Anyone who owns a pair of skis should know that they require a good amount of maintenance in order to perform their best and last a long time. However, you may have some questions about ski tune ups: what’s involved? How often are they needed? Can I tune my skis myself? We’re going to cover all of these questions, so keep reading!
What do ski tune ups entail?
First, let’s cover what ski tune ups usually entail. Full ski tune ups may involve a few different things, but the main two are edge sharpening and waxing.
- Edge sharpening
Having your ski’s edges sharpened is an important part of ski tune ups! Edges can get dull and worn down after use, and having edges sharpened will ensure that you will be able to get a good grip while you’re turning or carving.
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Waxing
This may be the most essential thing you do to your skis! The right kind of wax will make all the difference in your skiing experience. Getting your skis waxed regularly will not only allow you to feel a difference in your skiing, but it’s also good for the ski itself since it keeps the bases hydrated, preventing them from getting dried out and damaged.
Some ski tune ups may also involve other things such as grinding the base in order to repair any damages that are present or adjusting the bindings to be sure they are still secure. You may not know exactly what your skis need until you take them in to be inspected.
How do I know if I need a ski tune up?
Start by looking at the base of your skis, as this will likely be the most obvious. If your base is looking “dull” (as opposed to shiny) and you’re noticing any scratches, you should probably take your skis in for a wax.
Next, check the edges. These can be a bit harder to judge if you’re inspecting them for the first time but try to determine whether they still feel sharp or if they are getting dull and worn as well. If you’re unsure, it’s never a bad idea to take them to a professional to have them look over your skis.
How often do I need ski tune ups?
Now for the big question: how often do you really need ski tune ups in order to keep everything in great shape?
The answer depends on a few things, such as the conditions you ski in, what type of skiing you do, and how often you ski. Professional skiers or those on the slopes more days than not will need to wax and tune their skis more often than someone who only goes out on occasion. Some experts recommend that you should get your skis tuned after every 20 days of use while others say skis should be tuned weekly. If you’re unsure how often you should be taking your skis in to be inspected and touched up, ask your ski tech the next time you bring them in.
Ski tune ups at the end of the season, though, are especially important, so be sure to take them in before storing them away for the summer. Not only will this keep your skis safe and protected while in storage, but it will help ensure that they are ready for next season!
Can I do any of this myself?
Yes, it is certainly possible to do some ski tune ups yourself at home! There are many ski tuning tools available to help make this process a little easier for you.
However, there are many reasons why it’s better to take your skis to a professional to get them tuned up. For one thing, a ski tech will be able to find issues with your skis that you might not notice yourself and take care of them before they cause more problems or damage. Another reason is that mistakes can be costly! You don’t want to risk ruining any of your gear if you’re not completely sure what you’re doing. This is why many people leave it up to the pros.
Last of all, if your ski bindings are of any concern, you’ll want to have a ski tech take a look at them. They are trained to mount and adjust ski bindings, and this is an element you don’t want to risk not working properly!
Don’t hit the slopes this season before you’re had your skis properly inspected and waxed so that they’re ready to go! For any gear that needs to be replaced, be sure you visit our ski shop to find everything you need to make this winter the best yet!
