Ski maintenance: how to care for your skis

• Remove snow and water after every day on the slopes and dry the equipment at room temperature.
• A clean base is easier to wax evenly and inspect.
• Edges should be free of rust and damage; deep gouges require professional service.
• Bindings should be checked using the actual ski boot and current information.
• Hot waxing requires a suitable work surface, the right temperature and careful handling of heat.
• Store skis in a dry place protected from sunlight and excessive heat.

Wipe snow and water off the bases, edges and bindings. Open your ski boots and remove the liners if they have become damp. Dry everything at room temperature, not directly on a radiator. Excessive heat can deform plastics, put stress on adhesives and cause materials to deteriorate unnecessarily.

Then inspect the skis in good light. Look for deep gouges, chipped edges, sections of base that have come loose, loose screws and unusual noises. Minor surface marks are not necessarily dangerous, but you should not simply keep skiing on equipment with structural damage. Mark the affected pair so it can be checked before its next use.

A dry, clean base is the foundation of good maintenance. Carefully remove visible dirt and use only products suitable for the particular base. For hot waxing, spread the wax with a suitable iron, then let the ski cool. Scrape off the excess wax and brush the base. The wax must not smoke; make sure you have a suitable workspace and follow the product instructions.

For detailed instructions on the steps involved with different types of wax, the official Swix waxing guide provides dedicated advice. Regular basic maintenance is enough for most holidaymakers. If you are unsure about the temperature, tools or amount of wax, have a specialist service the bases.

Do not run your bare finger along an edge. Instead, check in good light that the edge is continuous, clean and free of significant rust. Rust spots, obvious gouges or an edge that has lifted away from the base can make it harder to control your skis on hard-packed slopes. Files and edge tuners should only be used by someone with experience, as the wrong angle can permanently alter the ski.

Remove light surface rust only with a suitable tool and without taking off unnecessary material. Deep gouges, damaged sidewalls or detached edges require professional service. After repairs, check again that the ski glides smoothly and that no sharp or loose parts are sticking out.

Bindings are not ordinary wear parts that you should adjust by feel. Have them checked by a specialist after changing boots, taking a long break, experiencing a significant change in your body measurements or having a fall. A binding that does not click into place properly or releases unexpectedly should also be checked immediately.

Clean and dry your ski boots, buckles, poles and helmet, too. Ski boots should fit snugly but not cause pain. Check that the buckles and straps work and that the helmet has no visible damage. Replace a damaged helmet rather than continuing to use it as a temporary measure.

For long-term storage, dry skis completely and protect them from dust, direct sunlight and moisture. Do not store them together while they are wet or place heavy objects on top of them. Before your first day on the slopes, take time to check the bases, edges, bindings, ski boots and accessories. If repairs are needed, allow several days so that servicing does not have to be rushed.

Children’s boot sizes and body measurements change quickly. Before each season, check that their ski boots, binding settings, helmet and clothing still fit. The same safety check applies to rental skis: have a qualified technician set the bindings using the boots that will actually be worn.

How often should I wax my skis?

It depends on how often you use them, the snow conditions and the state of the bases. Check regularly for bases that look dry, rough or visibly dull, and have them waxed when needed.

Can I sharpen the edges myself?

With experience and the right tools, you can carry out careful maintenance. If there is rust, deep gouging or you are unsure, professional service is a good idea to avoid damaging the angle or the material.

How should I dry my skis and ski boots?

Remove snow and water, then dry both at room temperature. Direct, intense heat can damage plastic, adhesives and coatings.

Do bindings need to be checked every year?

Regular professional checks are a good idea, especially before the season. After changing boots, having a fall or making significant changes, do not continue using the existing settings without having them checked.

When do skis need professional service?

For deep gouges, detached edges, extensive rust, damaged sidewalls or unusual binding behaviour, do not attempt a temporary repair yourself.

How should I store my skis over the summer?

Clean and dry your skis completely, then store them in a dry place protected from direct sunlight and excessive heat. A final treatment can help protect the bases while they are in storage.