A well-tuned ski or snowboard turns easier, glides faster and lasts longer. Here is a simple guide to how often your gear needs attention.
Waxing
Wax protects your base and keeps you gliding. A good rule of thumb is to wax every few days on snow. If your base looks dry, white or chalky, especially along the edges, it is time. Cold, dry Colorado snow and man-made snow can strip wax quickly.
Edges
Sharp edges help you hold on hard snow and ice. Touch up your edges whenever you notice your skis or board skidding on firm snow, or after hitting rocks. A diamond stone or edge tool can take care of small burrs between tunes.
Full tune
A full tune usually includes base repair, a stone grind to flatten the base, edge sharpening and a hot wax. Plan on one at the start of each season, and again during the season if you ski or ride a lot, notice your gear feels grabby or slow, or have base damage like a core shot.
Summer storage
At the end of the season, put a thick coat of wax on the base and do not scrape it off. This protects the base and edges from drying out and rusting over the summer. Store your gear somewhere cool and dry, then scrape and brush before your first day.
Tune at home or bring it in
For waxing and touch ups at home, check out our ski and snowboard wax, waxing tools and scrapers, edge tools, base repair and tuning kits. For a full tune, bring your skis or board to our Colorado Springs service shop.