October 24, 2010 – I just started racing this past year and really went for it with getting top level gear. Now I think I should be doing some specific steps to keep them at that high level with the new ski season coming. I waxed them all over for the off season but notice there are some fine scratches in the bases of my classic skis. Thanks in advance for your help.

Anonymous,
Sudbury, ON

Having good equipment that fits and is well prepared is critical to the success you are working towards. I would suggest these steps to have your equipment ready to race when you need it.

1. Each fall, and possibly during the season send your skis to a shop that offers high end grinding, followed by hot boxing for saturation, and then an application of a medium hardness glider. As well try to be as detailed as you can regarding the conditions these skis work best in. By doing this the appropriate structure can be applied on the base.

2. Keep good racing skis for racing. Avoid training on your best skis unless the track conditions are excellent

3. Each time you put the skis away clean and apply a training wax to the glide zones

4. When you travel with them make sure they are secured with ski ties and tape. You do not want the bases to be rubbing together.

If you get small scratches in the base and you cannot get them reground easily you can try waxing a few times with a harder glide wax. Apply the wax, and iron it in well, and then scrape. Do this procedure a couple of times. Often this will be enough to remove the scratches.

Dave

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