Beginning-of-Season Ski Gear Maintenance Guide

Well, it's that time of the year.

As ski season approaches, taking time to inspect and maintain your equipment can improve performance, increase safety, and help your gear last longer. Whether your skis have been stored all summer or you're preparing for your first trip of the winter, a preseason tune-up is an essential part of getting ready for the slopes. And its best to do it early because you never know for sure when openning day is until literally the last moment.

So if you are like me, you need to be ready. I will be doing mine in the next few weeks. So I put together a list of what to check. I will be using this. I already know that one pair of skis needs a minor tune and another needs to be waxed.

Inspect Your Skis

Start by examining your skis for any visible damage.

Check for:

• Scratches or gouges in the base

• Rust on the edges

• Delamination or separation along the ski's sides

• Cracks or structural damage

Minor scratches are normal, but deeper gouges may require professional repair. Catching issues early can prevent further damage during the season.

Clean the Bases

this is something many skiers and snowboarders forget. After months in storage, ski bases can accumulate dirt, dust, and old wax residue.

To clean your skis:

1. Wipe the bases with a soft cloth.

2. For good results, use a ski-specific base cleaner if needed.

3. Allow the skis to dry completely before applying new wax.

This is an important step that many forget. They go right to waxing their skis or snowboard. However, clean bases absorb wax more effectively and provide better glide on snow. So do not skip this step.

Sharpen and Check Edges

Sharp edges improve grip and control, particularly on hard-packed snow and icy conditions.

Inspect edges for:

• Rust

• Burrs

• Dull spots

Light rust can often be removed with a gummy stone, while severely damaged edges may need professional attention.

Inspect Bindings

Bindings are one of the most important safety components on your skis.

Look for:

• Cracks or damage

• Missing screws

• Excessive wear

• Proper functionality

Did you turn down the DIN settings on your bindings for the summer? When were your bindings last checked at the Ski Shop? If your bindings have not been adjusted recently, consider having them inspected and tested by a certified technician. Binding settings should match your weight, height, age, and skiing ability.

Now is the time to Wax Your Skis

Fresh wax helps skis glide smoothly and protects the base from drying out.

Benefits of preseason waxing:

• Improved performance

• Better speed and control

• Increased durability of the ski base

If you are comfortable waxing skis yourself, apply an all-temperature wax before your first outing. Otherwise, consider a professional tune-up at a local ski shop.

If you hate scraping wax, check out my review on the MountainFlow Infrared Waxer. I love mine!

Don't forget to Examine Ski Boots

Your boots should fit comfortably and securely.

Check:

• Buckles and straps

• Soles for wear. On todays boots with gripwalk the worn parts of the sole can be replaced easily.

• Check Shell and Liners for damage

• Check Overall fit

• Do you use and/or need new insoles? On my boots that I use the most, I replace these almost every year as the cushion gets "packed out".

Try your boots on before the season starts to identify any issues. If they feel unusually tight or loose, a boot fitter may be able to make adjustments.

Inspect Helmets and Goggles

Safety gear deserves careful attention.

For helmets:

• Check for cracks or dents

• Replace any helmet involved in a significant impact

• Verify that adjustment systems work properly

For goggles:

• Clean lenses with a microfiber cloth

• Inspect straps for wear

• Check foam for deterioration

• Replace damaged lenses if visibility is compromised

Check Clothing and Accessories

Before your first ski day, inspect:

• Jackets and pants for tears

• Gloves for waterproofing issues

• Ski socks for excessive wear

• Backpacks and hydration systems (for leaks)

Repairing small issues now can prevent discomfort on the mountain.

And don't forget that your outwear will lose in resistance to water over time. I use Nikwax Tech Wash to keep my stuff clean during the season. Nikwax also has a product to run your already cleaned outerwear thru the washer and restore its water repellency. Many ski shops (and REI) carry these products.

Organize Your Gear

Create a checklist and pack everything in advance:

• Skis

• Boots

• Poles

• Helmet

• Goggles

• Gloves

• Ski socks

• Outerwear

• Lift pass or season pass

Being organized helps ensure a stress-free start to the season. Want to catch the opening day, it best to be ready to grab and go.

Final Thoughts

If you do backcountry skiing, you have other gear that needs to be checked before your first outing, such as the batteries in your Avalanche Beacon.

A preseason gear inspection takes only a few hours but can save time, money, and frustration once the snow arrives. By cleaning, tuning, and inspecting your equipment before opening day, you'll be ready to enjoy the season with confidence and get the best performance from your gear all winter long. And if you want to go immediately when the resort opens, you need to be ready. Sometime you don;t even get a day's notice.