Ski Maintenance Before Winter at Le Collet d’Allevard

Winter is approaching at Le Collet d’Allevard, and before the season really gets underway, now is the perfect time to pull your skis out of the garage and check on their condition after the summer.

Faded bases, slightly dull edges, small scratches you may have overlooked at the end of last season… it’s better to take care of them now rather than on the first Saturday of snow, when everyone else is thinking of doing the same thing.

A visit to the shop before the rush ensures you can start the season with properly prepared gear and avoid any unpleasant surprises when it’s time to strap in.

At Collet d’Allevard, equipment maintenance has been part of our trade for generations. At our Intersport Le Chamois d’Or and Les Arolles stores, we service and repair skis and snowboards so you can enjoy the mountains to the fullest.

But what exactly do we do at the workshop? What’s the difference between waxing and sharpening? And most importantly, how do you know when your skis need it?

A great day of skiing doesn’t depend solely on the snow. The condition of your skis or snowboard can also affect how you feel on the slopes.

Skis that don’t glide as well, edges that struggle to grip on hard snow, a base that’s discolored or marked by small stones—these are all signs that a visit to the workshop might be in order.

At Collet d’Allevard, equipment maintenance has been part of our craft for generations. At our Intersport Le Chamois d’Or and Les Arolles stores, we service and repair skis and snowboards so you can enjoy the mountains in the best possible conditions.

But what exactly do we do at the shop? What’s the difference between waxing and edge sharpening? And most importantly, how do you know when your skis need it?

Why should you maintain your skis regularly?

A ski base and edges are put to work with every run.

Hard snow, icy patches, temperature fluctuations, small pebbles, or simply the accumulation of ski days: your gear changes with each outing.

Proper maintenance helps maintain good glide, effective grip, and more consistent ski performance.

And you don’t have to wait until your skis are badly damaged to take care of them. Preventive maintenance also helps your equipment last longer.

Waxing: to maintain the base and restore good glide

Waxing is probably the most well-known maintenance task among skiers.

The process involves applying the right wax to the base of the ski or snowboard. This helps maintain and protect the base while improving its glide performance.

There are certain signs to watch for: a base that’s turning whitish or dry, a feeling that it doesn’t glide as well as it used to, or gear that seems to “stick” to the snow more.

Conditions also play a role. Snow and temperatures aren’t the same throughout the winter at Collet d’Allevard, so your gear is subjected to varying conditions as the season progresses.

Edge Sharpening: Regain Grip and Precision

The edges are the metal parts located on either side of the base.

They’re what allow the ski to grip when you turn. Their condition becomes particularly noticeable on a hard slope or when the snow is icy.

With repeated use, they can gradually lose their sharpness or develop small irregularities.

Sharpening helps restore the edges’ sharpness, providing better grip and greater precision in turns.

A simple test can give you an idea: when an edge barely leaves a mark on your fingernail when you gently run it over it, it may be time to have the edges checked.

Can a scratched or damaged base be repaired?

Yes, in many cases.

Hitting a small pebble hidden under a few centimeters of snow can sometimes leave a mark on the ski…

Not all superficial scratches require major repairs. However, when a gash becomes deeper, it’s best to have the base inspected.

Depending on its condition, the workshop can repair the damaged areas before refinishing the surface and completing the ski’s preparation.

The easiest thing to do is to show us your gear. It usually takes a technician just a few seconds to determine what needs to be done… and what doesn’t.

Waxing, edge sharpening, or a full service: which should you choose?

That’s exactly where the shop’s advice comes into play.

Not all skis that come through the door need the same treatment.

A base that’s in good condition but has dried out may essentially just need waxing. Edges that have lost their effectiveness will require sharpening. A ski with significant dents or scratches will need a more thorough overhaul.

Our approach is simple: first assess the equipment, then take action based on its actual condition.

No more than necessary, but enough to ensure the skis are properly prepared.

How often should you wax or sharpen your skis?

There’s no universal number of days that applies to everyone.

A skier who goes day after day, a child just discovering the slopes, a casual skier, and a competitive skier obviously don’t put the same strain on their equipment.

The quality and type of snow also matter.

Rather than waiting for a specific deadline, pay attention to how the skis feel and their condition: glide quality, the appearance of the base, edge grip, and any scratches.

And if in doubt, just bring your skis to us. We’ll be able to tell you exactly what they need.

What about snowboards?

Of course.

The same general principles apply to snowboards: the base ensures glide, while the edges provide grip and help control the board.

Waxing, edge sharpening, and repairs are therefore also part of snowboard maintenance.

Whether you’re a skier or a snowboarder, the goal remains the same: to hit the slopes with gear that’s been prepared based on its condition and your riding style.

Before your first outing of the season

Have your skis been sitting in the garage, the basement, or in their bag for several months?

Before hitting the slopes again, take a few moments to check their condition.

The base, edges, and bindings should be checked after several months of inactivity. This is also a good time to have your gear serviced to avoid discovering a problem on the morning of your first day of skiing.

A pre-season check-up lets you hit the slopes with greater peace of mind.

And after your last day?

Maintenance doesn’t necessarily end when the slopes close.

Cleaning, drying, and properly preparing your gear before storing it for several months helps keep it in good condition until the following winter.

In particular, avoid storing skis that are still damp immediately after your last outing: moisture is never a good friend to metal parts.

A few precautions in the spring can help you avoid unpleasant surprises at the start of the following winter.

A workshop right at Collet d’Allevard

The benefit of having a workshop right in the resort is also very practical: you’re already there.

If you notice during your stay that your skis aren’t gripping as well, that a base has been damaged, or that your snowboard needs maintenance, you can come show us your gear right away.

Our teams welcome you at the Intersport Le Chamois d’Or and Les Arolles stores, in the heart of Collet d’Allevard.

Our service centers are equipped with the latest professional machines that allow us to service skis and snowboards with precision.

And behind the machines, there’s still something essential: the expert eye of the person inspecting your gear.

Over 60 years of skiing at Le Collet—that’s a lot of memories… and quite a bit of experience

For the Béranger family, skiing at Le Collet goes way back.

Since the resort’s early days, three generations have witnessed the evolution of skis, boots, bindings, maintenance techniques, and the machines used in the workshop.

The equipment has changed dramatically.

The idea, however, hasn’t changed much: hitting the slopes with skis that are properly fitted, correctly adjusted, and well-prepared simply lets you enjoy your day more.

That’s the experience we continue to share today.

Need to have your skis or snowboard serviced at Le Collet?

Stop by and see us with your gear.

Waxing, edge sharpening, inspection, or repairs: we’ll assess the condition together and recommend the appropriate maintenance.

And if you don’t have your own gear, our stores also offer ski and snowboard rentals for all skill levels.

Intersport Le Collet d’Allevard – Le Chamois d’Or & Les Arolles

Place Marcel Dumas – Le Collet d'Allevard

Ski and snowboard maintenance, repair, and rentals in the heart of the resort.