Blog at Bear Creek

Ski Maintenance – Secrets to long lasting equipment

As skiing has gained popularity over the past decade, there are more options when it comes to equipment buying; however, it’s still pretty pricey. Learning how to care for your ski equipment is essential to prevent it from prematurely wearing out.
 
While most people will never have to worry about those minuscule variations in equipment that ski racers obsess over, the majority of skiers and riders could still benefit from proper care of equipment to increase its longevity, as well as give you a better experience. Below are a few tips to help you avoid unnecessary wear on your skis.
 

Keep Skis Away from Needless Moisture

On a cold day, it is common to throw snow-covered skis into the back of the car, but when the heater cranks, the skis now are laying in a puddle. All of us know what will happen to metal when it gets soaked, so you don’t want to botch up the perfectly personality-matching graphics with rusty edges.

 
Conducting any sort of maintenance routine that’s keeping the moisture away from your skis when it isn’t in use is a huge benefit. To help in preventing rust follow these tips:
  • In the offseason, store your equipment in a place that’s dry
  • With a soft cloth, dry your skis
  • Have the habit of removing/brushing snow away from skis

Waxing Skis

Give your ski equipment a respectable treatment and it’ll return the favor. 
 
Having your skis sealed with a fresh coat of hot wax’ll provide your equipment with the TLC they truly crave; and the better the more you do it. Think of ski bases like leather; if regularly not conditioned, they can shrink, dry up, & crack away from the edges. Applying a nice coat of hot wax once in a while is all they ask for. 
 

Note: there are various types of wax for changing surface conditions and temperatures, so if you are unsure of the appropriate choice, check with a professional before you choose.

Ski Edges: Not Just For Racers

Not everybody needs, or wants, that racer-sharp edge, but it does not mean you must neglect them. Despite the slope conditions and skiing style, you should still check in on your edges every now and then.
 
Generally, your skis will perform a lot better with well-maintained edges. Although you might not notice a difference at first, giving your edges more of a … well, the edge will make for a more playful day on the groomers. 
 
If you do ski on packed-powder a lot, aka ice, maintain that grip by evading any dullness signs with more regular tunings.
 

Tune Skis With Caution

Just like any type of maintenance, a routine is key; however, it’s good to be cautious when it comes to tuning. There’s nothing wrong with needing your equipment to be in tip-top shape utilizing the aforementioned tips, but it can become a bit of an addiction. 

 
The equipment’s lifespan does have a direct association with tuning, so please be cautious of your base’extreme grinding.
 

Your base thickness’ fixed, and it’ll only provide you with several grinds. Always inquire an expert for their opinion first prior to taking action and only grind down your base when necessary.

Buckle Ski Boots

The equipment attached to the ski could be just as vital as the ski itself. Do not neglect taking care of your ski boots. One of the ideal ways to having your boots maintained is to have them kept buckled at all times; whilst you ’are shredding & while you are NOT. 
 

After you’re done with your day on the slopes, ensure you re-buckle your boots! Having the boots kept unbuckled will result in them losing their shape. Ski boots are extremely strong; for such a positive reason, too, so having their shape maintained will help your boots perform the way they’re supposed to and wear longer.

 
Ski care is very important if you want your equipment to last; not to mention it allows for a more enjoyable experience. Taking care of skis doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task; remember, there are always industry professionals that are willing to help you. The more care you put into your equipment, the more fun you will have out on the slopes.
 
Bear Creek has a full-service Tuning Shop on-site to handle your equipment’s tuning and repair needs. For the DIYers, be sure to visit our Retail Shop, we have wax on hand and for sale. Visit Bear Creek this ski season!
 
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