Skiing on a shoestring

Rod Eglin · Joined: 29 Jun 2007 Posts: 18 Location: West Cumbria

Guys
How often should skis be serviced?
I tend to get a full service before I go on holiday (repair to sole, hot wax, bindings lubricated etc) and whilst on holiday, use a liquid 'fluoro ' wax (TOKO) during the week.
Is there any point in buying sharpening/edge tools, hot wax iron repair kits etc to try and save a bit of money?

Full service costs me £30 each service. I know I can get it done cheaper in resort but I trust the shop at home.

geoff · Site Admin Joined: 22 Feb 2007 Posts: 69

Rod,
you obviously have too much money or are an extremely aggressive skier. (crashing over rocks, etc.)
After just one week of skiing a year your skis and edges shouldn't have taken so much hammer that they are unskiable next season.
Unless the bases are extremely carved up you will normally get away with waxing to achieve a really good performance, and the edges should still be sharp enough to cut through all but the hardest ice.
If you go to resort and find your skis not performing its more likely to be your technique rather than the skis - Don't forget " shoulders down zee vallee and press zee knees into zee slope."
If this is not the answer invest in an edge sharpening file.
If this still doesn't improve the situation then have them serviced (for the cost I wouldn't bother buying the iron, base repair kit & hot wax).
Personally everytime I've had any sort of prob with skis I've found the technicians abroad really helpful and normally very good (as well as cheap.)
However, now that most airlines are charging to carry skis I leave mine at home, cos for little more than the cost of carriage I've hired a decent set which I check thoroughly before using and point out any damage to them before accepting. Also later in week if I'm not happy with them I ask for a service or exchange and I've never been turned down YET !!!

Rod Eglin · Joined: 29 Jun 2007 Posts: 18 Location: West Cumbria

If I had too much money mate, I would not be going to Bulgaria every year Very Happy

I'm getting the full service as our skis have a good few ruts in them. The snow was not good at the later part of the season in Bulgaria and they took a hammering on rocks that were just below the snow in the high parts of the mountains. I just wanted to see how other people went about servicing.

geoff · Site Admin Joined: 22 Feb 2007 Posts: 69

Point taken, I must just be more of a caveman with my skiing.
No finesse, but I get down without falling over.
Hmmm - maybe if I waxed my skis !!!!

Rod Eglin · Joined: 29 Jun 2007 Posts: 18 Location: West Cumbria

Can you get to the bottom without screaming?

Very Happy

geoff · Site Admin Joined: 22 Feb 2007 Posts: 69

If I get to the bottom I'm ALWAYS smiling.

Anyway good luck on your imminent trip to Borovets. I'm sure we'll hear about it when you get back.
I was talking to an old friend, yesterday, who has skied B but prefers Pamporovo. Maybe you should try there next. It's a few quid cheaper.
As for myself - couldn't compare as I've only skied P, and both times loved it.
Hope to hear from you soon
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Best Wishes
Geoff

Rod Eglin · Joined: 29 Jun 2007 Posts: 18 Location: West Cumbria

First time I waxed my skis I was screaming until I hit the bottom!

Laughing

Rod Eglin · Joined: 29 Jun 2007 Posts: 18 Location: West Cumbria

Got my skis done in resort this time and saved a load. Got them done for around £10 for two sets of skis. Not to the standard that Chemmy Alcott gets her skis done but good enough for me! Very Happy

geoff · Site Admin Joined: 22 Feb 2007 Posts: 69

Yeah, but if they were good enough to enjoy a great week skiing, the stack of money you saved could be spent on booze !
Hope you had a fantastic time.
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Best Wishes
Geoff

Rod Eglin · Joined: 29 Jun 2007 Posts: 18 Location: West Cumbria

Well, I anticipated that so got a few down my neck Very Happy

Truthfully, I skied this holiday more than I have on previous holidays and thoroughly enjoyed it. In bed at around 21:30 on most nights (apart form the second night that we went to bed at 19:30 due to being very tired because of flight delay I will tel you about later).

geoff · Site Admin Joined: 22 Feb 2007 Posts: 69

Well Rod - you've just learned rule number one for us REAL skiers - skiing & drunkeness don't mix.

It's OK to have a couple of drinks a night but if you're legless it will still affect your skiing the next day.
I can't count the number of people that I've rebuked for missing a mornings skiing due to a hangover !

What's the point of paying for an "expensive" skiing holiday only to stupidly do something that you can do at home more cheaply ???

NOW I only wish I could take my own advice !!!

Don't do as I do . . .etc.
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Best Wishes
Geoff