Ski Maintenance 101: How Often to Check for Damage and Tune Your Skis 

Skiing can get pretty physical, especially if you typically go on harder terrain or the spring skiing reveals more earth. Have you asked yourself when was the last time you checked your skis for wear and tear? Proper ski maintenance can help with a smooth, safe, and enjoyable ride down the slopes—and significantly extends the life of your equipment. Companies like Boston Ski + Tennis, we believe taking care of your gear is just as important as perfecting your turns. This blog is what we like to think is a beginner-friendly guide on how often to inspect and tune your skis, along with some helpful DIY ski maintenance tips. Read on for more!

How Often Should You Maintain Your Skis? 

Ski maintenance is all about consistency. A little effort after every few ski days goes a long way in keeping your gear at peak performance. Here’s a breakdown of an ideal ski maintenance schedule:

• Before each ski season: Start the season strong with a comprehensive inspection of your skis for damage, such as scratches or loose screws, and perform a full tune-up based on the recommended frequency. But just as important, your bindings should be adjusted and tested to your updated Skier Type, boot, age and weight.
• Every 3-5 ski days: Take a moment to look for edge damage, burrs, or any minor base issues. Regular checks like these can help prevent bigger problems later on. 
• Every 10-15 ski days: Give your skis a good waxing to maintain their glide performance and protect the base. 
• End of the season: Clean, repair, and prepare your skis for storage so they’re ready to hit the slopes next year. 

Following this schedule will keep your skis in top condition, whether you’re carving groomed trails, tackling moguls, or chasing fresh powder.

Most Popular Ski Maintenance Tips and Issues That Can Happen to Anyone 

Before heading to the slopes or storing your skis, a proactive ski inspection is key. Common issues to watch for during maintenance include scratches or gouges in the ski base that can impact performance, damaged or rusty edges that hinder smooth carving, loose binding screws that might compromise safety, and snow buildup on bindings that can reduce efficiency and performance. Trust us, addressing these problems early can help your skis perform their best when it matters most.

What to Have in Your Ski Maintenance Tool Kit  

In your tool kit, you should make sure you have a few basics. For starters, safety glasses and gloves are always a good idea. After that, you should have a file and file guide to sharpen your edges, as well as a diamond stone and gummy stone to help smooth out those edges after you sharpen them. If your skis need some minor base repair, some P-tex and a lighter can fill those scratches before waxing. To wax your skis, all you need is an iron, plastic scraper, and brush. Make sure to buff out the base of the ski with the brush after scraping for optimal glide on the snow. With these basics in your tool kit, you’re ready to start tuning your own skis at home.

Best Ski Maintenance Tips for a Basic Skier

Make Sure Your Edges Stay Sharp

Having sharp edges can really help your ski game with icy terrain. You’ll want sharp skis so that you can grip the snow better and move carefully. The worst thing to happen is sliding down a steep mountain with no control whatsoever. Try using a diamond stone to smooth out any burrs, moving carefully from nose to tail. Be mindful to focus on the metal edge without grinding into the base.  If there’s rust or damage, run a gummy stone along the edges for a polish.

Don’t Forget to Wax!

Waxing your skis are one of the basic maintenance techniques out there. To do this, start by thoroughly cleaning the base with a ski brush and base cleaner to remove debris and old wax. Next, apply a thin bead of hot wax along the base and use a wax iron to distribute it evenly across the surface. Once the wax has been applied, allow it to cool completely at room temperature. After cooling, use a plastic scraper to remove any excess wax, followed by brushing the surface to polish it and enhance performance. Try to wax your skis every 3-5 days or whenever you feel a decline in glides.

Bindings Need Love and Care Too

Bindings are some of the most overlooked parts of skis. Don’t forget to check them regularly for loose screws and keep them free from snow buildup. A good tip is applying a small amount of lubricant (away from the ski base) every 3-5 rides will keep everything working smoothly. Remember, do a proper binding service each year and if the screws feel loose or you’re unsure about adjustments, consult a professional or someone in Boston Ski + Tennis to make sure everything is secure. 

Properly Store Skis

At the end of the season, it’s important to prepare your skis for storage properly. Choose a cool, dry place that’s away from direct sunlight to avoid any unnecessary damage. Taking the time to care for your equipment now will ensure your skis are in great shape and ready to hit the slopes next season!

Why Regular Maintenance Matters 

Neglecting your skis can be a bad habit to follow. We get it, people get busy, but if you don’t remember to do regular upkeep and maintenance on your skis, it only affects you and your ski experience. Preventing wear and tear also means you’ll enjoy better rides and avoid costly repairs in the long term. 

Tune Up Your Skis Today, and Don’t Wait!

If you want to tune up your skis but just don’t have the time, don’t worry! Boston Ski + Tennis is here to take that off your to-do list and provide inspections, repairs, and tune-ups to keep your gear in excellent condition all year round.  Visit us today for a ski tune-up, or call us for expert advice. It’s time to ski your best!