Care and maintenance of wooden skis, sleds and other equipment

Care and maintenance of wooden skis, sleds and other equipment

On the base without surface treatment, it is necessary to first apply a layer protecting against moisture. We usually use a two-component epoxy varnish for easy maintenance. But of course it is possible to use other more contemporary methods. You can either impregnate the base with beeswax or pine tar, which is widely used in Scandinavia, or it can also be impregnated with natural oils such as linseed oil and others.

You can then apply classic ski waxes, paraffin or even melt wax from a candle to the painted base (as well as a differently treated base). This layer gives you a slip and prevents the snow from freezing and sticking to the base. You can also use the services of a regular ski service! They will probably look at you at first, but it works very well. Thanks to the application at the right temperatures, vax will last you much longer and is of very high quality. Not to mention the time saved. It is difficult to achieve the same result at home.

After winter or greater wear, it is advisable to coat the base with a two-component epoxy varnish in order to restore a layer on the base, which at least slightly protects the wood itself from abrasion from icy snow. But beware! Before painting, it is necessary to remove all wax from the base, otherwise the paint would not hold you. A hot air gun can be used for this purpose. However, we recommend not skiing in conditions where the snow is icy and especially when it is icy artificial snow. It works like sandpaper and the ski doesn't last long. Despite the fact that the enjoyment of driving in such conditions is scant.

If you scratch, beat or otherwise damage the surface of the ski, just paint the damaged area with paint: Carbolineum extra shade rosewood (manufactured by Detecha Nové Město nad Metují) and will again be better protected against moisture. If the damaged area is frayed, use fine sandpaper, eg roughness 120, and only then apply Karbolineum Extra. It is possible to use other oils and oil paints to soak the skis, but you must take into account that the damaged areas would be visible, which can give the skis a patina on one side.

In the low season it is good to close the skis and insert a wedge between them, so you got them when buying to keep their shape and then store them in a dark, well-ventilated place where there are no large temperature fluctuations (not hot soil and damp cellar also No!). Skis should not lie on the ground and if you have them leaning against the wall, they should always be tipped down! This is so that moisture does not get into the feet of your skis and at the same time it will easily prevent you from straightening your toes. For this, it is advisable to use a gap between the tips, especially in the first years. It is suitable to occasionally apply the straps with an ointment suitable for the skin, or it is possible to use lard.

This is how wooden skis should last you for many years, and maybe your grandchildren and great-grandchildren will run on them one day. Our ash skis do not age, but only gain in value :-)