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You've pulled your skis out of storage, or you're heading to Wanaka or Queenstown for the weekend, and someone mentions you should probably "get a tune." But what does that actually mean? And do you really need it, or can you get away with a quick wax?
Here's a plain-English breakdown of what each service involves, when it matters, and how to make the right call for your setup.
These three terms get used interchangeably, but they're not the same thing.
Waxing is the most basic service. Technicians apply a layer of glide wax to the base of your skis, which reduces friction against the snow. Wax wears off over time, especially on abrasive or icy snow, so it needs to be reapplied regularly throughout the season. A basic wax is quick, affordable, and something you can even tackle yourself — we've put together a guide to DIY waxing and edge tuning with VOLA tools if you want to give it a go.
An edge tune is about your edges, the thin strips of metal that run along the sides of your bases. Sharp edges grip the snow when you carve or brake. Dull or burred edges feel loose and unpredictable, especially on hard pack and ice. A tune involves filing and sharpening the edges to a consistent bevel angle, then de-burring them for smooth contact. Edge work takes more time and skill than waxing.
A full service combines both: a base grind (using a stone grinding machine to resurface the base material and remove deep gouges), a full edge tune, and a fresh wax. This is the most thorough option and the one your skis genuinely need at least once a season.
Just waxing is the right call when your edges still feel sharp but your skis feel slow or sticky. If you've had a few days on the mountain and things feel fine except for speed, a wax will sort it. It's also a good quick refresh mid-season between full services.
An edge tune is needed when your skis feel like they're sliding out rather than biting. You'll notice it most on firm snow or when trying to hold an edge on a traverse. Run your fingernail lightly along the edge: if it glides without catching, your edges need attention.
A full service is the right move at the start of the season, after a crash, or anytime you've been skiing over rocks, dirt, or thin cover. Deep gouges in the base affect glide and can't be fixed with wax alone. Not sure how often you should actually be servicing your skis? Our guide on wax and tune frequency has a practical breakdown.
Broadly, yes. A high-performance carving ski used on groomed runs demands sharper, more precisely angled edges than a powder ski that rarely touches hard pack. Freestyle skis take more abuse from rails and jumps and often need base repairs more frequently. Twin-tips ridden switch can dull edges faster on one side than the other. If you're still figuring out what type of ski you're actually on, our guide to types of skis and their uses is a good starting point.
Prices vary between shops, and what's included in a "tune" differs too. Some places include wax in a tune, others charge separately. It's worth asking exactly what's covered before you hand over your skis. For a detailed look at what to expect to pay locally, see our breakdown of ski servicing costs in Queenstown and Wanaka.
Bindings are a separate consideration and often overlooked during servicing. If your bindings haven't been checked in a couple of seasons, or you've had a significant change in weight, boot size, or skiing ability, they should be tested and adjusted by a qualified technician. Getting the release settings wrong in either direction carries real risk.
Full service at the start of the season, wax as needed throughout, and an edge tune whenever the grip starts to go. If you're based in Wanaka or Queenstown, you can book your skis in with our workshop and we'll get them sorted before your next day on the mountain.
