Get your skis ready for winter. Find out what you can do at home and when a professional service is the better choice, for smoother glide, more confident turns and equipment that lasts.
Scraping away excess wax after hot waxing – a key part of preseason ski preparation.
Winter is approaching, and skis that have spent months in the cellar or garage deserve some attention. Over the summer, bases can dry out, edges can lose their sharpness and minor damage can cause problems just when you least want it. Well-prepared skis help you start the season with easy glide and confidence in every turn.
Start with a condition check
Clean the skis, then let them warm up indoors. Pale, dry patches on the base are a sign that it needs wax. Check the edges for consistent sharpness and rust: they determine whether your skis grip through a turn or slip on firm snow.
Home care helps, but has its limits
Liquid and spray waxes are useful for a quick refresh between outings. They usually aren’t enough for preseason preparation, though: the wax doesn’t penetrate deeply into the base, and coverage may be less even. Combining home maintenance with professional servicing is a good approach.
A darker, waxed base on the left and a paler, dry base on the right – the difference in glide is immediately noticeable.
What a preseason service involves
In our workshop, we start by checking the actual condition of your skis and recommending the work they need. Sometimes waxing or a light edge touch-up is enough; other skis benefit from a full base service. Each stage has a purpose, from flattening and grinding to hot waxing, which restores glide and helps the skis feel more assured through turns.
Machine waxing is quick, affordable and treats the whole base evenly. By arrangement, we can also do it while you wait. It’s a practical option for recreational skiers and regular maintenance during winter.
Hand waxing with an iron is our choice for performance skis or when you want a particularly precise finish. Careful wax application and hand brushing help deliver smooth, fast glide.
You’ll feel the difference straight away: more assured ski control, less strain on your legs and a smoother ride from your first day on the slopes.
How often should you wax and sharpen?
For most skiers, a full service before the season is a good starting point; after that, let the snow conditions guide you. In soft natural snow, skis may go a whole week without further attention. Hard or machine-made snow dries out bases and dulls edges more quickly. A quick rewax during your trip can keep them gliding well.
For edges, pay attention to how the skis feel. When they stop gripping reliably on firmer snow or steeper sections, it’s time for a light sharpen. Check children’s skis a little more often: their smaller running surfaces wear more quickly.
Why preparation pays off
After a summer break, your skis may no longer be at their best. Dry bases and dull edges can make those first runs harder work. A little preseason attention helps skis turn more willingly, grip better on firm snow and glide with less effort.
For most skiers, a full service before winter is enough to get started. During the season, watch how the skis perform. If they lose grip or start to drag, a small edge or wax touch-up can quickly restore them. There’s no need to count days: what matters is that your skis feel good to use.
Children’s skis benefit from more frequent checks. Shorter bases and edges wear more quickly, and skis that drag or resist turns can tire children out sooner. They’ll have more energy for enjoying the slopes when they aren’t fighting their equipment – something parents will appreciate too.
Well-prepared skis feel better underfoot and leave you with more energy for what matters most in the mountains: enjoying your time on the snow.