When the snow starts flying, every skier feels that familiar excitement to get back on the slopes. But before you clip into your bindings, take a moment to think about what’s beneath your boots. A proper ski service can make all the difference between a smooth, effortless day and a frustrating one full of sticky snow, slipping edges, and sluggish turns.

At Ottawa Valley Air Paddle, we see ski servicing as essential care, not a luxury. It’s the difference between skis that just work and skis that perform.

Why Ski Servicing Is So Important

Even after just a few days on the hill, skis take a beating. The snow you’re gliding on isn’t as clean as it looks; it’s full of dirt, salt, and tiny ice crystals that slowly wear away at your bases and edges.

Here’s what happens when skis go unserviced:

• The bases dry out, losing their glide and speed.

• The edges dull, making it harder to carve and control your turns.

• Rust and corrosion form on metal surfaces, shortening the lifespan of your gear.

Regular tuning prevents these issues and keeps your skis working the way they were designed to. A smooth base means better glide. Sharp edges mean better control. And a fresh wax means less effort on every run.

The Real Benefits of Regular Servicing

When your skis are properly maintained, you’ll notice the difference immediately:

• More Speed with Less Effort: A freshly waxed base glides faster and smoother, helping you conserve energy and enjoy the ride.

• Better Control and Grip: Sharp, clean edges bite into hard snow and ice, giving you confidence on every turn.

• Longer Equipment Life: Regular maintenance prevents deep scratches, rust, and damage that can permanently shorten your skis’ lifespan.

• Consistent Performance: Proper tuning keeps your skis predictable and balanced, whether you’re on groomers, powder, or spring slush.

Think of servicing as part of your pre-season ritual. Like tightening your bindings, checking your boots, or planning that first trip up to Calabogie or Tremblant.

How Often Should You Service Your Skis?

The frequency depends on how often you ski and in what conditions. A few simple guidelines can help you keep your gear in top form:

• Frequent skiers (10+ days a season): Service every 3–5 days on the hill.

• Casual skiers: Once or twice per season is usually enough.

• At minimum: Always tune up before your first ski day and apply a protective wax before summer storage.

If your skis start to feel sluggish, edges aren’t gripping like they used to, or the base looks white and chalky — it’s time for a tune.

What’s Included in an OVAP Ski Service

Our technicians take the time to restore your skis with professional-grade precision and products. Every full tune includes:

✅ Base Cleaning & Inspection – Removing dirt, grime, and old wax, then checking for damage.
✅ Edge Sharpening – Restoring crisp, clean edges for solid control.
✅ Base Repair – Filling in scratches or small gouges to keep your glide smooth.
✅ Hot Wax & Polish – Applying Swix Glide Wax, the same trusted formula used by professionals for Canadian snow conditions.
✅ Binding Check & Adjustment – Ensuring everything releases safely and works as it should.

We also offer quick waxes, binding installations, and customized tune packages to match your skiing style and needs.

What About Snowboards?

If you ride a snowboard, servicing is just as important, maybe even more so. Your board has a larger base area and takes a lot of impact from carving, stopping, and park features. Over time, that stress leads to dull edges, dry bases, and uneven wear.

A properly serviced snowboard:

• Glides faster and smoother, especially across flat terrain and cat tracks.

• Turns more predictably, with consistent edge hold on icy slopes.

• Lasts longer, since the base and edges stay protected against scratches, salt, and rust.

Just like skis, snowboards need regular waxing, edge sharpening, and base maintenance. At OVAP, we use the same precision tools and Swix Glide Wax to bring your board back to life. Whether you ride park, powder, or groomers, a freshly tuned board gives you better flow, speed, and control from your first run to your last.

Get Ready for the Season

A fresh tune-up before winter doesn’t just make your skis feel like new — it sets the tone for your entire season. You’ll ski with more confidence, waste less energy, and get more enjoyment out of every turn.

If you haven’t had your skis serviced yet, now’s the perfect time to do it before the snow flies and the shop gets busy.

Bring your skis to Ottawa Valley Air Paddle before November 1st and receive 20% off your service.
Start your season smooth, fast, and ready for anything the mountain throws your way.

📍 Ottawa Valley Air Paddle
67 Madawaska Street, Arnprior