What is a ski or snowboard tune up?

A ski or snowboard tune is a combination of repairing and flattening bases, sharpening edges and waxing the bases.

How do I know I need to tune my skis or snowboard?

When you feel you lose grip while in a turn or your skis or snowboard skid instead of carving or you feel that your skis/board are not sliding fast enough, you  need a tune up. You can check the edges and if you feel burrs or the edge is dull that is good sign that you need some work done.

How often should I tune my skis or snowboard?

There is no set period of time. It can be every session for racers or a couple of days to a week for recreational skiers depending on the temperature and type of snow you skied on.  Snow crystals are acting as abrasive agents so there is a big difference if you are skiing on manmade hard packed snow and ice or you skiing on powder.

How often should I wax my skis or snowboard?

As often as you can! If you are on the slopes every weekend, your skis or snowboard might need waxing once a week. Wax is a lubricant that creates a thin film of water that you glide on. If your skis are not waxed the film of water will act as a suction agent and your skis will glide much harder.

How sharp should my edges be?

The smoothness of your edges is more important than the sharpness. Your edges should always look like a smooth blade rather than a serrated knife. Your edges are sharp enough when gently running your nail on them it takes of a thin shaving.

I am interested in purchasing new skis, but I am not sure what skiing level I am?

There are six different levels of skiing, they are as follows:

•  Beginner: This is level for skiers who are just beginning their skiing career. The skier has either never skied before or has skied only a few times.
  
•  Advanced-Beginner: When a skier is comfortable on the green runs (beginner runs) and is moving up to blue runs.
  
•  Intermediate: The comfort level is on groomed blue runs that can be skied with relative ease.
•  Advanced-Intermediate: The skier is moving up to black diamonds and other terrain.
•  Advanced: Black diamonds and other terrain are comfortable.
  
•  Expert: All terrain including powder, out of bounds, moguls, etc. are skied with ease.

How do I mount and adjust bindings to my new skis or snowboard?

 Bindings need to be mounted and adjusted by a certified technician; you should not mount them yourself. Binding adjustment or “Ski Teching” is a process in which a technician will tailor your skis to your specific body type and level of performance.

How do I maintain my skis or snowboard so I can get the most enjoyment out of them?

You should get your skis or snowboard tuned at least twice a season or about 4-6 skiing days if you are a more avid skier. A ski tuning will help flatten the bottom of your skis to get rid of gouges and nicks, get rid of the burrs or scrapes and nicks on the edges of your skis and wax your skis for a smooth slick ride also sharpen the edges of your skis, among other things. Also you need to store the properly through the summer and give the preseason and end of season tunes.