You find this out in real-time when you ski through a section of trail where snow-making is taking place. You still go downhill, but you go there slower. Melted snow is water and water creates great friction which means you go slower. The heat melts the snow under the base of the ski or board. Forward motion under that weight causes friction as the snow compresses and the friction makes heat. At the snow-ski/board interface, some strange things happen. Slap the base of a ski or snowboard on the snow, stick a bunch of weight on it in the form of a human body, and point it downhill. So why is it that when out skiing and riding, the skis or the board all of a sudden feels “sticky” or “sluggish” on the snow? Friction Is Your Enemy We quickly remember that when we try to walk on it. Want to delve into the wonderful world of ski and snowboard waxing? Read on. If you want to apply a bit of wax between trips to the shop but do not want to enter into hot iron waxing, see the section below title “In A Pinch Use SWIX F4” and “What About Those New Liquid Spray Waxes?” Using F4 or other liquid wax does not replace a good hot waxing, but in between those hot waxes it will help keep you sliding smoothly. If you want to keep your edges nice and sharp between trips to the shop, pick up a SWIX diamond stone, or a SWIX edge tuning kit. If your preference is not for do-it-yourself, just bring your skis or snowboard in to Avie’s after every 4 to 6 trips to the mountain and we will keep your gear in tip-top shape for you. If not DIY, bring skis or snowboard to Avie’s Ski / Sports and ask for the “Summer Wax” package.You are ready to start the ski and ride season! At start of the season, scrape and brush to a high luster. Store in a cool, dry, space for the summer. Take the wax block and run it down the side edges, covering all exposed metal with a thin layer of wax. Wipe down the base with a Scotch-Brite or similar scouring pad to refresh the surface.Take a diamond stone file and hone the edges using an edge guide.Do this sooner if the base looks whitish or grayish in color, or is simply not feeling as “slick” or is slow on the snow. Then get a fresh coat of wax on the base. Wipe down the ski or snowboard base with a Scotch-Brite or similar scouring pad-always working in one direction from tip to tail-to refresh the surface.Do this sooner if an edge feels particularly dull. ![]() Pull the liner out of your boots, remove the footbeds, then let air dry in a warm, open space. ![]() Take a diamond stone file and lightly run it up and down the base and side edges to buff the metal and add a bit more sharpness.Dry your skis or snowboard with a clean, dry cloth to remove excess water, then let them air dry in an open space.And if you don’t, maintaining your gear will pay you back with more fun slope side. First off, your gear stays in better condition so it holds better value should you ever decide to part with it. Gear Upkeep BasicsĪ little effort on your part over the course of the season can pay huge dividends. Take in, assimilate, and use the information you find under the “ Wax Is Wonderful” heading below. But if you really want to ramp up your experience on slope, read beyond the basics. The most basic maintenance routine is described below. But not as much fun as you could be having if you put a bit of effort into gear upkeep. ![]() In fact, you can do no maintenance and still get out on the slopes and have fun. Your ski and ride gear doesn’t need a ton of maintenance.
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