Essential Ski Care & Maintenance Tips: How to Make Your Skis & Gear Last Longer!

As the ski season begins to run up on us, our in-Haus skiers at Alpin Haus Ski Shop have decided to craft some essential ski care and maintenance tips for you! Before hitting the slopes for the first time this season, you should make sure your gear is feeling mint and ready to rip. Keeping on your ski care and maintenance not only brings you a thrilling, fun experience, but also enhances and extends the life of your ski equipment! Sometimes, just a little TLC can mean the difference between a smooth ride and a sluggish day. Whether you’re seasoned on the slopes, or just finding your edge, these tips will help enhance your ski trips, extend your gear’s life, and keep them shredding all winter long!

1. Get Your Skis Tuned Before the Season

Before the snow starts falling, getting your skis freshly tuned is a must. A professional tune-up means sharpening the edges, filling in minor gouges, and applying a fresh slab of wax, all with top-of-the-line tuning equipment. By choosing a professional tune, you’ll have skis that grip the ice and glide through the powder, making it a whole lot easier to tackle any line you’ve got your eye on. Plus, a well-tuned ski doesn’t sap your energy as much, so you will keep those legs fresh as you glide and slide, from early morning to late afternoon!

Bonus: Tuning also lets you spot any issues early, like worn edges or choppy base wear, so they don’t mess with your ride mid-season. Swing by any our ski shops, located in Amsterdam, NY, Clifton Park, NY, and Latham, NY, where we can give you a tune-up that’ll keep you and your gear feeling fresh.

2. Check for Gouges After Each Trip

After a trip to the mountain, give your skis a quick once-over for gouges from rocks, ice, or anything else that you endured. Running your hand over the base and edges can help you catch anything that needs attention. Addressing small dings before they become big problems saves you from costly repairs and keeps your ride silky smooth!

3. Cleaning & Wear/Tear Review After Each Trip

Initial Clean Off & Review

When packing up after a long day on the slopes, it’s easy to stash your skis and forget about them until the next outing. If you take a few minutes to wipe off your skis and look for any wear and tear, it can keep those skis in tip-top shape. Use a soft cloth to remove any snow, dirt, or moisture from the surface of your skis. Look for any loose screws, worn-out parts, or signs of wear. You want to make sure this simple wear and tear is taken care of ASAP, that way you can prevent any roughness later in the season.

Watch for White Discoloration on the Base

If your base is looking chalky or white, it’s probably seeking a fresh wax. This white sheen means the base has dried out, which affects both glide and durability. Give your skis a glance after each trip, and if they’re looking thirsty, don’t skip the wax. Ski wax not only enhances glide but also protects the base from damage and oxidation!

Clean After Transporting in Truck Bed or Roof

If you’re hauling your skis in a truck bed or on a roof rack, they’re bound to pick up some nasty road grime. Once you get where you’re going, give them a quick wash with soap and water to clear off any salt or dirt. Salt damage can lead to permanent ski damage, is it can absolutely rip apart the edges and base. If you can take the time to clean those skis once you get back from your trip, you’ll be feeling good on the slopes season-round.

4. Dry Before Storage

Let your skis air out just a little bit before completely putting them away. Get your skis nice and dry, as it is key to avoid rust and other moisture issues. Store them in a cool, dry place, preferably with ski straps and elevated off the floor to minimize binding stress. A few minutes of drying now saves you from gnarly surprises later.

5. Fresh Wax Recommended After Every 3-5 Trips

Wax every 3-5 days of riding, or whenever your glide feels off. Consistent waxing keeps your skis fast and protected. Plus, it helps prevent that chalky look we mentioned earlier. Treat your skis to some fresh wax love and they’ll keep delivering all season.

As a part of our tuning services, Alpin Haus does offer waxing for any ski or board craving a fresh wax!

6. Review of Ski Boots Recommended After 3-5 Years of Usage

While so much of the focus is on the skis themselves, you got to remember to give the boots some love too! We recommend taking a look at your boots after 3-5 years of usage, and if there is significant wear, it may be time for an upgrade. Cracks, loose buckles, or compressed liners are common signs that you may be due for an upgrade. You will want to make sure they are kept in a cool, dry spot, in order to avoid some of this gnarly wear. A fresh, comfortable fitting boot makes a big difference on comfort, and on your glide!

Conclusion

Taking care of your skis isn’t a chore, it’s part of getting the most out of your season. From pre-season tune-ups to quick inspections after each trip, a little maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your gear feeling solid. Take the time to look after them, and they’ll keep you cruising for you for seasons to come.

Got questions on how to keep your equipment in great shape, or want to book that tune-up? Reach out to us here at Alpin Haus, and we’ll get you set up for success this season!