In brief: Your ski maintenance calendar
- Maintenance frequency: Every 5 to 10 ski days for complete maintenance
- Regular waxing: Especially after intensive outings
- Edge sharpening: As soon as grip decreases (nail test)
- Seasonal maintenance: Mandatory at the beginning and end of season
- Warning signs: Difficult gliding, dull edges, whitish base
Why is ski maintenance crucial?
Ski maintenance isn't just about aesthetics or perfectionism. It's above all a matter of safety, performance, and economy. Well-maintained skis ensure you these advantages.
1. Guarantee your safety on the slopes
Sharp edges ensure better grip on hard or icy snow, considerably reducing the risk of falling in turns. A well-waxed base maintains controlled and predictable gliding.
2. Improve your performance
A properly maintained ski glides up to 30% better than a neglected ski. This difference is immediately felt: less physical effort, smoother turns, and multiplied pleasure.
3. Extend your equipment's lifespan
Regular maintenance, including base waxing and edge sharpening, prevents premature wear and irreversible damage, extending your skis' lifespan. It's an investment that protects your equipment long term.
4. Save money
Better to invest 40 GBP in preventive maintenance than 400 GBP in a new pair of skis due to prolonged negligence.
5. Pass on good practices
Taking care of your equipment also means transmitting important values, especially to young skiers. Respect for equipment is an integral part of mountain culture.
Sanglard Sports maintenance services in Chamonix
Professional maintenance with cutting-edge equipment
Our Chamonix workshop is equipped with the Wintersteiger Jupiter robot, a cutting-edge technology that guarantees:
- Maximum precision: Sharpening to the degree, perfect flatness
- Speed of execution: Express service available to not lose a ski day
- Consistency: Constant and reproducible results
Our services include:
- Complete diagnosis of your skis' condition
- Base repair: P-Tex filling, individual restructuring adapted to different season conditions
- Edge sharpening: Personalized angle according to your level
- Adapted waxing: Wax choice according to conditions and your practice
- Binding check: Safety verified by our certified technicians
Indicative rates:
- Complete service (sharpening + waxing): 50 GBP
- Base repair: from 20 GBP
- Waxing only: 15 GBP
- Season package: Preferential conditions if you own a season or year pass on Chamonix domains.
Signs indicating maintenance is necessary
Knowing how to recognize warning signals is essential to maintain your skis in perfect condition. Here are the main indicators to monitor:
Visual and tactile signs
| Sign observed | What it means | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Whitish/grayish base | Lack of wax, dry base | Urgent waxing needed |
| Deep scratches on base | Damage caused by stones | P-Tex repair + waxing + structure |
| Dull edges | Normal wear or contact with stones | Edge sharpening |
| Rust on edges | Oxidation due to humidity | Sanding + sharpening |
| Visible deformation | Inadequate storage or significant impact | Professional consultation |
Practical test: The "nail test"
Gently run your nail perpendicularly on the edge. If the nail slides without catching, your edges need sharpening. A well-maintained edge should slightly "bite" the nail.
Signs during practice
- Laborious gliding even on fresh snow
- Excessive skidding in turns
- Abnormally high physical effort
- Vibrations or unstable behavior
- Difficulties initiating turns
Warning: Never ski on partially snow-covered roads! This practice instantly destroys all maintenance work and can ruin your bases and edges in a few meters.
Maintenance calendar: When to intervene according to your practice
Maintenance frequency depends directly on your level and practice intensity. Here's a detailed guide:
Maintenance frequency table by profile
| Skier type | Ski days/year | Waxing | Sharpening | Complete service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Occasional | 1-7 days | 1x at season start | If necessary | 1x/year minimum |
| Regular | 8-20 days | Every 5-7 days | Every 10 days | 2x/season |
| Enthusiast | 20-40 days | Every 3-5 days | Every 7 days | 3-4x/season |
| Intensive/Competitor | 40+ days | After each outing | Every 3-5 days | Every 2 weeks |
Mandatory seasonal maintenance
Beginning of season (November-December)
- Complete inspection: Check general condition after storage
- Edge deoxidation if necessary
- Repair of any damage from previous season
- Complete service: Sharpening + basic waxing
- Binding check by an approved professional
Good to know: New skis are already waxed from the factory and can be used directly. However, for optimal performance, especially in competition, personalized preparation remains recommended.
End of season (March-April)
- Complete cleaning to eliminate salt and impurities
- Thick storage waxing to protect the base (do not scrape)
- Rust protection for edges
- Loosening bindings to preserve springs
- Storage in a dry place, away from light, skis tied together
Maintenance according to snow conditions
Weather conditions and snow type directly influence necessary maintenance frequency:
Fresh snow and powder
- Minimal impact on wear
- Waxing: Every 7-10 days
- Sharpening: Infrequent, normal monitoring
Hard or icy snow
- Accelerated edge wear
- Sharpening: Every 3-5 days
- Edge angle: May require adjustment (88-87 degrees)
Artificial snow
- Very abrasive for bases
- Waxing: Every 3-4 days
- Daily check of general condition
Spring conditions (transformed snow)
- Freeze/thaw alternation = significant wear
- Specific waxing for variable temperatures
- Frequent cleaning to eliminate impurities
Expert advice: When in doubt between two wax types, always choose the one adapted to cold conditions. It will work correctly even on wet snow, while the opposite isn't true.
Daily maintenance: Gestures that make the difference
After each ski day (5 minutes)
- Wipe your skis with an old bath towel (very effective!)
- Separate your skis for drying to avoid rust at edge contact
- Visually check base and edge condition
- Store in a dry and ventilated place
During transport
- Always tie your skis together to prevent them from hitting each other
- On car roof: Tips toward the back to reduce wind resistance
- Protection: Use a bag for long trips
Professional maintenance vs DIY: Why choose expertise
Initial investment for DIY
Contrary to what one might think, equipping yourself to maintain your skis yourself represents a significant investment:
- Workbench and vices: 150-300 GBP
- Thermostat waxing iron: 80-150 GBP
- Complete sharpening kit: 100-250 GBP
- Waxes and accessories: 50-100 GBP
- Minimum total: 400-800 GBP
Without counting the necessary learning and risk of costly mistakes!
Advantages of professional service
- Cutting-edge equipment: Precise machines impossible to acquire for an individual
- Expertise: Trained technicians who detect invisible problems
- Time savings: 1 hour in workshop vs 3 hours amateur work
- Guarantee: Assured work and recourse in case of problem
- Profitability: For 1-2 weeks of skiing/year, the pro remains more economical
What you can do yourself
- Daily drying and cleaning
- Application of supplementary liquid wax
- Appropriate storage
- Monitoring of general condition
Annual budget: How much to plan for maintenance?
Cost estimate in professional service
| Skier profile | Services/year | Estimated total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Occasional | 1-2 services | 40-80 GBP |
| Regular | 2-3 services | 80-150 GBP |
| Enthusiast | 4-6 services | 160-300 GBP |
| Intensive | 8+ services | 320+ GBP |
Tips to save money
- Season packages: Savings up to 40% at Sanglard Sports
- Express service: Avoid losing a rental day
- Prevention: Regular maintenance avoids major repairs
- Loyalty: Advantageous programs for regular customers
FAQ: All your questions about ski maintenance
> How often should I wax my skis?
Waxing frequency depends on your practice. For an occasional skier (5-10 days/year), waxing at season start may suffice. Regular skiers should wax every 5-7 ski days. Enthusiasts who ski intensively will benefit from waxing every 3-4 days. If you notice your skis glide less well or the base becomes whitish, it's a sign that waxing is necessary.
> Should I maintain new skis before first use?
No, new skis are delivered factory-waxed and ready to use. This wax remains effective even 6 months after purchase if skis are well stored. Only competitors systematically prepare their new skis with specific waxing. For leisure use, you can ski directly after removing technical stickers under the skis.
> How do I know if my edges need sharpening?
The simplest test is the "nail test": run your nail perpendicularly on the edge to detect if it needs sharpening. If it doesn't catch at all, it's dull. On snow, worn edges manifest as skidding in turns, especially on hard snow. Visually, a dull edge may present shiny or rounded areas. Warning: Well-sharpened edges cut, handle with care!
> Why entrust maintenance to a professional rather than doing it yourself?
The initial investment to equip yourself properly (400-800 GBP minimum) is only profitable for very regular skiers. Professionals have precision machines like our Wintersteiger Jupiter robot, impossible to acquire for an individual. Moreover, their expertise guarantees detecting problems invisible to the untrained eye like a misadjusted binding or inappropriate edge angle. For 1-2 weeks of skiing per year, professional service remains more economical and guarantees optimal results.
> What annual budget should I plan for ski maintenance?
For professional maintenance, count: 40-80 GBP/year for an occasional skier (1-2 services), 80-150 GBP/year for a regular practitioner (2-3 services), and 160-300 GBP/year for an enthusiast (4-6 services). Our season maintenance packages at Sanglard Sports include several services and allow saving up to 40% on average. Regular maintenance avoids costly major repairs.
> How do I store my skis at season's end to preserve them?
Proper storage is essential to avoid edge oxidation, protect the base, and extend your boards' life. Completely clean your skis, apply a thick layer of wax without scraping (anti-oxidation protection), imperatively loosen bindings to preserve springs. Store your skis tied together, in a dry and cool place, away from direct light. Avoid humid cellars and overheated attics.
> Is maintenance necessary during a week's vacation?
Yes, if you ski intensively every day on hard snow, mid-week sharpening may be necessary. Likewise, if conditions change drastically (transition from cold to spring snow), new waxing will optimize your performance. Our express services allow not losing time on the slopes.
> Can I damage my skis by maintaining them myself?
Yes, common errors include: overheating during waxing (base delamination), incorrect sharpening angle (modification of ski behavior), excessive sanding (premature wear). Without adequate training, the risk of permanently damaging your skis is real. Professional service eliminates these risks.
> Do rental skis require maintenance during my stay?
Even rented, dry the edges each evening to avoid rust. If gliding degrades, ask for waxing at the shop (free). At Sanglard Sports, we offer free exchange service if equipment no longer suits conditions. Don't hesitate to report any problem rather than suffer inadequate equipment.
> When should I replace my skis rather than maintain them?
If edges are worn to the point of reaching the ski's structure, if the base presents significant delaminations, or if the ski is irreversibly deformed, replacement is necessary. A professional will advise you honestly. Generally, well-maintained skis last 100-150 practice days.
> Does children's ski maintenance differ?
Principles remain identical but check frequency increases because children are less vigilant. Their developing technique solicits equipment differently. We recommend checks every 2-3 weeks for regular young skiers, with particular attention to bindings that must be readjusted according to growth.
Conclusion: Maintenance, secret of a successful season
Ski maintenance isn't a chore, but an essential step to protect your equipment, improve slope gliding, and avoid incidents during winter. Whether it's simple daily drying or complete professional service, every gesture counts to extend your equipment's life and improve your performance on the slopes.
Remember these essential principles:
- Regularly observe your skis' condition
- Systematically dry your skis after each outing
- Entrust technical maintenance to equipped professionals
- Anticipate needs rather than suffer breakdowns
- Store your equipment correctly between seasons
Well-maintained skis are the guarantee of preserved sensations, facilitated progression, and equipment that will accompany you for many seasons. The expertise and professional equipment of our Sanglard Sports workshops guarantee you impeccable service to fully enjoy each descent.
Your ski maintenance at Sanglard Sports
Our Chamonix and Argentiere workshops welcome you with:
- Latest generation Wintersteiger Jupiter robot
- Certified and passionate technicians
- Express service to not lose a day
- Advantageous season packages
