Well-maintained skis are the guarantee of optimal performance and equipment that lasts longer. But what does ski maintenance actually involve? What needs to be done, and how often? Can you maintain your skis yourself, or is it better to entrust your equipment to a professional? Here is a guide to answer all these questions, so that your skis or snowboard are properly cared for!
If you have purchased your own skis, you know that they represent a significant investment and that taking care of them is in your best interest. And this goes far beyond the aesthetic aspect, because proper maintenance helps to:
Maintaining skis and snowboards requires several operations. Here is a step-by-step explanation.
Waxing involves applying a special wax to optimize glide by reducing friction with the snow and to protect the base from moisture and temperature variations.
To wax skis, you need a waxing iron, wax suited to the type of snow, a scraper to remove excess wax, as well as a cloth and a brush to clean and polish the base. Before waxing, it is important to thoroughly clean the skis and remove the existing layer of wax. The wax is then applied evenly over the entire base using an iron set to the correct temperature.
It is recommended to wax your skis before the start of the season to prepare the equipment and at the end of the season to protect it during storage. During the season, waxing every 3 to 5 outings is recommended for regular skiers.
Sharpening consists of working on the ski edges to ensure optimal grip on the snow. This improves control in turns, especially on hard or icy snow, and helps prevent uncontrolled skidding.
To sharpen skis or a snowboard, you need a file, a file guide, a sharpening stone, and a brush. After setting the sharpening angle, run the file along the edge, then remove the filings and finish with the stone.
Sharpening should be carried out when you feel that your skis are slipping too much or when there are irregularities on the edges. It is recommended to sharpen equipment at the beginning of each season and whenever the edges have been subjected to significant impacts.
Ski bases are often heavily stressed and can suffer damage that requires repair. An impact or crack does not necessarily mean the skis are unusable, but it does need to be addressed.
For superficial scratches, it is sufficient to use a repair stick, which is heated and applied to fill in the scratches. If the damage is more severe, a base repair (P-Tex repair) will be necessary (this operation consists of filling the hole or crack with a specific material).
Once ski maintenance is complete, storage should not be overlooked. Vertical storage is recommended to preserve the shape of the skis. However, horizontal storage is also possible, provided that the skis are not placed directly on the ground and that no objects are placed on top of them (there are specific racks designed to store skis, which can also save space if mounted higher up).
Remember to release and loosen the ski bindings, and close the binding straps on a snowboard. This helps preserve the shape of the bindings until your next outing.
Also make sure that skis, as well as ski boots, are stored in a dry, ventilated place protected from moisture. This will prevent rust from forming on the edges and bacteria or mold from developing in the boots. Of course, make sure your equipment is completely dry before storing it until the next winter sports season.
Entrusting the maintenance of your skis to a professional is often a practical and effective solution. Prices vary depending on the services requested (waxing, sharpening, repairs, etc.), their complexity, and the shop’s pricing policy.
For example, a basic wax service may cost around €7 to €10, while a full service including sharpening, waxing, and minor repairs generally costs around €30–40. Some shops also offer seasonal packages for regular maintenance at a discounted rate.
While it is entirely possible to purchase waxing, sharpening, and repair equipment and carry out ski maintenance yourself, it is often safer and more practical to entrust these operations to a ski professional.
All Sport 2000 ski rental shops have an in-store ski workshop where ski technicians take care of alpine skis, freestyle skis, touring skis, snowboards, and more. By choosing this option, you benefit from:
In short, by entrusting your skis to Sport 2000, you benefit from a professional service that maximizes your enjoyment on the slopes and extends the lifespan of your equipment!