It depends on how often you ride and the conditions. For most skiers and riders, a full tune every 15-20 days on snow is a good guideline. If you’re skiing mainly on ice or hard-packed snow, you may need more frequent tune-ups.

At minimum, get tuned at the start of the season and again at the end. If your equipment feels slower than usual, your edges feel dull, or you’re slipping on ice, it’s time for a tune.

A hot wax penetrates deeper into the base of your skis or board and lasts much longer, typically 5-7 ski days. The wax is applied with heat, allowed to cool, then scraped and brushed for optimal performance.

A buff wax is a quicker, less expensive option where your equipment runs over a heated wax belt. It only coats the surface and typically lasts 1-3 days. For frequent riders, a hot wax provides better protection and performance.

While it’s true that each tune removes a small amount of material from your edges and base, regular maintenance actually extends the life of your equipment.

The key is maintaining your gear frequently so only minor work is needed each time, rather than waiting until major damage requires aggressive grinding. Proper tuning prevents bigger problems and keeps your equipment performing well for years.

A white, chalky, or dry-looking base means it needs waxing. Ski and snowboard bases are porous and need regular waxing to stay hydrated and perform well.

Without wax, bases oxidize and can’t absorb wax properly anymore, which affects your speed and control. Regular waxing protects your investment and keeps you gliding smoothly.

Yes! An end-of-season tune is one of the best things you can do for your gear. The shop will apply a storage wax that protects your bases from drying out and prevents your edges from rusting while your equipment sits all summer.

This keeps everything in great shape so you’re ready to ride as soon as the season starts again.