Skis are serviced before the glide disappears

Servicing skis is worth starting before the glide disappears. Kept in order regularly, the equipment holds its glide and skiing runs more evenly in winter terrain. Servicing is not a one-off effort but a repeating routine, and it begins with checking the condition of the equipment.

Condition is checked before servicing

Servicing starts with a general check of the skis and bindings. The binding plate should be firmly attached, and the parts of the binding intact and correctly assembled. The bases should not have large cracks or deep gouges. A damaged binding or base is repaired before the next outing.

The base is cleaned and prepared

Before waxing, the bases are cleaned and the surface prepared. A clean base takes wax more evenly. Old wax and dirt are removed so the new layer adheres properly.

Glide wax is applied and left to cool

Glide wax is spread evenly across the whole glide zone. The wax is left to cool before the excess is removed. Heat is handled carefully during waxing so the base is not damaged. Excessive heat can ruin the surface of the base.

The grip zone depends on the ski and the weather

Looking after the grip zone depends on the type of ski and on the weather. Skin-based skis (waxless skis) are not treated with grip wax. On other skis the grip zone is waxed according to the snow and the weather. The right grip wax is chosen on the basis of the conditions.

Repeat when the glide weakens

Servicing is repeated when the glide weakens, when snow starts sticking to the bases, or when the bases look dry and grey. Those signs mean the wax has worn away. Regular servicing keeps the glide consistent all winter.

The information here has been gathered and summarised in our own words from the public guide Talvikoulutusopas (Winter Training Guide, 2004), pp. 146, 147 and 148.