Why is ski care so important for ski touring skis?
A well cared-for ski touring ski glides better, turns more easily and gives more control on the descent. At the same time regular waxing protects the base from drying out. You can often recognise dry bases by grey, matt patches – especially near the edges.
The steel edges need care too. Sharp, clean edges give better grip on hard snow, firn and icy sections. On ski tours in particular that can be decisive when the descent gets technical or the conditions change.
1. Dry ski touring skis after every tour
After every ski tour the skis should be dried thoroughly. Particularly important are:
- the base
- the edges
- the binding
- the skin attachment area
- ski brakes and screw areas
Moisture can lead to rust on the edges. The binding should also stay clean and dry so that it works reliably. It is best to wipe the skis down with a dry cloth after the tour and store them at room temperature.
Important: do not stand ski touring skis directly against the radiator. Too much heat can stress the material, the glue and the base.
2. Wax the base regularly
The base of a ski touring ski needs wax at regular intervals. That way the ski glides better, snow sticks to it less and the base stays supple.
How often you should wax depends on how much the skis are used. Anyone out regularly should have their skis waxed several times a season. With frequent use or very aggressive snow it makes sense to look after them even more often.
A freshly waxed ski brings benefits in:
- better glide
- less loss of energy
- better control
- protection against drying out
- a longer life for the base
For ski touring skis a high-quality hot wax is particularly suitable. It penetrates deeper into the base and protects for longer than simple quick waxes.
3. Check and grind the edges
The edges are particularly important for safety and control. After contact with rocks, hard snow conditions or a lot of tours, the edges should be checked.
Signs of blunt or damaged edges:
- the ski slips away on hard snow
- poor edge grip
- visible burrs or rust spots
- unsettled behaviour on the descent
- scratches or small chips on the edge
Light rust spots can often be removed quickly. With coarser damage or blunt edges a professional edge grind is recommended.
On ski touring skis in particular a clean but not too aggressive grind makes sense. The ski should offer secure grip while still staying easy to turn.
4. Repair base damage immediately
Stones, roots or thin snow cover can damage the base. Small scratches are usually not a problem. Deeper damage should be repaired, though, especially if it reaches the edge or the core.
Deep base damage can take up moisture and damage the ski in the long run. So the rule is: better to have it repaired early, before small damage turns into a bigger problem.
5. Care for skins and skis separately
With ski touring skis the climbing skins also play an important role. After the tour the skins should be dried separately from the skis. They should not lie directly on the radiator.
For the skins:
- let them dry slowly
- keep the glue surfaces clean
- do not stick them together while wet
- remove dirt and ice
- re-treat them if needed
Well cared-for skins grip better, clog up with snow less and last longer.
6. Check the binding regularly
The touring binding is a safety-relevant part of the equipment. That is why it should be checked regularly.
Important are:
- clean pins
- a working lock
- no ice or dirt residues
- screws sitting tight
- correct setting for boot and skier
Above all after a fall, after contact with rocks or in the event of unusual behaviour, the binding should be checked.
7. Correct storage after the season
At the end of the ski touring season the skis should be cleaned thoroughly, dried and protected with a layer of wax. For summer storage a so-called storage wax is recommended. It stays on the base and protects it from drying out.
The skis should be stored dry, cool and out of strong sunlight. Skins are best kept separately and clean.
Professional ski service for ski touring skis
Even if you can do the simple care jobs yourself, a professional service at regular intervals is worth it. The base, the edges and the structure are then prepared optimally. Especially before the season or after a lot of tours a professional ski service brings noticeable benefits.
At MountainSpirit we take care of your ski touring skis properly – from waxing to edge grinding to base repair. That way you are safer out there and get more out of your gear.
Conclusion: good care pays off
With ski touring skis proper ski care is not a luxury but an important part of looking after your equipment. Anyone who dries, waxes and checks their skis regularly and has them professionally serviced when needed benefits from better glide, more safety and a longer service life.
Well cared-for ski touring skis make every tour more enjoyable – on the way up, on the way down and over many winters.
