How Often Should I Get a Ski Tune Up?

It's important to get your ski gear updated and skis tuned up regularly. While a simple tune-up should be fine, skiers who use their equipment excessively should get them tuned up more often. Regular tune-ups will prevent damage and ensure that your skis are ready to hit the slopes again.

Inspecting Skis for Damage

Inspecting your skis for damage while getting a ski tune up is a critical step in the process. While some minor scratches are cosmetic, others can seriously affect your skis' performance. The best way to detect these minor scratches is by running your finger along the edge of your skis or snowboard. If you find any cracks or holes, bring them in immediately for a professional repair.

Inspecting the base of your skis is important to the control of the ski, gliding, and wax absorption. The base of your skis should be firm enough to avoid damage from bumps and other hazards on the slopes. The ski base should be linear from tip to tail, unless you've hit a rock. The base of your skis should be deep enough to absorb snow but not too deep to cause the ski to sink. It should also be thin enough to allow your ski to glide in cold conditions, but not too deep.

If your skis are older, it's important to have them checked for rust. Rust is a common problem among skiers who think they can ski off of the rust. While you can sometimes scrub off the rust with a scraper, if the rust is excessive and has gotten deeper, you should have them professionally repaired.

Waxing Skis

A ski tune up involves removing excess material from the base of the ski, so that it can be shaped properly. It is especially important to flatten the base to avoid sharp or dull edges. The base of a ski can also be protected from oxidation by applying a storage wax. This step should be performed periodically to ensure the quality of the ski. However, there are several things that you should be aware of before you start your ski tune up.

Firstly, check if your skis are dragging during turns. If you notice a noticeable drag, the wax seal may be worn away and you may need to apply a new layer. Secondly, check the edges of your skis. If they are dragging, this means that they need a tune up.

In addition to waxing, skis need to be sharpened periodically to keep their edge performance high. A dull edge will not grip the snow properly and can lead to crashes. You can easily do this yourself using the right tools. If you only ski a few days a season, however, it may be a better idea to take them to a ski shop rather than trying to sharpen them yourself.

While it is essential to get your skis tuned every few weeks, you can opt to take them for a tune up every six to eight days. However, you shouldn't go longer than 8 days without having them tuned. Another important step is waxing your skis, which will improve their performance and life span. Read our article about how many years ski bindings last.

When to Get a Ski Tune Up

Regular tune-ups are essential for your skis or snowboard to function at their optimal level. Regular tune-ups are usually scheduled after six or eight days of skiing or riding. They can also include base repairs and waxing. Depending on how often you ski, you may need to get a tune-up more often than usual.

Ski tune-ups are often inexpensive and easy to do at home. If you've never tuned a ski before, you'll want to know the basics before heading to a shop. The first step is to clean the base. If the base is made of wood, you will need to wax it. When your skis are properly waxed, they will ride better and last longer.

Another step is to inspect the edges. When you inspect the edges, you'll notice if they're starting to get rusty. Just like a car tire, rusty edges won't provide the same grip as a brand new ski. Also, look for rust-colored water spots on the edges. If you see rust on the edges, you may need to get a tune-up. If the edges are getting more rusty than the rest, you should get a professional tune-up.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to avoid oxidation, which causes rusty edges and dry bases. Regular waxing will help prevent oxidation from forming and can also help prevent nicks and scrapes from damaging the edges. Can 20 year old skis be good? Let's find answer in our other articles!