It’s that time of the year again! Ski season is upon us, which means one thing—you’ll need to repair your ski edges soon.
What are ski edges?
Simply put, ski edges are the portions of the ski that are at the very front and back of the ski. They’re also sometimes referred to as the ‘toe’ and ‘heel’ of the ski. When you plant your ski boot in the snow, your ski edges are the portions of the ski that are at the very front and back of the ski.
Ski edges can be damaged in a number of ways, but the most common cause of damage is normal wear and tear. You might grind your edges on a rock during a fall, or skin your palms on the handlebars of a bike during a ride. Regardless of how it happened, you’ll need to fix it before you can continue your skiing experience.
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The Benefits Of Ski Edges
There are multiple reasons why you should care about your ski edges. First of all, they can make or break your skiing experience, especially on terrains with loose or deep snow. The fact is, the tighter your edges are, the more stable you’ll feel on the slopes. And the more stable you feel, the more you can enjoy yourself.
Secondly, your edges are the portion of the ski that contacts the snow when you’re skiing. In other words, when you land on your ski and the snow sticks to your ski edges, you’ll be able to take full advantage of the skier-wraps that are there to protect you (more on those later). Lastly, if you’re skiing solo, you’ll be able to monitor the condition of your edges much more easily than if you were skiing with someone else—especially since you can’t easily reach the back of their ski to check it for damage.
How To Determine The Need For Repair
If you’re not familiar with ski equipment, it can be hard to know whether or not your current ski configuration is up to par. To help you determine if you need to make any repairs, here’s a shortlist of things you can check for:
- Are your ski edges sharp? A slightly dull edge won’t do much for you—unless, of course, you plan on charging down the mountain at high speeds. In that case, a dull edge can cause you all kinds of problems. Sharp edges will slice through the snow effortlessly, giving you the ability to keep up with the faster skiers.
- How does your ski sit in your hand? If it feels right, then you’re probably good. However, if it feels a little loose, you might want to tighten it up. You can also try pressing down on the top of the ski to see if it feels firm.
- How is the snow holding up? You’ll need solid, continuous coverage to make it to the top of the mountain. Any kind of ice or snow gaps along the edges will cause you to fall and might even damage your ski equipment.
- Do you have ski boots that fit properly? Not only will they prevent accidents on the slopes, but they’ll also provide better performance on the mountain. Properly fitting ski boots will squeeze your feet firmly into the shoe, preventing slippage and providing superior traction on any surface. They’ll also keep your feet cozy and warm, so you can stay on your toes all day long.
- Are you wearing the right equipment? The right equipment will prevent further damage and also provide better performance. Make sure that your goggles are secure around your head, that your helmet is snug against your head, and that your ski gloves are fitted properly. You might also consider a ski jacket for some additional warmth and protection on the mountain.
- How is the skiing experience? Do you feel safe and confident while skiing? If you’re not feeling safe and confident while skiing, then there’s really no point in continuing. You might also want to consider taking a break from skiing—at least until you get the feeling back.
- How is the snowboard/skiing board setup? How is the snowboard/skiing board oriented? Are you riding it right? The setup of your board will greatly influence how you ride and, more importantly, how you perform on the mountain. Make sure that you’ve got a boot that fits snugly around the board and that the nose/tail are pointed in the same direction so that they interlock properly when the snow is falling. Also, make sure that the surface of the snowboard/skiing board is dry and scratch-free so that it will grip the snow firmly when you start skiing. This will prevent injuries due to slips and falls on the mountain.
- Does your skis and snowboard/skiing board match? This is an easy one. Make sure that your equipment is of a high quality and that it was manufactured by a reputable company. Also, make sure that the measurements of your skis and snowboard/skiing board are compatible. If they’re not, then you may need to replace one or the other. Not only is this kind of equipment expensive, but it’s also very difficult to find parts for if you break down on the mountain. Your safety and that of others is also at stake when you’re skiing with someone else’s equipment. It doesn’t matter if they’re a skilled skier or a beginner—you’ll both be less likely to lose control if the equipment is compatible.
The Main Damage Caused By Edges
As mentioned above, the most common cause of damage to ski edges is overuse and wear. The more you use your edges, the more they’ll get damaged. So, if you’re an active skier who spends a lot of time skiing, then this damage will add up quickly. It’s also important to note that if you live in a cold climate, the damage will be much greater because the ice that forms on your edges is very difficult to remove. You’ll need to replace your edges fairly frequently in this case.
How To Fix It
If you’re not familiar with fixing ski equipment, it can be a real task to know where to start. Fortunately, we’re here to help. Below are the basics of fixing a damaged ski edge. Follow them step by step and you’ll be able to restore your skiing experience in no time.