Tuning your skis involves 3 primary steps:
- Base Repair
- Everyone gets some base damage at some point, usually from skiing over a rock that’s not adequately covered by snow. A gash in your base affects how well your skis glide, so it’s important to repair the damage. This step is more advanced and you should ask someone with experience for help until you are comfortable performing this type of repair.
- Edge Work
- Rust and burrs on your ski edges cause drag and slow you down on firm snow; so, getting rid of these abrasions can help your skis perform their best. It is important to keep your edges sharp.
- Waxing
- Waxing your skis is the best way to protect them and keep them performing at their peak. It’s important to wax your skis after completing base repair and edge work, as well as throughout the ski season to ensure your skis glide smoothly. Waxing at least every three or four outings is a good practice.
For Competition Team members, keeping your skis tuned is important no matter if it is a training day or a race day. Don’t wait until race day to tune your skis as your equipment will feel different.
There are tuning kits available online which will reduce your tuning costs and allow you to tune skis while traveling. Youtube is a great place to find tutorials as well as asking your coaches for advice.