Ski & Snowboard Tuning & Repair

Why Tune?
The way your snowboard or skis perform relies on more than just your ability. It also depends on the base profile and stone-ground structure, edge condition, bevel, wax, and whatever else touches the snow. Tuning is a way to control and optimize performance by refinishing the running surfaces.

When should I Tune?
In general, how often you tune depends on snow conditions, terrain (including rails, tables, logs, etc.), and the level of performance you are looking for. A fall tune up when you take your board out of the basement and a tune-up every 7 to 10 times on the hill should provide consistent performance. A pocket stone and daily wax are also recommended for best performance between full tune-ups. Any significant base or edge damage should be dealt with right away to prevent further damages.

Even new skis and snowboards should always be "prepped" before you ride them. Most need some tuning work and stone-grinding before they are ready to rip.

A regular tune-up and some simple care will preserve your snowboard or skis:

. Clean and dry your edges after each day on the hill.
. Hot wax often to protect base and ensure performance.
. Store your board or skis in a cool and dry place.
. Repair any damage immediately.
. Apply a thick coat of wax to base and edges at the end of the season.

What is a good Tune-up?
A good tune-up will match your snowboard or skis performance to your riding needs. Make certain that you inform our technician performing the work of your ability.  Inform him of the type of riding you like, the terrain you frequent, the performance you require, and any problems you have. This way our technician can better tailor the tune-up to your liking. To properly tune your board or skis, our technician will perform a number of basic steps.

Inspection
The top , sides, and base should be wiped clean, paying special attention to removing any dirt in the base. The board or ski should then be inspected for damage, including base damage, delaminating, sidewall blowouts, and edge pullouts. Any repairs needed will be pointed out and performed as necessary.

Base Repair
Next, any nicks, gouges, or core-shots are filled with P-Tex. By heating the P-Tex properly, our technician will have bonded the new material to the existing base. The excess P-Tex will then be removed, and the board or skis will be ready for flattening.

Beveling
The base and side edges are then tuned to your liking. Depending on what you're looking for in performance, the edges are beveled anywhere from 0 to 3 degrees.  The edges should then be polished using a soft stone or emery cloth.

Stone-Grinding
During this process, minute diamond-shaped or linear grooves are ground into the base. In addition to allowing the base to hold more wax, stone-ground patterns are the best way to break the suction and friction between the base and the snow. By grinding this light pattern into the base, you'll find that your board or ski will slide more easily and will be smoother in transition from edge to edge. Different temperatures and snow conditions require different structures for optimum performance. Our technician knows the right formula!

De-Tuning
De-tuning the edge is the dulling of your board or ski just ahead of and behind the running surface. This is to aid in transition and turning and to prevent catching the tip and tail.

Waxing
The last process in any tune-up is hot waxing. Hot waxing impregnates the
base, providing protection from damage and increasing gliding and turning
characteristics. As with stone-grinding, wax is specific for the temperature
and snow consistency.

Keep your Ski equiptment in good shape. Contact us now