Ski service and maintenance of skis and snowboards is necessary, at least if you want to get the most out of your equipment when you hit the slopes.
What do you get when your ski equipment is serviced?
When your skis or snowboard come in for a ski service, it will typically be due to 3 reasons that are reducing the performance of your ski equipment:
- They need a waxing
- They need a sole repair
- They need an edge sharpening
Ski waxing is the property that allows your skis to glide down the mountain at the right speed. When your skis are waxed, the surface of the ski's sole is coated with wax, which penetrates the sole and creates a higher glide against snow. It's easy to notice when the ski doesn't glide as it should, and if it's not easy to judge, you can take a look at the sole of the ski, which turns gray/white when the ski really needs a coat of ski wax. A ski enthusiast will always wax their skis a few weeks before their annual trip down the slopes. If you really want to take good care of your ski equipment, it's actually a good idea to send your skis in for service right after this year's ski trip. This protects the sole of the ski when it's being stored, and it's also a plus that the wax has even more time to penetrate the sole of the ski.
All the wax we use is fluorine and PFAS free
When the sole of the ski needs a repair, it's because the sole has a major scratch, which is clearly noticeable when you start skiing. Small, shallow scratches occur on all skis over time, and these will typically even out as soon as the ski is waxed or maintained in a service machine. Large and deep scratches, on the other hand, can be a factor that can really slow down the performance and turning ability of your skis, and you should be aware of these. Large scratches can be repaired with heated wax that is melted into the sole of the ski and then sanded down to a smooth surface that blends with the sole. In the long run, a large scratch can also cause further damage, so it's a good idea to get them looked at right away.
When the edges of your skis or snowboard become dull, it can be clearly felt on your skiing. Ski edges are especially important when testing equipment on the morning's freshly groomed slopes, which can sometimes be hard and without soft landings. This is where the equipment is put to the test, and if the edges aren't sharp and clear, you risk falling off in the turn. If you're unsure if the edges of your equipment are delivering, you can test their sharpness against your fingertip. A dull edge will typically be characterized by obvious nicks and small irregularities such as rust. When your skis come home from edge sharpening, you should have no doubt that they will take large ice patches on the slopes like a game, which also adds to the joy of skiing and learning.
When do you send your ski equipment for service?
How often your skis need servicing depends on the conditions your skis have been exposed to on your last ski trip. If your skis have been through a week of icy terrain where the surface has been hard, we recommend that you pay extra attention to the edge grip of your skis. If the edge doesn't seem sharp, it's a good idea to sharpen them in the middle of your skiing trip. If your skis have had a 'mild' week with a lot of powder snow, they can wait until you return home. We always recommend that you wax your skis or snowboard again at the end of your skiing holiday. It protects them from dirt and drying out over the summer, and you'll also have done yourself a favor before the next skiing season starts.
We always recommend that you get professionals to maintain your skis, as incorrect edge grinding can have major consequences for your equipment's turning and driving ability. At One Open Sky we have the latest equipment for maintenance and service. You can read more about how our ski service works HERE.
