For such a great activity  - skiing is incredibly frustrating.

I mean, don’t get me wrong when it works there is nothing better in the world of that feeling of being in balance, speed, the edge carving and the level of control you as you choose to go where you want to go and not be a passenger!!

You’ve watched the online video’s, read the magazines and you follow 10 people on insta all giving some great tips on how best to reach the next level of skiing. Perhaps you’ve also invested into technology to help give you feedback on your skiing too; but it still feels like a struggle and not the fun you know it could be.

Have you ever been in the situation where you want to start a new turn but your almost have throw yourself at it because the last one won’t finish, or worse….. when the conditions change you cannot get any grip and end up in the back seat or weight an the wrong ski; Grrrrrr - this is not what I want!!!

Well, there is 1 thing you can do to dramatically improve your skiing and you don’t even need to do it on the hill!!!

Getting your skis tuned.

Yup - it is over looked, but this is the single easiest thing to do to improve your skiing.

Sure - people will get skis tuned once in a while, but for many it’s not a priority - because it can be a hassle to do it yourself or find a shop that will do it for you.

With a freshly tuned ski, it provides better grip, better glide and better control. This means you can stand on the ski the way you are supposed to and use the ski the way it’s been built.

When the base of a ski is flat,…truly flat and the metal edges are lower than the base material ( base bevel) ,…. it means that the ski can pivot easier. Skis with a bit of bevel on the bottom can help skiers achieve more dynamic skiing too because the edge engages the snow while being tipped over. Remember sharp edges are really important - but the whole ski doesn’t need to be sharp - especially the tip and tail which need to be dull or less sharp.

When the tip and tail are less sharp than the middle of the ski, it helps you ,the skier start and finish your turn. If the tip is too sharp when you ski it “Hooks” meaning that the tip will want to turn into the turn more sharply which isn’t ideal and can challenge the control you have in your turn.

Conversely when a tail is too sharp it feels like the the turn will never ever end as the ski will not release it’s edge and start a new turn. Very frustrating.

And of course - wax. Like the skin your body, which needs moisture to help protect it - the base of your ski need to have it’s oils replaced. The microscopic pores in the ski base absorb wax and help repel water as the ski passes over making your ski experience faster and smoother.

If you’ve read this far - then clearly you are interested in improving your own skiing,…. and we can help here at Hike and Ride. Though we are known for our at home boot fitting service - we ALSO tune skis. From a quick wax to a full hand service, Hike and Ride can tune up your skis ready for the slopes.

PLUS - NEW THIS YEAR - we are offering a ‘Meet and Greet’ service for ski servicing collections. Pick up locations include Chiswick, Barnes, Putney, Fulham and Shepards Bush - Get in touch to find out times and details.

With collections, drop offs AND hand servicing - there are no real reasons not to let Hike and Ride help improve your skiing this year with a great tune and wax

Happy Skiing