromising the integrity of your surfaces and edges. Be sure to dry the binding components, edges, and lightly dry the base of your skis to prevent premature wax removal. As you dry, be on the lookout for chips, gouges, or rough sections along the edge of your skis.
Next Steps for Damage Repair
If trees, rocks, or rails have left unsightly scrapes, gouges, or edge damage, moisture can seep into the interior layers and compromise the performance and safety of your skis. For minor surface issues like scapes, you can use a material called P-Tex to seal the exposed sections. For more significant surface damage, an experienced ski technician can cut out and replace the damaged sections.
Edge repair can be a little more complicated, but many minor cracks or deformations can be fixed with professional assistance. If your edges have noticeable separation, excessive deformation, or are completely ripped off, it may be time to find some new skiing equipment before your skis take you and a nearby rider down.
Preventive Maintenance for Smooth & Safe Ski Performance
Before dealing with the above repair problems, one of the most reliable scrapes and rust deterrents is a consistent wax coating. DIY wax kits from our ski store are easy to use, save you a ton of money over the tuning shop, and ensure that your skis maintain a consistent glide while protecting your skis from minor scrapes and rough surface conditions.
Another key to peak ski performance is edge maintenance. On average, you can expect reliable edge sharpness to last for around 10 days in lighter skiing and natural snow conditions, and 5 days with aggressive skiing, man-made snow, or icy conditions. You can check that your sharpness levels are up to par by gently running the back of your fingernail along the edge.. A properly sharpened ski will scrape off a small amount of the nail’s surface. While inspecting the edge, if you notice any rough or visibly dull sections, it’s time for a tune-up.
Don’t Forget About the Gear!
After your skis are dried, sharpened, and waxed, keeping your gear and accessories in top shape is equally important. Always hang your coat, dry your boots and bindings, tighten any loose gear, and grab a microfiber cloth for your new goggles before you hit the slopes!
