Untuned skis are like a choir singing off-rhythm and off-key. The scratches and burrs on your bases create disharmony between your skis and the snow and cause a bumpy ride. Dull edges impede carving ability, and unwaxed skis move at a snail's pace. Ski tuning frequency depends on snow conditions and your level of proficiency. Experts, that ski on ungroomed snow, may need a tuning after five days of skiing. Intermediates should tune their skis after eight to 12 ski days, and beginners, who ski on easy, green slopes, can tune their skis after 15 ski days. Ski tuning costs between $25 and $50, as of 2010. If you have ample space and ventilation, you can tune your skis at home.
Step 1
Bring your skis indoors and allow them to return to room temperature. This may take up to an hour. When ready, clamp the bottom of the skis to the ski vise and use the rubber band to secure the ski brakes.
Step 2
Use the base cleaner and cloth to clean the bases. Allow the skis to dry.
Step 3
Deburr the edges by wetting the diamond stone and holding it flat across the ski base. Place your thumb directly above the ski's edge. Use medium pressure and stroke the stone from tip to tail. Wipe off the residue with a paper towel.
Step 4
Insert the file into the file guide. Then, place the guide along the ski base and position it so that the file touches the ski's edge. Apply medium pressure as you move the file toward the ski tip. Harald Harb, who authored "Anyone Can be an Expert Skier," suggests working in 10 to 12 inch overlapping sections and pulling the file toward you as you cut.
Step 5
Heat the waxing iron to a low setting. Apply a layer of wax to your bases while waiting for the iron to reach the right temperature.
Step 6
Test the temperature by placing the iron against your waxed bases. The wax will immediately melt if the temperature is appropriate. Iron the ski by using back and forth motions across the bases.
Step 7
Use your scraper to scrape off the excess wax, and then polish the bases with your scouring pad.
Tips and Warnings
- Ski waxes are coded according to the temperature. Use the appropriate wax for the conditions.
- If the wax smokes when you place the iron on the bases, the iron is too hot. Wait for the temperature to coll and then try it again.
Things You'll Need
- Ski vise
- Rubber band
- Clean cloth
- Base cleaner
- Diamond stone
- Paper towel
- File and file guide
- Ski wax
- Iron
- Brush
- Scraper
- Scouring pad
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