As the snow begins to fall, it is time to get your skis or board ready for the season. Depending on the shape that you left them in will determine how much attention they’ll need. If you are lucky, a good wax is all you’ll need. If your edges are rusty, dull, or in rough shape, it is probably time to get them tuned up, which includes edge sharpening and possibly a base grind. You have two options – 1) take them to your local ski shop or 2) learn to do-it-yourself.
For the do-it-yourself type people out there, a few basic supplies and quick tutorial will get you ready. At The Garage, we recommend the book Alpine Ski Maintenance and Repair by Seth Massia. Another option, contact to your local shop to see if they offer any ski tuning classes, if they are anything like the staff at The Garage, they would happy to walk walk you through the basics of base waxing.
For a basic hand wax, you’ll need the following supplies: base cleaner, an old rag, wax, an iron, a scraper and a nylon brush. All of these supplies can be purchased from your local ski shop. Waxes come in many different types depending on the conditions that you’ll be riding. Here in Colorado, a universal wax is appropriate for most winter conditions. As for an iron, you can buy a fancy ski specific waxing iron or go to any thrift store and pick up a cheap one. Ideally, the iron will not have holes on the bottom but that’s not a deal breaker. Just don’t use your wife’s iron unless you want to see pink streaks in her favorite blouse. Any plastic scraper and ski specific white nylon brush will serve your purposes. For a smoother finish, compliment the stiff nylon brush with a softer blue nylon brush.
Once you have the supplies, it’s time to give waxing a shot. Another perk, once you learn the art of ski waxing; you will have lots more friends. Here is a nine step process for your first wax…
Step 1 – Use a strong rubber band to raise your binding breaks (if you’re waxing alpine skis). Tying an old road bike tube works great. .
Step 2 – Clean the bases with a base cleaner. Be sure to wipe all the cleaner off the ski before moving to Step 3.
Step 3 – With the iron set at medium heat, melt and drip wax along the entire ski. No need to over wax, as you’ll be scraping excess wax off on step 5.
Step 4 – Use the iron (again, at medi
um heat) to evenly melt the wax across the entire length of the ski. Continue to move the iron over the entire base. Warning! Overheating the base with the iron can cause damage to your ski or snowboard base!
Step 5 – Relax and let the wax dry.
Usually 10 to 15 minutes is enough time for the wax to setup into the pores of the base.
Step 6 – Use the plastic scraper to scrape of all excess wax.
Step 7 – Polish the wax by running the stiff nylon brush tip to tail along the ski.
Step 8 – Finish by polishing with a soft cloth to clean off any wax bunnies.
Step 9 – Get out there and enjoy your fresh wax!
Tuning your own skis is an amazing way of getting in touch with your skiing and can cut down on your shop expenses that can add up throughout the season. You will still need to take your skis in from time to time to have the bases ground depending on how much you ski. Join us in our next article as we go into depth on how to edge your own skis or board. Until then, keep your skis and boards pointed downhill.
—–
Matt Madsen and Brad Burgtorf are the owners of the the Garage, a Denver based ski and snowboard tuning repair shop. Their newly launched venture provides ski and snowboard service along with offering clinics for those interested in learning how to tune their own gear. If you live along the Front Range or are flying into Denver to head up to the mountains, they can quickly get your gear tuned for the Colorado snow conditions.
Get Waxed at The Garage
Telephone: (720)353-0119
The Garage Official Website
Visit the Garage on Facebook