Summertime and ski season are undoubtedly the best time to be on skis. Whether you’re a professional skier looking for a new challenge or an avid beginner dreaming of hitting the slopes, summertime and ski season are the best time to be on skis. Unfortunately, this wonderful season comes with its challenges. You have to be prepared for cold temperatures and wet snow, which can damage your skis and your enjoyment of the mountain. To ensure you keep on having fun in the winter, this article is going to help you identify the signs that your skis need some serious work so you can get them serviced before the season is over. Here are some of the major warning signs that your skis need sharpening:
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Wet Snow Falls From The Ceiling
Unless you live somewhere warm, waking up to a wet, snowy morning is certainly not ideal. On a bright, sunny day, it might not be so bad, but as soon as the sun starts to set and the air turns chilly, that water is going to be dripping from the sky. It’s going to be a cold, wet day, which, if you’re skiing, definitely not for the faint-hearted. When this happens, you know that your skis need sharpening.
Walking Down The Mountain On Snow Shoes Will Feel Like Dancing
You’re having such a good time on your skis and the snow is so fresh, you decide to take the long way down the mountain, which is usually the scenic route. On the way down, you begin to jog a little and feel like you can run a little faster. Maybe you even can’t help but run a little faster. You continue on this exhilarating run and before you know it, you’ve reached the bottom of the mountain and your skis are still skiing perfectly. This is when you know that your skis need sharpening. When you walk down the mountain on snow shoes, it will feel like dancing, but it’s probably not the kind of dancing your partner would want to avoid in the future.
The Snow Starts Gathering On The Roof Of Your Ski Helmet
Helmets are crucial for protecting your head from injury in case of a fall. This is why all downhill skiers and snowboarders wear helmets. However, something about the cold, damp air and the whipping wind as you rush down the mountain leaves you susceptible to frostbite. This is when you know that your skis need sharpening. The snow starts gathering on the roof of your ski helmet as the wind tears through your hair, chilling you to the bone. This is a dangerous situation and you should never be caught unaware. Always keep your eyes open for weather conditions and be prepared to alter your descent if the weather turns bad.
Your Ski Pants Keep Cricking
If you’ve ever skied before, you’ll know that skiing is about more than just the ski equipment. It’s also about the experience of being on the mountain with the wind in your hair and the snow caressing your cheeks. One of the major challenges of skiing is staying warm, especially when you’re on a long downhill run. If the temperature is below zero and the wind is blowing directly in your face, you know that your ski pants will keep cricking, making the long journey down the mountain feel that little bit more uncomfortable. When this happens, you know that your skis need sharpening.
Your Ski Boots Feel Like Ice On The Bottom
Speaking of discomfort, the sensation of your ice-cold, wet boots touching the snow is one that you have to feel to truly understand. Every time you take a step, you’ll feel that sharp prick of pain that quickly turns into a numbing tingling as the cold air invigorates your feet. This is why all ski boots have an arch band, which is supposed to fit snugly around your foot to keep your foot warm. If the air is particularly cold or if you’re not used to skiing, your feet will suffer and cause you lots of discomfort. When this happens, you know that your skis need sharpening.
Your Ski Bindings Are Gummy Arseholes
Just like a poorly fitting boot can cause you much pain, so can a loose ski binding. Loose bindings are extremely dangerous because they make it much easier for the snow to enter your ski boots and cause you to slip and fall. If you do end up sliding on the ice, it will be thanks to a poorly fitting or broken binding. You can’t have loose bindings if you want to keep your feet protected, especially not when the snow is particularly icy or if you’re skiing in cold conditions. This is why all skiers and snowboarders have on them, at least, a double tether binding. The more, the better, as they say. When this happens, you know that your skis need sharpening.
Your Ski Boots Are Chipping Away At The Salt
Apart from the discomfort and irritation that comes with having wet socks, cold feet, and unstable skis, you also have to deal with chipped and cracked ski boots. This is mostly caused by moisture and constant wear on the leather straps that hold your boots in place on your feet. The best way to avoid this is by storing your ski boots in a cool, dark, and dry place away from direct sunlight. When this happens, you know that your skis need sharpening.
Walking Down The Mountain On A Scary-Looking Slope Will Feel Exponentially Worse
You’re on an intermediate slope and you want to get some practice in before the next big run. You want to push yourself and experience new things, so you walk down the mountain, trying to commit as many mistakes as you can. Eventually, you reach the bottom and begin your descent. The air is thick with snow, which you can’t feel but can smell, the wind is whipping, and you begin to sweat. As you look back up the slope, you can’t believe how much worse it feels, exponentially worse than the previous run. You should never do this; it’s very dangerous and you could easily end up in an accident.
To avoid these injuries and accidents, you need to take good care of your equipment and ensure that it is in good condition before the season starts. Of course, you’ll also need to make sure that you’re fit for skiing and know how to ski safely. Never, ever be afraid to ask for help if you’re not sure about anything. And, most importantly, if you have any doubts at all, then it’s probably time to get your equipment serviced.