The Safety Site

  Monica Palmer, Safety Administrator

Recreational Safety takes Responsibility & Control

Equipment Maintenance

Hopefully, most skiers have their equipment checked at the beginning of the ski season, including a binding test.   However, other than additional waxing throughout the season, how many of us check our skis, bindings, helmets, etc. during the ski season.  If we have been skiing since December, they may have made numerous runs on the slopes, and we still have a month or more of skiing.

SKIS

Periodically, inspect your skis for damage and wear.  Any damage to the base or edges should be done by a professional, unless you have the knowledge and proper tools to tune your own skis.

Numerous products are available to keep your skis waxed during the season unless you prefer to have them waxed professionally.  Ski resorts can often do this on site when requested.  For example, season passholders at Mount Rose can have 4 free waxes during the season.  It took less than 5 minutes when I had my skis waxed recently.  Also, it is good to wax your skis at the end of the season before they are stored for the summer.

Ski edge maintenance is important.  If you have skied over a rock or tree root, there may be damage to an edge and the base of your skis.

Skis that are properly maintained can provide better performance and control.

HELMETS

You should inspect your ski helmet any time after a fall.  You may not have been injured, but there may be dents or dings on the exterior shell of the helmet.  Even without a crash, the interior shell can deteriorate over time.  Some manufactures recommend a replacement every 5 years.

BINDINGS

Binding release should be professionally tested at least annually.  If bindings fail to release during a fall, you are more likely to be injured.

Some of the information above was provided by Skiisblog.com; some came from skiinglab.com.