Do you own skis or snowboards and want to know how to take care of them so that they stay in good condition? Do you want to learn how to ski or snowboard and don’t know where to start? This article is for you. It’s a top piece of advice on how to properly take care of your ski/snowboard so that it lasts longer and helps you enjoy your time on the slopes.
Table of Contents
Understand What Makes Them Special
One of the first things you need to do before you start taking care of your skis/snowboards is to understand what makes them special. What makes them different from other snow equipment? Different snow conditions, terrain, and weather can affect the way your skis/snowboards perform, and sometimes this can make a huge difference in your skiing/snowboarding experience. If you don’t understand this variation, you’ll probably end up taking care of them differently than you should. Take some time to read about the different types of skis and their specific uses so that you know what to expect and how to handle each one appropriately. Some of the most common types of skis include:
- Rocker skis
- Powder skis
- All-around skis
- Freeride skis
- Mountain bikes
- Tandem skis
- Ski/snowboard hybrids
- Dual-purpose skis
Know The Material And Manufacturing Processes
Another important factor to consider when taking care of your ski/snowboard is the material that the skis and/or snowboard are made of and the manufacturing process. In general, the softer the material the better, particularly when it comes to skis. The softer the material the more pliable it is, which can make it easier for you to ‘shape’ the ski/snowboard to your liking. On the other end of the spectrum, you have metal skis that are very rigid, which make them ideal for trick riding or high-performance racing. Regardless of what kind of skiing/snowboarding you’re into, you’ll find a suitable pair of skis/snowboards to suit your needs.
Be Careful With Water And Sun Exposure
Now that we’ve covered the general information about skis and their various uses, it’s time to move into some more specific tips about how to take care of them properly. One of the most important things you need to keep in mind when it comes to ski/snowboard maintenance is to be careful with water and sun exposure. You don’t want to ruin the look and feel of your skiing/snowboarding equipment, and you especially don’t want to do this indoors or in direct sunlight.
For example, if you are carrying your skis/snowboards in the back of your car, make sure that there is no water dripping on them. This could cause damage in the form of rust or freezing, which in turn could make your skis/snowboards unusable. If you drop them, don’t throw them in the water either. Any sort of rough handling or wet conditions can cause serious damage to your skis/snowboards. This is why it’s best to store them in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and water. Keeping all of this in mind will help you properly take care of your ski/snowboard and prolong the life of the equipment. Some other things you need to keep an eye out for when it comes to water and sun exposure are:
- Salt water vs. Fresh Water: Make sure that you don’t use either one of these when washing your skis/snowboards. Salt water can cause serious damage to the material, while fresh water simply makes the cleaning process take longer. If you absolutely have to wash them in salt water, then do so only at the beach or in a bathroom with no water heater. Otherwise, use fresh water for washing your skis/snowboards, and be extra careful not to get any of the liquid on the sensitive areas of the material.
- Examine The Skis/Snowboards Regularly
- Wipe Down The Equipment Regularly
- Do Not Overuse Nylon Braces Or Scotch Tape
- Learn How To Handle Each Type Of Ski/Snowboard Appropriately
- Do Not Underestimate The Importance Of Little Touches
How To Polish Skis?
Now that you’re equipped with the proper information about the special material and manufacturing processes that go into making your skis/snowboards, it’s time to move into some specific tips on how to take care of them properly. Here are some easy ways to make your skiing/snowboarding experience as safe, enjoyable, and memorable as possible.
One of the first things you need to do before you start taking care of your skis/snowboards is to polish them. A lot of people don’t like to polish their equipment because they think it takes too much time, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Polishing your equipment not only makes it look incredible but also improves its skier performance. You’ll be surprised at how much better your skiing/snowboarding experience can be with just a simple polish. Remember: less is more when it comes to polishing your skis. Too much polish can make them look like they have too much wear and tear, which can lower their overall appeal. When selecting a polish, make sure that it’s either wax or silicon based and that it’s non-toxic. Some other things you need to keep in mind when choosing a polish are:
- Go For Products That Are Made Specifically For Skis/Snowboards
- Don’t Underestimate The Power Of A Few Short Wipes
- Vary The Pressure You Apply When Wiping Down
- Follow The Instructions On How To Use The Product
- Don’t Polish Your Skis/Snowboards During Rental
Use The Right Tool For The Job
Another important thing you need to do before you start taking care of your skis/snowboards is to equip yourself with the proper equipment. This includes things like:
- Ski/snowboard boots
- Ski/snowboard bindings
- Bible
- Face shield
- Helmet
You’ll also need some tools to take care of your skis/snowboards properly. Most importantly, you’ll need a pair of quality ski/snowboard bindings. These are the pieces of gear that connect your skis/snowboards to your feet, and they’re important because they can prevent injuries to you or others as a result of a fall. For beginners, we recommend purchasing a pair of snowboard boots and a pair of ski boots, which act as a combination of both worlds. The idea is for you to use the snowboard boots when riding on snow and the regular ski boots when on slopes.
Start Small
One of the best pointers we can give you about how to take care of your skis/snowboards properly is to start small. It’s a common misconception that you have to tackle major repairs all at once, when in reality, you can start small and prevent major damage. The best thing about this approach is that it prevents you from over-exerting yourself, which can cause you to hurt yourself or worse. To start small, take out your skis/snowboards and gently wipe them down with a clean, damp cloth.
Once you’ve wiped them down, put them back in the box and store them in a clean, dry place. Depending on the material and shape of your skis/snowboards, this could take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. When storing your skis/snowboards, make sure that they are well-wrapped and packed, and that there are no sharp corners or rough edges that could cause injuries. It’s also a good idea to put a note in the box to indicate that these are your skis/snowboards and what type of care should be taken of them. You can write this on a piece of cardboard and stick it in the box or leave it as is if your boxes are already labeled.