How to Break in New Skis

Most new skis come from the factory with a layer of cheap wax on flat bases. To get the most out of a ski, the bases should be structured and the edges beveled.

Unless you are experienced at tuning skis, you should hire a ski shop to prepare your new skis for you. Ask them for a base structure, an edge bevel of two to three degrees and for deep hot wax. Ask if they have a "hot box," as this is an excellent method to wax a new ski.

If you chose to work on your own skis, follow these steps.

Things You'll Need

  • Ski wax
  • Metal or plastic scraper
  • Waxing iron
  • Citrus-based solvent
  • Rags
  • Flat file
  • True bar
  • Structuring brush
  • Diamond file
  • Edge bevel stone
  • Nylon-bristled brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Iron on a layer of cheap wax if you are prepping your own skis. This wax will act to "grab" any of the factory wax and draw it out of the bases.

    • 2

      Scrape off as much wax as possible. Repeat this wax-and-scrape process once or twice as time and resources allow.

    • 3

      Use a citrus-based solvent to further remove any wax from the bases.

    • 4

      Carefully flatten the bases using a flat file, checking often with a true bar.

    • 5

      Bevel the edges to two or three degrees as a rule of thumb or more depending on your terrain preferences.

    • 6

      Go to a ski shop and have them base grind the skis for you. If not, carefully structure the bases using a structuring brush and diamond file. A base grinder will do a better job of structuring the bases than can be achieved by hand.

    • 7

      Iron in several coats of wax appropriate to your snow conditions. Take your time and allow the wax to permeate the base material well. This may take several hours depending on the temperature of your workspace and how dry the base material is.

    • 8

      Scrape as you would after a quick wax job, once you are satisfied that the bases are waxed enough, and then brush well with a nylon-bristled brush. Brush and polish the bases very well, until they shine.