If you are having the season I have had it is time to take a quick look at your gear. The season here at Seven Springs started in early November so I've already had to do some work on my gear.
The basic rule of thumb for your skis and snowboards is to edge and wax them every 10 days on the hill. A stone grind will touch up the bases, take out small nicks and scratches and re-texture the material for a better glide. For deeper cuts P-tex or a base weld may be necessary. A ceramic cup grind, if available in your area, is a great way to treat your gear right - it polishes and hardens the edges back to factory condition and is the best way to get the most performance out of your equipment.
Mid season is also a good time to have your bindings looked over just to make sure everything is working properly.
For your apparel I am hopeful that you wash your socks, thermals, fleece and neck gaiter on a regular basis but your outerwear could use some attention too.
Many people avoid laundering their outerwear for fear of damaging it. With rare exceptions ski and snowboard performance outerwear is not only easy to launder but will perform better for it as well. The reason for this is that the process will redistribute and re-loft the garments insulation making it warmer. It will improve the breathability of the garment by removing dirt and oils that clog the pores in the fabric and it will bring the waterproofing sprays and coatings back to the surface re-establishing the DWR (Durable Water Resistance) component of the garments weather protection.
Keep in mind that it is best to launder performance wear in suds that are specifically designed for the task. Follow directions on the label and it is helpful to add a tennis ball to the drier to bring the original softness, drapability and loft back to the garment.
See ya on the slopes!
Kjerstin
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