Full tune at the start of every season. Wax every 3 to 5 days on snow. Sharpen edges when they stop holding on hard snow. Bring them in right away after you hit a rock.
Most skiers wait too long. A ski that hasn't been tuned in a season or two feels slow, skids on firm snow and is harder to turn. Here's how to tell what your skis need, and when.
A simple schedule
Signs your skis need a tune
- The bases look dry, chalky or white, especially along the edges.
- The skis feel slow on flat runs and cat tracks.
- They slide out on firm snow instead of holding a turn.
- Run a fingernail across the edge. If it doesn't shave a little nail, it's dull.
- You can see rust on the edges after summer storage.
- There are gouges deep enough to catch a fingernail.
Why it matters in SoCal
Southern California snow changes fast. A storm can leave soft powder one day and hard, icy groomers the next morning, then slush by afternoon. Sharp edges are what keep you in control on the firm days, and fresh wax keeps you moving when it turns sticky.
Wax yourself or bring them in?
A home wax between shop tunes is great. Edge and base work is where a shop earns its money: a stone grind flattens the base and sets the structure in a way hand tools can't. Most skiers do best with one or two full shop tunes a season and waxes in between.