HOW TO TREAT YOUR DEER BEFORE THE SEASON
Winter is on its way, and soon your ski setup will be back where it belongs: on the slopes.
Before you make your first turns on freshly groomed slopes, it’s worth taking a closer look at your skis, bindings, and boots. Even if your equipment made it through summer in proper storage, now is the right time to give everything a thorough check.
The most important question is: What does your setup really need?
Did last winter leave its mark?
Take your skis out of storage and give them a close look. Rocks, hard-packed slopes, and plenty of days on the mountain can take their toll on the edges and base. Not every imperfection automatically means your skis need a full service, but it’s a good reason to take a closer look.
Edges: Any rust, damage, or visibly uneven sections?
Base: Deep scratches, gouges, or areas where the base no longer looks flat?
Structure: Is the original structure still clearly visible, or has it been altered by multiple service cycles?
Feeling on snow: Did your skis start to feel imprecise or different towards the end of last season?
If you’re unsure about any of these points, a professional check is the best next step.
Every one of our models has been developed with clearly defined performance goals in mind. This goes beyond the ski’s construction to include the tuning of the base, structure, and edges.
With VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports Factory Tuning, these exact settings are carefully reproduced. That means the ski isn’t simply “tuned” using a one-size-fits-all approach. The base, structure, and edges are treated as one integrated system, with the goal of preserving the ski’s intended performance and feel.
You can get Factory Tuning at the Flagship Store in Scheffau am Tennengebirge or from your nearest Factory Tuning Partner.
Flagship Store opening hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
01 Edges
The edge is your ski’s point of contact with the snow. On hard-packed surfaces, it plays a key role in grip, control, and precision.
After the summer, make sure to check:
Is there any visible surface rust?
Is the edge damaged or nicked?
Does it look uneven or feel dull?
Light surface rust can be removed at home. If the edge is damaged or has significant rust, it’s best to leave it to a professional.
Our tip: Even if the edge looks fine at first glance, a professional check before the start of the season is worthwhile. Visible damage isn’t the only thing that affects performance – the edge’s angles and overall condition also play a crucial role.
02 Base
If your skis went into their summer storage with a layer of storage wax, they’ve already had an important step taken care of. The wax protects the base throughout the long off-season.
Start by completely removing the old storage wax and then brush the base thoroughly. This exposes the structure again, allowing the ski to perform at its full gliding potential. The next step is to apply fresh wax suited to the current snow conditions. The right wax blend depends on the conditions you plan to ski in. The colder and drier the snow, the harder the wax should be. Softer waxes are used in warmer, wetter conditions.
And one detail that’s easy to overlook: Edges first, wax second. This prevents the freshly prepared wax layer from being damaged again during edge grinding.
03 Bindings: Leave the Safety Check to the Experts
When it comes to bindings, it’s better to check once too often than not often enough. They are one of the most important safety components of your entire setup.
Binding settings shouldn’t be adjusted without the proper expertise. We strongly recommend having your bindings professionally checked once a year so you can hit the slopes with complete confidence.
04 Boots
Your boots have been through the summer, too. Check the shell, buckles, straps, and all moving parts for signs of damage or wear. The liner and soles should be clean and completely dry.
Your feet can change over time, which can lead to new pressure points. That’s why it’s worth checking your boot setup for any new pressure points well before the season starts.
New pressure points or a different feel inside the boot can be a sign that your setup is no longer fitting as it should. A professional Boot Fitting before the start of the season can make all the difference.
Ready when the snow is
The summer check is done. Storage wax removed, base prepped, edges checked, bindings inspected, boots ready to go. There is only one thing missing: snow.
LET’S GO SKIING
