The Ultimate Guide to Ski & Snowboard Tune-Ups, Waxing, and Wax Kits | Switch Skate & Snow

Snowboarding and skiing are about more than just strapping in and hitting the slopes — they’re about performance, control, and the freedom of riding at your best. But no matter how expensive your board or skis are, without regular tune-ups and waxing, your gear will slow down, lose edge control, and wear out faster.

At Switch Skate & Snow, Ajax’s very own skate and snowboard shop since 2005, we’ve been tuning skis and snowboards for riders across Durham Region, Toronto, and beyond for nearly 20 years. Whether you’re ripping laps at Lakeridge, Dagmar, Brimacombe, or Blue Mountain, or packing for a trip out west, keeping your gear tuned and waxed is the key to making the most of every run.

At Switch Skate & Snow, we keep tune-ups simple, affordable, and reliable. Our full ski & snowboard tune-up service is just $34.95, and it includes everything your gear needs to ride its best:

Base Clean – Removes old wax, dirt, and grime for a fresh start.
Edge Sharpening – Restores your edges so you can carve clean turns and hold grip on icy runs.
Hot Wax by Hand – Deeply penetrates your base with fresh wax, giving you speed, glide, and protection.

How It Works

No appointment necessary — just bring your gear anytime during store hours.
First come, first served — we work on your gear in the order it arrives.
24–48 hour turnaround — we aim to have your skis or snowboard ready within two days.
Same-day service available — if possible, we’ll get you back on the hill the very same day.
Text notifications — as soon as your gear is ready, you’ll receive a text for pickup.

This service has been trusted by riders in Ajax and across Durham Region for nearly 20 years. Whether you’re heading up to Dagmar, Lakeridge, Brimacombe, or Blue Mountain, drop your gear off at Switch Skate & Snow and ride with confidence.

This in-depth guide covers everything you need to know about ski and snowboard tune-ups, waxing services, snowboard wax kits, and how often to wax a snowboard or skis.

Why Ski & Snowboard Tune-Ups Matter

Think of waxing and tuning like an oil change for your car — skip it too often, and you’ll feel the difference fast.

Speed & Glide: A freshly waxed snowboard or ski base reduces friction, giving you smoother rides and more speed, especially on flat sections where every push counts.
Control & Safety: Sharp edges are crucial for carving clean turns and holding grip on icy Ontario mornings.
Durability: Regular waxing seals the pores of your base, preventing it from drying out, cracking, or absorbing dirt.
Confidence: Properly tuned gear responds instantly, letting you focus on your riding instead of fighting with sluggish equipment.

👉 At Switch Skate & Snow, our professional tune-up services keep your skis and snowboards performing like new.

Professional Tune-Up Services at Switch Skate & Snow

We offer a range of services tailored to your gear and riding style:

Hot Wax Service – Deep penetration wax using a professional waxing iron, giving you faster glide and base protection.
Edge Sharpening – Restores sharpness for maximum control, especially important in icy Ontario conditions.
Base Repair & P-Tex Fixes – Smooth out scratches, fill in gouges, and protect your core from damage.
Full Tune Package – The complete service: hot wax, edge sharpening, base grind, and repairs.

We’re proud to offer quick turnaround times — so you can drop off your gear in Ajax and be back on the hill by the weekend.

How to Wax a Snowboard: Step-by-Step Guide

Many riders ask: “How do you wax a snowboard?” Whether you bring it to us or DIY at home, here’s the process:

Clean the Base – Use a base cleaner or scrape off old wax, dirt, and debris.
Heat & Drip Wax – Plug in a snowboard waxing iron and drip melted wax evenly across the board.
Spread & Absorb – Smooth the wax into the base with even passes, letting the pores soak it up.
Cool & Harden – Let the board sit for 20–30 minutes until the wax solidifies.
Scrape Excess – Use a plastic scraper to remove extra wax.
Brush & Polish – A nylon or horsehair brush finishes the job, giving you speed and glide.

👉 Don’t want the mess? Bring your snowboard to Switch Skate & Snow for a professional wax and save yourself the hassle.

How Often Should You Wax a Snowboard or Skis?

Another common question is: “How often should I wax my snowboard?”

Every 5–7 days on the hill – Most riders should wax after about a week of riding.
At the start & end of the season – Wax before your first ride and apply a storage wax before putting gear away.
When your base looks white or dry – Those chalky edges mean your base is starving for wax.
For performance riding – If you’re competing, riding park every day, or heading out west, wax more frequently for max performance.

Skipping wax makes your gear feel sticky, slow, and unresponsive. Regular waxing keeps you fast, smooth, and safe.

Snowboard Wax Kits & Tuning Accessories

Not everyone wants to bring their board into the shop every week — and that’s why we stock the best snowboard wax kits and tuning accessories in Canada.

At Switch Skate & Snow, you’ll find:

Snowboard Wax Kits – Complete packages with iron, wax, scraper, and brush.
Snowboard & Ski Wax – All-temperature and condition-specific wax options.
Edge Tuners – Compact sharpeners to keep your edges dialed between shop visits.
Travel Tuning Kits – Small, portable kits perfect for road trips to Tremblant, Whistler, or Banff.

All products are available in-store in Ajax or online with fast Canada-wide shipping.

DIY vs. Professional Tune-Ups: Which is Right for You?

DIY Waxing & Tuning

Great for riders who want to learn and save money long-term.
You’ll need a snowboard wax kit, space to work, and a little patience.
Perfect for regular touch-ups.

Professional Tune-Ups

Best for full base repairs, edge sharpening, and deep waxing.
Faster and less messy — drop off your gear, ride more.
Recommended at least a few times per season, even for DIY riders.

Most riders find the sweet spot is DIY in-between waxes and professional full tunes at key points in the season.

Where to Get Snowboard Waxing Near Me

If you’re searching for “snowboard waxing near me” in Durham Region, look no further than Switch Skate & Snow in Ajax.

We proudly serve:

Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Courtice, Bowmanville, Uxbridge, Scarborough and the Greater Toronto Area
Riders heading to Lakeridge, Dagmar, and Brimacombe
GTA and Toronto riders looking for fast, local tune-up services

And with Canada-wide shipping, our snowboard wax kits and tuning accessories are available to riders coast-to-coast.

Final Thoughts

A well-tuned snowboard or pair of skis is the difference between fighting your gear and flowing with it. Whether you’re learning to ride at Dagmar, chasing laps at Blue Mountain, or flying west for powder, regular waxing and tune-ups keep you fast, safe, and in control.

At Switch Skate & Snow, we’ve been keeping Durham Region riders ready for the hill since 2005. From professional waxing and sharpening services to snowboard wax kits and tuning tools, we’re your one-stop shop for all things snowboard and ski.

👉 Visit us in Ajax, Ontario, or shop online for Canada-wide shipping and keep your gear performing at its best this season.

TUNE UP SERVICE