Ski maintenance: how to care for your skis

• Remove snow and water after every day on the slopes, and dry your equipment at room temperature.
• A clean base is easier to wax evenly and assess properly.
• Edges should be free of rust and damage; deep gouges should be handled by a professional.
• Bindings should be checked using the specific ski boots and current information.
• Hot waxing requires a suitable work surface, the right temperature and careful handling of heat.
• Store skis in a dry place away 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. Let everything dry at room temperature, not directly on a radiator. Excessive heat can deform plastic, strain adhesives and cause materials to age unnecessarily.

Then inspect your skis in good light. Look for deep gouges, chipped edges, areas where the base is coming loose, loose screws and unusual noises. Minor surface marks are not automatically dangerous, but you should not simply keep skiing on equipment with structural damage. Mark the affected ski so it can be checked before its next use.

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

For detailed instructions on the correct sequence for different types of wax, the official Swix waxing guide provides separate recommendations. Regular basic maintenance is enough for most holiday skiers. If you are unsure about the temperature, tools or amount of wax, have a specialist prepare the base.

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, pronounced gouges or an edge that has separated from the base can make it harder to control your skis on hard snow. Files and edge sharpeners 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, taking care not to remove more material than necessary. Deep gouges, damaged sidewalls or detached edges require professional servicing. 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. After changing boots, taking a long break, a significant change in your body measurements or a fall, have the settings checked by a specialist. Bindings that do not click into place properly or release unexpectedly should also be checked immediately.

Clean and dry your ski boots, buckles, poles and helmet, too. Ski boots should fit securely without causing painful pressure. 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.

Before storing skis for an extended period, dry them completely and protect them from dust, direct sunlight and moisture. Do not leave them stacked together while wet or place heavy objects on them. Before your first day on the slopes, take the time to check the bases, edges, bindings, boots and accessories. Allow several days for repairs so servicing does not have to be rushed.

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

How often should I wax my skis?

It depends on how often you ski, the snow conditions and the condition of the base. Check regularly for a dry, rough or visibly dull base, and have it waxed when needed.

Can I sharpen the edges myself?

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

How should I dry 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, a fall or a significant change in your measurements, do not assume the existing settings are still correct without having them checked.

When does a ski need professional servicing?

If there are deep gouges, detached edges, significant rust, damaged sidewalls or unusual binding behavior, do not attempt a makeshift repair yourself.

How should I store skis over the summer?

Clean and dry your skis completely, then store them somewhere dry and protected from direct sunlight and excessive heat. A final application of wax can help protect the base during storage.