Our cross-country ski care guide

You can maintain your cross-country skis yourself with a few tools and the right gestures. There are several components of cross-country skis that deserve special attention, as they deteriorate with use and have an impact on the performance and life of the skis.

1. Soles: We're not talking about the soles of your boots, but those of your cross-country skis. They are located under the skis, along their entire length. The soles is where you install the skins.

2. Edges: these are the metal edges on the sides of your ski, at the level of the sole. They are sharp and ensure a good grip in the snow and the control of your trajectories.

3. Skins or anti-slide fluff:  These strips of synthetic fabric (and no, it's not real sealskin!) with hair on one side and glue on the other are placed on the sole. They allow the skis to grip well to avoid going backwards when climbing.

4. Topsheet: this is the area on top of the skis where graphics and branding are usually located. The topsheet serves as a protective layer to preserve the core of the skis.

Ski (or snowboard) edges are subject to two common problems: rusting and loss of their cutting function. Rust is caused by prolonged contact with moisture, so it should be avoided at all costs when you are not enjoying the snow on your skis. As soon as you return from a session, dry your skis well with a synthetic cloth, taking the time to go over the edges. We also recommend that you store your cross-country skis in a storage bag between two winter seasons and that you store them in a dry place (watch out for the garage and the cellar).

To see if your edges are dull, run a fingernail over them. Is it scratched? Then you have to sharpen them, because they are no longer sharp enough to grip the snow. To sharpen your edges, you will need:

- an edge sharpener (a file tool with a steel file)
- an edge eraser
- a clean rag

Now get to work!

Maintaining your cross-country skis also includes maintaining your skins. By taking care of their hair and tights, you ensure that they glide smoothly and safely. Whether during or after a trip to the mountains, follow our article dedicated to their maintenance!

👉 Ordering skins
👉 Ordering sealskin nets
👉 Fixing skins

Sometimes the topsheet of your skis is scratched. Apart from the visual aspect, this may allow moisture to seep in and damage the structure of your skis. EIn case of deep scratches, we advise you to repair them quickly with:

- large scotch tape
- glue and Araldite hardener
- rubbing alcohol

Watch our video tutorial to follow the steps to repair a topsheet (and replace the UV lamp with Alradite hardener).

👉 Have a ski topsheet repaired at DECATHLON
👉  Have your bindings fitted at DECATHLON

Even if you have become a pro with a waxing iron and an edge sharpener, there is one last important point to take care of your skis: store them in the right conditions. And yes, storage is an important parameter, which can damage or protect the skis depending on several parameters.


➡️ Before storing, dry them well with a dry cloth, paying particular attention to the ski bindings and edges. 
➡️ If you can, put them in a storage bag.
➡️ To store them, choose a place at room temperature, away from a heat source, away from light and humidity. The aim is to prevent your skis from suffering from temperature variations over time.

Under these conditions, you shouldn't have any unpleasant surprises when you take your skis out next winter.

In principle, maintenance at the beginning and end of the season is sufficient to keep your cross-country skis in good condition. But depending on the snow conditions and how often they are used, they may need to be waxed or sharpened in the middle of the season. Do not hesitate to contact a specialised shop in case of doubt and for personal advice.