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Skier carving on freshly serviced skis

When To Service Your Skis: Ski Maintenance Guide

Written by the team at Captain’s Cabin, Sevenoaks – Updated June 2026

Most skiers don’t think about their skis or ski servicing between seasons.

They come back from a week in the Alps, stack the skis in the garage, and don’t look at them again until October when the first resort snow reports start coming in. By then, the bases have oxidised, the edges have picked up rust, and the wax has dried out completely.

A ski service takes around an hour. Leaving it undone costs you grip, speed and confidence on the mountain – usually at the moments when conditions matter most.

At Captain’s Cabin in Sevenoaks, we service skis and snowboards year-round. Our workshop handles everything from a basic wax and edge sharpen through to full base repairs and complete overhauls, so you don’t have to use a ski rental service. If you’re based in Kent, South East London or anywhere across the South East, we’re one of the closest specialist ski workshops to you.

Book your ski or snowboard service at Captain’s Cabin

01 Ski Service

What does a ski service include?

A professional ski service typically covers several distinct elements. Understanding what each one does helps you decide which service level your skis actually need.

Freshly serviced skis on groomed snow

Base grinding

What it does Why it matters
Removes deep scratches and oxidisation from the base Restores a flat, smooth running surface
Re-structures base texture Improves glide across different snow types
Removes base burn from previous waxing Prepares the base to absorb new wax properly

Base grinding is the foundation of any full service. Skis with a damaged or uneven base won’t run true regardless of how well-tuned the edges are.

Skier on freshly serviced skis in the mountains

Edge sharpening and tuning

The edges are what connect your ski to the snow. A sharp edge holds on hard pack and ice. A dull or damaged edge slides out, particularly when the snow firms up in the afternoon.

Edge work involves:

  1. Removing burrs and rust from the steel edge
  2. Sharpening the side edge to the correct angle for the ski type
  3. Checking the base edge bevel
  4. Repairing any nicks or damage from rocks or lift infrastructure

Waxing

Wax performs two jobs: it protects the base and it reduces friction against the snow. The right wax for spring skiing in the Alps is different from the right wax for a cold February day in the Dolomites.

A professional wax involves:

  1. Hot waxing the base with an appropriate temperature-rated wax
  2. Scraping and brushing to the correct finish
  3. Structuring the surface for the prevailing snow conditions
Group of skiers enjoying well-maintained equipment on the mountain

Base repair

Deep gouges, core shots and base damage that reaches the wood or foam core of the ski need repair before a standard service can be effective. Base repair involves:

  1. P-tex filling for minor gouges
  2. Base welding for deeper damage
  3. Core shot repair where the base has been penetrated

If you’re not sure whether your skis need a repair or a standard service, bring them in – our workshop team will assess them and advise.

What does a snowboard service include?

Skiers and snowboarders on the mountain

Snowboard servicing covers the same core elements as ski servicing, with some differences in edge geometry and base structure.

Service element Skis Snowboards
Base grind Yes Yes
Edge sharpening Both edges, specific bevel angles Side and base edges, detuned at tip and tail
Waxing Full base hot wax Full base hot wax
Base repair Yes Yes
Binding check Ski binding inspection Binding screw torque check

Snowboard edges are deliberately detuned at the tip and tail to prevent catching during buttering and park riding. A good workshop knows the difference between a snowboard that needs sharpening and one that’s been correctly set up.

When should you service your skis or snowboard?

Skier carving on the mountain with the Matterhorn behind

The end of season service – the most important one

June is the best time to service your skis. Here’s why:

  1. Ski workshops are quiet, which means faster turnaround
  2. Servicing before storage prevents base oxidisation over the summer
  3. Fresh wax applied before storage protects the base for six months
  4. Any damage from the season gets repaired before it worsens
  5. Your skis will be ready to go the moment the first snow falls

Skis stored over summer without a service arrive at the mountain in worse condition than when they left. A summer service is the single most effective thing you can do to extend the life of your skis.

The pre-season service – September and October

If you didn’t service at the end of last season, the window before your first trip is your next opportunity. Book early – workshops fill up quickly from September onwards as the season approaches.

Mid-season servicing

For skiers who ski more than two weeks per season, a mid-season service is worth considering. Signs your skis need attention mid-season:

  1. Edges feel dull or slide out on hardpack
  2. Base looks white or chalky rather than black
  3. Visible scratches or gouges in the base
  4. Skis feel slow compared to earlier in the season
  5. You’ve hit rocks or debris at any point

After an incident

If your skis have hit rocks, the side of a piste or any solid obstruction, get the edges checked. A single rock strike can create a burr or nick that significantly reduces edge hold – and you won’t always feel it until you’re on hard snow.

How often should you service your skis?

Skiing frequency Recommended service schedule
1 week per year End of season service annually
2 weeks per year End of season service, pre-season wax
3+ weeks per year End of season service, mid-season edge check
Racing / aggressive carving After every 3–4 days on snow

For most recreational skiers skiing one to two weeks per year, one thorough end of season service is sufficient if the skis are stored correctly.

Ski and snowboard servicing near Sevenoaks

Skier carving on perfectly serviced skis

Captain’s Cabin is based in Sevenoaks, Kent – making us one of the most accessible specialist ski and snowboard workshops for skiers across:

  • Sevenoaks and the surrounding villages
  • Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and the Weald
  • South East London – Bromley, Orpington, Lewisham, Greenwich
  • Dartford, Gravesend and the Medway towns
  • Reigate, Redhill and East Surrey

We’re approximately 5 minutes from the M25 and 30 minutes from London Bridge by train, which makes us a practical option for skiers across a wide part of the South East who want their equipment looked after by specialist hands rather than a general sports shop.

Book a ski service near me in Sevenoaks, with Captain’s Cabin

DIY ski maintenance vs professional servicing

Some maintenance tasks are straightforward enough to do at home between services. Others require workshop equipment that isn’t practical to own as a private skier.

Task DIY Professional
Applying rub-on wax Yes –
Hot waxing at home Possible with basic kit Better results in workshop
Edge touching up with a diamond file Yes – with care Recommended for major work
Base grinding No – requires machine Workshop only
Core shot repair Not recommended Workshop only
Full edge bevel reset Not recommended Workshop only

For skiers who want to maintain their skis between professional services, a basic wax kit and a gummy stone for light edge maintenance are worthwhile investments. We stock ski tuning products in store.

How much does a ski service cost?

Ski service pricing varies depending on the work required. As a guide:

Service type What’s included Typical price range
Wax and polish Hot wax, scrape and brush £15 – £20
Edge and wax Belt grind, edge sharpen, hot wax £30
Edge and wax with repair As above with p-tex repairs £45
Full service with repair As above, stone grind, hand re-tune, cork belt polish, hand iron wax £70

For accurate pricing on your specific skis or snowboard, contact our workshop directly or bring them in for assessment.

FAQs – ski and snowboard servicing

How long does a ski service take?

A standard ski service takes one week at our Sevenoaks workshop. During busy periods leading up to Christmas and February half-term, turnaround times may be longer. Summer servicing is typically faster.

Can you service snowboards as well as skis?

Yes. Our workshop services both skis and snowboards, including edge detuning for park and freestyle riders.

Do I need to book in advance?

No, there is no reason to contact us in advance. We recommend dropping equipment off at our Sevenoaks store and workshop during our opening hours.

How should I store my skis after a service?

Store skis in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep them horizontal or hang them vertically. Avoid storing in a car boot or garage with significant temperature fluctuation. The storage wax applied during a summer service protects the base – don’t scrape it off until you’re ready to ski.

My skis have a deep gouge – can they be repaired?

Most base damage can be repaired. Core shots – where the gouge reaches the wooden or foam core of the ski – need prompt attention to prevent water ingress and delamination. Bring them in for assessment and we’ll advise on whether repair is viable.

Is it worth servicing older skis?

Yes, in most cases. A service restores performance regardless of ski age. The exception is skis where the bindings are now deemed unsafe for use by the manufacturer – our workshop will advise honestly if that’s the case. Bindings that are unsafe will result in us refusing to service the ski. Binding lifespan is determined by the manufacturer and not ourselves.

Do you service rental skis or hire equipment?

We service privately owned skis and snowboards and the store’s own rental skis. For hire equipment, see our ski hire page.

How far is Captain’s Cabin from London?

We’re based in Sevenoaks, Kent – approximately 25 miles from Central London and 30 minutes by train from London Bridge. We’re easily accessible from across South East London and the Home Counties.

Ready to book your ski or snowboard service?

Whether you’re coming off the back of a spring ski trip or planning ahead for next season, now is the best time to get your skis or snowboard serviced.

Book your ski or snowboard service at Captain’s Cabin, Sevenoaks

Our workshop is open year-round. Visit our store to book your equipment in for servicing.