Every Rental Is Tuned and Inspected Before It Leaves Maison de Ski
A great day on the mountain starts with equipment that is ready to go. Before skis and snowboards return to the rental lineup, the team at Maison de Ski gives each setup the attention it needs, from checking the base and edges to tuning, inspecting bindings, and making sure boots and other equipment are ready for another season.
For a family-owned shop serving Idaho Springs since 1970, equipment preparation is part of the job long before the first customers arrive for the season. The team checks, tunes, cleans, and tests rental gear before it returns to the lineup.
What happens before rental gear goes out?
| Equipment | What the team checks or prepares |
|---|---|
| Skis & snowboards | Bases, edges, top sheets, hardware, tuning needs |
| Bindings | Adjustment, compatibility, and in-house testing |
| Boots | Condition, liners, buckles, and fit |
| Helmets & accessories | Condition, cleanliness, straps, poles, and other components |
| Wax | Base preparation and appropriate waxing |
It Starts With a Thorough Equipment Inspection
Every ski and snowboard that comes through the shop gets a close look before it goes back into rental service.
The team checks the base for scratches and gouges, examines the edges for wear or damage, and looks over the top sheet and hardware.
A cosmetic mark may simply be part of a season on the mountain. Equipment that needs repair or additional work is handled before it returns to the rental lineup.
This inspection also helps the team determine the right tuning work rather than applying the same process to every pair of skis or every snowboard.
Tuning the Base and Edges
Once an item has been inspected, the next step is preparing its base and edges.
At Maison de Ski, the tuning process addresses the condition of the base and edges rather than applying the same treatment to every pair. Scratches, gouges, edge wear, and other issues are assessed and handled as needed before the equipment returns to rental service.
Waxing Helps Keep Equipment Ready to Glide
Waxing is another important part of ski and snowboard preparation.
A properly waxed base helps reduce friction between the equipment and snow while helping maintain the condition of the base.
Waxing is part of keeping rental equipment in good condition throughout the season. Maison de Ski provides hot wax and hot belt wax as part of its tuning services, with the appropriate service selected according to the equipment and its condition.
Bindings Are Tested In-House
Bindings are inspected, adjusted, and tested in-house at Maison de Ski. The team checks the setup against the customer's boots and equipment specifications, then performs the appropriate function testing after adjustments.
Tobin, known around the shop as ‘The Ski Doctor,’ brings equipment and tuning expertise to Maison de Ski's rental preparation process.
Binding work follows applicable manufacturer specifications and service procedures.
Boots, Poles, Helmets, and Snowboard Gear Get Attention Too
A rental setup involves more than the skis or snowboard.
Boots, poles, helmets, and snowboard bindings are also checked, cleaned, and prepared before they go back into service.
Helmets receive an inspection as well. Equipment is cleaned and prepared according to the care requirements that apply to each item.
The goal is simple: when customers arrive to collect their rental gear, the equipment is clean, organized, properly prepared, and ready for its intended use.
What this means for your ski day
- Pick up after 2 p.m. the day before your ski day.
- Skip the rental line at the resort by getting fitted before you head up.
- Return rentals by 7 p.m.
- Stuck on I-70? Call ahead if you are running late with your return.
The Final Check Happens Before You Leave the Shop
Fit matters, particularly with boots, so customers can work directly with the rental staff to find a comfortable setup.
This hands-on approach is one reason renting from a local shop can make the process easier. Customers can talk with people who work with ski and snowboard equipment every day and get practical help before leaving for the mountain.
Ready Before You Reach the Resort
Maison de Ski sits in Idaho Springs at I-70 Exit 241, making it a practical stop for skiers and snowboarders traveling toward Loveland, Arapahoe Basin, Winter Park, Keystone, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain.
Planning your next Colorado ski day?
Reserve your equipment with Maison de Ski, pick it up after 2 p.m. the afternoon before, and head toward the mountain with your gear already fitted and prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does Maison de Ski do before rental equipment goes out?
At Maison de Ski, rental skis and snowboards are tuned and inspected before each rental. Preparation can include base and edge work, waxing, binding checks, and other equipment maintenance based on the condition of the gear.
2. How often should skis or snowboards be tuned?
There is no fixed tuning schedule. How often equipment needs attention depends on how frequently it is used, snow conditions, and its condition. If the base or edges show noticeable wear, it is worth having the equipment checked.
3. Are ski bindings tested at Maison de Ski?
Yes. Binding adjustments and testing are performed in-house at Maison de Ski as part of the equipment preparation process. The setup is checked against the skier's boots and equipment specifications.
4. Can I pick up my rental the day before skiing?
Yes. Maison de Ski offers rental pickup after 2 p.m. the day before your ski day, so you can get fitted and have your equipment ready before heading to the resort.
