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Owning skis or a board? A little care keeps them gliding fast, gripping on ice and lasting for years.
Waxing
Wax makes the base glide and protects it from drying out. A dry, whitish base is a sign it needs wax.
- How often: every 4–6 days of skiing, or when the base looks white/dry.
- Hot wax (iron-on) lasts longest. Shops do it quickly and cheaply.
- Rub-on or liquid wax is a handy quick fix during a trip.
- Use universal wax, or temperature-specific wax for cold or warm snow.
Edge sharpening
Sharp edges grip on hard snow and ice. Dull or rusty edges make skis slide sideways.
- A shop service (grinding, edge tuning, waxing) once or twice a season is ideal for recreational skiers.
- Remove small burrs with a diamond stone between services.
- Beginners usually prefer slightly detuned (less aggressive) edges near the tips and tails.
After each day
- Wipe snow off skis and dry them before storing — prevents rust.
- Boots: take out the liners, open the buckles and dry them at room temperature (boot dryers are great). Never put them on a radiator — it can deform the plastic.
- Dry gloves and helmet liners overnight.
- Store goggles in their soft bag.
Carrying and travelling
- Use ski straps to keep skis together.
- A padded ski or board bag protects gear on flights.
- Don’t leave skis in a hot car or on a wet floor for long periods.
Summer storage
- Get a service, or apply a thick layer of “storage wax” and don’t scrape it off.
- Loosen snowboard binding tension slightly and store skis without heavy weight on them.
- Store in a cool, dry place — not a damp garage or hot attic.
- Buckle boots loosely so the shell keeps its shape.
- Scrape the storage wax off and ride in autumn.
When to see a shop
- Deep core shots (gouges through to the core).
- Delaminating edges or broken sidewalls.
- Bindings to be adjusted or tested (always a shop job).
- Base grind for big scratches.
