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| How can I avoid damaging my skis if there is a shortage of snow? |
"Firstly, keep your speed down and focus on the terrain ahead. Be very
careful skiing just after a snowfall as new snow will lightly cover any
rocks that were visible before. This applies both on and off-piste.
If you can't avoid hitting a stone, take it down the length of the ski, rather
than across it. This will help prevent an edge being blown out. But don't
worry too much about it - skis are meant to be skied on and enjoyed."
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| What should I do if I blow an edge out? |
"Swap your skis over if necessary so the damaged edge is used as the outside
edge. This'll avoid damaging it any further. Take the ski to your nearest
ski shop - they'll have a ski technician who can assess the level of damage
and whether or not it is worth repairing.
This may not be an instant decision and, if it can be fixed, it usually takes at least 48 hours. If it can't be fixed, don't be too sad - it happens. In the meantime, hire some funky
new skis and have a blast."
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| How often should I get my skis serviced? |
"It is surprising how important a good service is. It can be the difference
between a good and a bad day's skiing, especially in icy conditions.
Regular servicing looks after your skis and keeps them like new for longer. New
skis benefit from regular waxing to build up a good strong base. In general
you should tune your skis after each week of use."
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| Can I do my own ski maintenance or should I take them to a shop? |
"The simplest and easiest way to maintain your skis is to take them to
a good shop. They will give you professional advice on what needs to be
done.
Ski maintenance is not so difficult to do at home, but it needs
a lot of practice, along with a lot of equipment. It also tends to be
very messy. We will be covering home maintenance in a feature later in
the season."
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| How should I store my skis? |
"At the end of your ski trip, you should ideally apply a thick coat of
wax to prevent the bases from drying out. Most good ski shops should be
able to do this for you and it costs very little.
Just make sure you remember to scrape the wax off before the start of your next holiday. Once again,
a shop should be able to help with this, or if you have a plastic file
you can do it yourself - I have been known to use a tape/CD box in the
past. Just make sure you do it outside because it is very messy.
If you forget to take the wax off, don't panic, it will eventually come off as
you ski - though it might feel a bit sticky for a while."
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| How can I avoid getting my skis stolen? |
"Always try to keep your skis in sight. If you can't, swap one with a
friend and leave the unmatched pairs in different places. If you have
rental skis, try to remember the number the shop will have engraved on
the skis, as it's very common for skiers to pick up the wrong set.
Never leave your skis unattended for long periods (ie outside a bar)
and try to avoid leaving them on your balcony. Use the ski lockers (usually
provided with accommodation) unless you feel that they are too easily
accessible to the general public or are not locked at night.
To be extra safe, you could invest in a ski lock. Check the small print in your insurance
policy to see how they reasonably expect you to look after your skis."
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| What should I do if my skis are stolen? |
"Double-check the area, just in case. Report it to the police as soon
as possible - you'll need to do this for your insurance - then inform
your resort rep if you have one. The police will do very little but you
still have to report it.
If they were rental skis, you'll probably have to deal with the shop
direct. Some rental shops offer insurance that protects you against theft.
But if you haven't taken this out or they don't provide this service,
you will probably have to pay for the skis (replacement cost) and then
claim on your insurance.
Lastly, theft happens when you least expect it. Even leaving your skis
inside the door of a ski shop or outside the ticket office can be a mistake
- BE AWARE."
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| When should I invest in a new pair of skis? |
"This is a very personal thing and obviously depends a lot on your financial
status. However, if your skis are still long and straight, it could possibly
be time to try out the new and exciting world of carving skis. If your
old skis have lost their camber (natural flex/life), or are bent or warped,
it is definitely time for a new set.
I have been known to keep my old skis as 'rock hoppers' just so that I can squeeze every last bit of life
out of them. In an ideal world where money was no object, we would have
a new pair every year - and probably more than one pair."
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| How should I pack my skis? |
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"If you are travelling by air, you need to pack them in a ski bag for
protection. If you can wrap some soft items (ski pants, jumpers etc) around
your skis it will give them added protection. Just be careful if they
are covered in storage wax.
If you are using a roof rack, try to cover the bindings over to prevent
them getting covered in grit and salt. The most convenient alternative
is a roof box that will carry several pairs. Both roof boxes and roof
should be lockable and can be rented from many ski shops."
Email your questions: If you have any more questions on anything
to do with skis that we haven't covered here, email Suz at skidoctor@ifyouski.com
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