Ski maintenance

Manufacturers do a lot of research and testing to ensure that skis and snowboards perform optimally in as many conditions as possible. However, the basic principle is always that they must be properly sharpened and waxed.

Sharpening skis

It is important that the layer and the steel edge of the skis are polished flat. In order to achieve this, the ski is polished on a stone. This method not only makes the underside 100% flat, but also gives the necessary structure to the layer. This structure is essential to ensure that the snow (water) is discharged as well and as quickly as possible. We can vary the structure depending on the conditions. In the really cold months of winter we need to grind a finer structure than in the warmer months where the snow is wetter.

During the grinding process most of the scratches and damages are removed. However, if the scratches are deep, they should be filled with liquid sawdust, after which the skis are ground down again for evenness. This way we get the layer like new again with the right structure.

The steel edges of the ski are at least as important, because they ensure that you keep your grip on the snow. In order to make sure that these sharp edges do not bite too much, making it difficult to change edges while skiing, we sharpen them to about 1 degree. This way you have the ideal combination between grip and ease of changing sides. Then the side of the steel edge is ground down and the structure that the stone has made on the steel edge is tuned out. The steel edge is also slightly dulled in the front.     

Waxing skis

It is important that your skis are waxed before you go out on the snow. If you do not, friction is created directly on the ski base, which can burn it. If the base is burnt, it cannot take the wax with it either, because the pores 'melt' together, as it were. Burnt base layer looks dull/white.

Once the skis have been polished, we fill the pores with wax. In principle this is done by machine, so that the finish is always of an equivalent high quality.

Hotwaxing skis

You can also choose to have your skis hot-waxed by hand. Our employees are specialised in this and regularly follow training courses, e.g. from Holmenkol, in order to maintain their high level of expertise.
We first clean the belay manually and then brush it with a copper brush to open up the structure and remove any dirt. Depending on the temperatures in winter sports areas, a considered choice is made for the type of wax to be applied to the armour. The wax is applied to the surface and spread with a special wax iron. By heating the surface, the pores open and absorb the wax. We then allow the surface to cool thoroughly, after which we scrape off the excess wax with a scraper specially designed for this purpose and brush the surface after.

When you take your skis out into the snow, the layer of wax comes into contact with the cold, causing the pores to contract and press the wax out, as it were. This makes you glide smoothly down the slopes. We at Hotwax recommend applying a minimum of two coats, so that the pores are properly filled and the waxing lasts longer and you can enjoy it for longer!

It is therefore essential for a good winter holiday that your equipment is in good order. It often depends on the condition of your skis, which treatment is applicable. We are happy to advise you and prepare your material with the greatest care.

The possibilities:

Ski maintenance prices

Minor service (stone grinding+waxing) € 19,95   
Major service (stone grinding+waxing + filling) € 24,95   

Small Vario service: € 44,99
Big Vario service: € 54,99

Adjustment shoe on ski with o.B. € 5,00
Adjustment shoe on ski without O.B. € 7,50

Snowboard maintenance prices

Basic service (stone grinding + waxing) € 29,95   
Major service (stone grinding + waxing + filling) € 39,95   

Basic Vario service: € 54,99
Large Vario service: € 64.99

Do you want to have your skis or snowboard serviced? 
Bring your skis to our shops in Zevenhuizen or Oostvoorne. 

Questions? 
Mail to [email protected] or call 085 273 33 11