Maintaining your skis is essential to ensuring they perform at their best when you’re back on the slopes. A common question skiers ask is, “Do I need to wax my skis for storage?” The answer is a resounding yes. Waxing your skis before storing them is an important step in ensuring they stay in top condition and are ready for the next season. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why waxing skis before storage is essential, provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to do it, and offer some additional tips to help keep your skis in great shape during the off-season.
Why Waxing Skis for Storage Is Essential
Waxing your skis before storing them helps ensure they stay in great shape and are ready to perform when the new season starts. Here are 6 crucial reasons why waxing your skis for storage is so important:
1. Prevent Oxidation
The base of most skis is made from polyethylene, a material that can oxidize when exposed to air over time. This oxidation can cause the ski base to become dry and appear white, which in turn reduces its sliding ability. A thick layer of wax seals the base, preventing air from penetrating it and stopping oxidation in its tracks. This keeps your skis smooth and ready to glide when the next season arrives.
2. Moisture Protection
Moisture can lead to rust on the metal edges of your skis. Rust weakens the edges and affects performance, making it harder to carve into the snow. Wax acts as a barrier against moisture, reducing the risk of rust and corrosion. By applying wax, you’re helping to preserve your ski edges, keeping them sharp and ready for smooth, controlled turns on the slopes.
3. Maintain Flexibility
Ski bases can lose their flexibility if they dry out, which can affect performance by making it harder to execute turns and maintain control. Wax keeps the base moisturized and prevents it from drying out, helping to maintain the necessary flexibility for smooth skiing. Properly stored skis with waxed bases will be responsive and perform better when you hit the snow again.
4. Reduce Friction
Wax creates a smooth, slick surface on the ski base that reduces friction with the snow. This is vital for a better skiing experience, allowing you to glide with minimal resistance. During storage, the wax helps preserve this low-friction state, ensuring that your skis don’t develop a sticky feeling when you take them out of storage.
5. Preserve Structural Integrity
Over time, ski bases may develop scratches or small abrasions that can affect the ski’s performance. Wax seals these imperfections and helps preserve the structural integrity of your skis. By applying a coat of wax, you’re helping to prevent further damage and ensuring that your skis are ready to perform at their peak when the season begins.
6. Save on Repairs
Regular waxing and proper storage can save you money in the long run. Skis that are not properly waxed are more likely to suffer damage, leading to costly repairs. By consistently waxing and storing your skis properly, you prevent damage that would otherwise require expensive fixes, helping you keep more money in your pocket.
Waxing your skis for storage isn’t just a simple maintenance task—it’s a crucial step in protecting your investment and ensuring your skis are in great shape for the next season. Without waxing, your skis may feel sluggish and sticky on early-season snow. After storage, inspect your skis, and if necessary, apply fresh wax to ensure they are in top condition.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wax Your Skis for Storage
Waxing skis for storage is slightly different from waxing them for performance, but it’s just as important. Here are the four essential steps to wax your skis for storage:
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools
Before you start, ensure you have all the required tools and materials:
- Storage wax or high-temperature wax (thicker and offers longer-lasting protection)
- Ski-specific waxing iron (regular irons can damage ski bases due to high temperatures)
- Plastic scraper (for removing excess wax)
- Nylon or horsehair brush (for polishing the ski base)
- Clean cloth (to wipe down your skis before waxing)
Step 2: Clean Your Skis
Cleaning your skis thoroughly before applying wax is essential to ensure that the wax bonds effectively to the base:
- Use a wax remover to strip away any old wax that may still be on your skis. Apply the remover and wipe it off with a clean cloth.
- Wipe down the skis to remove any dirt, grime, or debris. Dirt can prevent the wax from adhering properly to the ski base.
- Make sure your skis are completely dry before proceeding. Moisture will prevent the wax from bonding correctly to the base.
Step 3: Apply Wax Evenly
Now that your skis are clean, it’s time to apply the wax. Follow these steps to ensure an even and effective application:
- Set your waxing iron to the recommended temperature for your storage wax (this information can usually be found on the wax packaging). Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for temperature settings.
- Hold the wax against the iron and allow it to drip onto the ski base. Spread the wax evenly over the entire length of the ski base.
- Using the iron, spread the wax from tip to tail in smooth, continuous motions. Avoid holding the iron in one spot for too long, as it can damage the base. Move the iron quickly and smoothly to evenly distribute the wax.
Step 4: Leave the Wax on the Skis
Unlike regular waxing, where you scrape off the wax after applying it, you leave the wax on your skis for storage. The thick layer of wax acts as a protective shield for your skis during the off-season:
- Let the wax set for several hours or overnight to ensure it has fully penetrated the ski base and created a solid protective barrier.s to get your skis in top shape for the slopes.
- Leave the wax unscraped on the skis. This will create a thick layer that protects the base from air, moisture, and oxidation.
- Ensure that the wax layer is smooth and even across the entire base. This uniform layer provides the best protection for your skis.
Extra Tips for Storing Your Skis Safely
In addition to waxing, there are a few other important tips for storing your skis during the off-season:
1. Store Skis in a Cool, Dry Place
Make sure to store your skis in a cool, dry location to avoid heat damage and moisture penetration. Avoid direct sunlight as it can cause the ski base to soften or warp, especially if the wax starts to melt. A basement or closet that maintains a stable temperature is ideal. If you have a damp storage area, consider using a dehumidifier to help control humidity and prevent rust.
2. Use Ski Straps
Ski straps help keep your skis together and relieve pressure on the bindings. By securing the skis in a relaxed position, you prevent unnecessary stress on the binding springs, which can wear out over time. Ski straps also help protect the ski edges by keeping them from making contact with other surfaces.
3. Inspect Skis Regularly
Performing regular check-ups on your skis is essential to ensure they remain in good condition throughout the off-season. Look for signs of moisture or rust, and if any issues arise, clean and dry the skis immediately. Check that the wax layer is still intact, and if needed, apply another coat. Also, inspect the bindings for signs of wear and tear, and replace any damaged parts before the next skiing season begins.
4. Rust Protection for Metal Edges
Metal edges are particularly susceptible to rust and corrosion. To protect them, apply a rust protector spray to the edges before storing your skis. This simple step helps maintain sharp edges, which are crucial for carving and control. Make sure to inspect the edges regularly for signs of rust and clean them if necessary.
Conclusion
Waxing your skis before storage is a critical step in ensuring they stay in great condition and are ready to perform when the next ski season starts. The thick layer of storage wax protects your skis from oxidation, moisture, and damage, helping to preserve their structure and maintain performance. By following the simple steps outlined above and adhering to proper storage practices, you can save money on repairs and ensure your skis are always in top condition. With these care techniques, you’ll be ready to hit the slopes again when winter returns, making every ride smoother and more enjoyable.
Ski Waxing & Storage FAQ: Common Questions Answered
Why Do New Skis Need Waxing Before Storage?
Although new skis are generally already waxed at the factory, adding a coat of extra storage wax is crucial. The factory’s wax is usually thin and not suitable for long-term protection. By applying storage wax, you’ll ensure your skis stay in pristine condition, as it will protect them from oxidation and moisture.
What Happens If You Store Skis Without Wax?
If you store your skis without applying wax, there can be some issues. The base could oxidize, which looks chalky and reduces glide. Moisture can also enter, causing rust on the edges of the ski or damage to ski materials. Over time, an unwaxed ski will develop cracks or loss of flexibility, thus affecting its performance.
How Often Should You Wax Your Skis During the Season?
How often you need to wax can be determined slowly since it depends mainly on how much skiing you do and the conditions encountered. For everyday use, it is general advice to wax after every 4-6 days on the slope. If it is icy, though, more regular waxes will help maintain base protection and smooth sliding action. Those who feel they need help doing this job alone should consider getting these items done professionally if they want the best results from their skiing efforts.
How to tell if your skis need waxing?
To tell if your skis need waxing, look for a dry or chalky appearance on the base. If your skis feel sticky, sluggish, or “grab” the snow, it’s a sign they need a fresh layer of wax. Changes in snow conditions or temperature can also indicate it’s time for a wax. Regular maintenance keeps your skis performing at their best.
