Ski maintenance: care for skis properly

• Remove snow and water after every ski day and dry the equipment at room temperature.
• A clean base can be waxed more evenly and assessed more reliably.
• Edges should be free of rust and damage; deep nicks belong with a professional service.
• Bindings must be checked with the actual ski boot and current personal data.
• Hot waxing requires a suitable surface, the right temperature and careful handling of heat.
• Store skis in a dry place protected from direct sunlight and strong heat.

Wipe snow and water from the base, edges and binding. Open the ski boots and remove the liners if they have become damp. Dry everything at room temperature, never directly on a radiator. Strong heat can deform plastics, stress adhesives and age materials unnecessarily.

Then inspect the skis in good light. Look for deep grooves, chipped edges, lifted base material, loose screws and unusual noises. Small surface marks are not automatically dangerous, but a structural defect should not simply be ridden. Mark the affected pair so it can be checked before the next use.

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

The official Swix waxing guide provides detailed instructions for different types of wax. Regular basic care is sufficient for most holiday skiers. If you are unsure about the temperature, tools or amount of wax, have the base treated by a professional service.

Do not run an unprotected finger along an edge. Instead, inspect it in good light to see whether it is continuous, clean and free from heavy rust. Rust spots, obvious nicks or an edge lifting away from the base can reduce control on hard snow. A file or edge tool should only be used by someone experienced, because the wrong angle can permanently alter the ski.

Remove light surface rust only with a suitable tool and without taking off unnecessary material. Deep nicks, damaged sidewalls or detached edges require professional service. After repair, check again that the ski glides cleanly and that no sharp or loose parts protrude.

A binding is not an ordinary wear part that should be adjusted by feel. After changing boots, a long break, a relevant change in body data or a fall, have the setting checked by a professional service. A binding that does not lock correctly or releases unexpectedly also requires immediate inspection.

Clean and dry the ski boots, buckles, poles and helmet as well. The boot must hold the foot securely without causing painful pressure. Check that buckles and straps work and that the helmet has no visible damage. Replace a damaged helmet; do not continue using it as a temporary measure.

For longer storage, dry the skis completely and protect them from dust, direct sunlight and moisture. Do not leave them packed together while wet or place heavy objects on top. Before the first ski day, calmly check the base, edges, bindings, boots and accessories. Allow several days for repairs so that a service does not have to be done under time pressure.

Children’s shoe size and body data change quickly. Before every season, check whether their boots, binding setting, helmet and clothing still fit. The same safety check applies to hired skis: have a professional adjust the binding to the boot actually being used.

How often should I wax my skis?

It depends on use, snow conditions and the state of the base. Check regularly whether the base looks dry, rough or visibly dull, and have it waxed when necessary.

Can I sharpen ski edges myself?

With experience and the right tools, careful maintenance is possible. For rust, deep nicks or uncertainty, professional service is sensible so that the angle and material are not damaged.

How should I dry skis and ski boots?

Remove snow and water and dry both at room temperature. Strong direct heat can damage plastics, adhesives and coatings.

Does the binding need to be checked every year?

Regular professional inspection is sensible, especially before the season. After changing boots, a fall or relevant changes, do not rely on the previous setting without a check.

When does a ski need professional service?

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

How should I store skis over the summer?

Clean and dry them completely and store them in a dry place protected from direct sunlight and strong heat. A final maintenance treatment can protect the base during storage.