Proper maintenance of your (touring) skis ensures that your equipment performs optimally and lasts longer. This includes tuning and waxing your skis but also daily maintenance when using and storing your equipment correctly.

Daily maintenance when used

If you want your (touring) skis to last as long as possible, make sure to dry them thoroughly after each use. Ideally, dry the skis with a cloth first, then allow them to air dry. This prevents rust on the edges and keeps them sharp for longer period of time. 

Waxing and tuning skis or touring skis

Be sure to wax and possibly sharpen your winter sports equipment at the beginning of the season. Our advice is to wax and sharpen your skis at least once a year to keep the material in top condition. You can have this done by a ski service company, but of course you can also do it yourself.

How often should you wax your skis?

Do you know how often you actually need to wax your skis? The exact frequency depends on the conditions and use. If you are skiing or touring for more than a few days, it's advisable to wax in between to ensure optimal gliding, even on the last day. Typically, waxing every 4 to 6 days is recommended. It's also a good idea to wax your skis at the beginning of the season since the wax can dry out while the skis are not in use.

How often should you tune your skis?

Tuning your (touring) skis doesn't need to be done as frequently as waxing. However, it's important to keep the edges sharp for good grip. The frequency of tuning depends on your activities and the conditions. If you use your skis extensively for an extended period, consider tuning your skis every two to three weeks. You can also test the need by gently running your finger along the edge of your ski. If you feel any bumps (burrs), then it's time for a tuning.

Waxing and tuning your (touring) skis yourself

If you want to wax and tune your (touring) skis yourself, you'll need a few things:

  • The right materials,
  • knowledge of how to do it,
  • and, of course, time.

The right materials for waxing and tuning

At Snowcountry, you'll find everything you need for waxing and tuning your (touring) skis. However, we understand that the selection can be overwhelming if you're not sure what you're looking for. That's why we're happy to list what you need for each purpose. We also offer complete maintenance sets that include everything for waxing and tuning your (touring) skis.

All maintenance sets

Materials for waxing your skis or touring skis yourself

For waxing your winter sports gear yourself, you need the right materials. Below is an overview of what you need and how you use it:

  • Waxing iron: used to melt and spread the wax on the base of your (touring) skis. A waxing iron is similar to a regular iron but works a bit differently. The temperature of a waxing iron remains relatively constant, and the heat distribution is different. Never use a regular iron for waxing.
  • Wax scraper: used to scrape off excess wax from the skis.
  • 3 kinds of brushes: used to rub in the wax and remove excess wax.
  • Wax: ensures your skis glide well on the snow and prevents material from drying out. You can find more about the different types of wax later in this article.

Optional

  • Wax remover: used to remove old wax. However we often choose for 'hotwaxing', where you use new wax to remove the old.
  • Stand or vise: used to secure your skis, but you can also think of an alternative as long as the skis are stable and firm.
  • Stopper holder: to keep the stopper collapsed while waxing, but you can also use a rubber band for this.

Also read our article on waxing your own (tour) skis for a step-by-step plan with a detailed explanation. 

Materials for tuning your (touring) skis yourself

If you're planning to tune your equipment yourself, here's what you need:

  • Edger: a holder for your sharpening stone to tune the side edge of your ski at the correct angle.
  • File guide: a holder for your sharpening stone to tune the base edge of your board at the right angle.
  • Oxyd sharpening stone: used to remove burrs and damage.
  • Fine sharpening stone: used for tuning.
  • Diamond file: used for polishing and repairing minor damage and burrs.
  • Grinding rubber: used to remove the initial sharpness from the points that make contact with the snow.

Optional

  • Stand or vise: similar to waxing, you need something to secure the skis.
  • Stopper holder: to keep the stopper collapsed, but you can also use a rubber band for this.

Also read our article on sharpening your own (touring) skis for a step-by-step plan with a detailed explanation. 

When tuning, you gradually remove a bit of material. After extensive tuning, you may sometimes need to plane the sidewall. For this purpose, use a Sidewall Planer. You plane the sidewall when you can't tune without also affecting the sidewall.

Various types of ski wax

When you start looking for ski wax, you'll quickly discover that there are many different types available. The type of wax you need depends on the temperature and snow conditions. But which wax do you need?

Universal wax

If you are unsure about the conditions you will encounter, it's usually a good idea to choose universal wax. This is an all-around wax suitable for all temperatures and snow conditions. 

Warm wax

Warm wax isn't related to the wax's temperature but to the temperature in which you will be skiing or touring. If you're skiing or touring in temperatures above freezing, choose warm wax. Warm wax is softer than cold wax and provides better gliding at higher temperatures. 

Cold wax

Cold wax, on the other hand, is used when skiing or touring in temperatures below freezing. This wax is harder and offers better protection against ice formation on your (touring) skis.

All wax

Storage of your skis

Is your winter sports season over, and you're going to store your equipment? Make sure everything is thoroughly dry before storing. Don't dry your (touring) skis directly against a heater, but in a warm, ventilated space. Once your equipment is completely dry, use a ski bag to protect it from moisture and scratches. Store your skis in a cool and dry place.