Race Ski Tuning and Waxing Archives

New Race Ski Prep Work

Every new race ski needs prep work

You have taken the time to insure that you or your child has the proper race skis to give them the best shot at a successful ski racing season, but what do you do about tuning? Forget what some ski company rep or even your coach has told you – from the factory every new race ski needs prep work before racing. Some companies prepare skis to a higher standard than others. We check every single race ski that we sell. This is what we have found:

Junior Race Skis come from the factory at a 1 degree base bevel and the side angle listed on the chart above, except Fischer Jr race skis— which come at .5 degree base angle for SL skis, .7 degree base angle for GS skis and 3 degree side angle for both.

Universally, Ski Company Race Departments and Peak Performance Ski Shop recommendations for base angles on race skis for advanced to high level racers (USSA and FIS) is:

SL Skis: .5—.7 degree base, 3 degree side

GS Skis: .7 degree base, 3 degree side

Super G Skis: 1 degree base, 3 degree side

To reduce base bevel on skis from the factory setting requires grinding the base to flatten the ski. At Peak Ski Shop, once the ski base is flat we install a race specific event structure to the ski and set the base edge angle so that your ski is ready to race.

Peak Performance Ski Shop has 3 levels of service that is applicable for previously used or new race ski prep:

Premium Race Prep involves removing sidewall, installing 3 degree side angle and checking and polishing the base angle that the ski came from the factory with, and waxing the ski. This is used for most (U12 and younger) junior race skis and some adult skis where changing the base angle from the factory setting is not needed.

Elite Race Prep is used when we are reducing the base bevel of the skis. This is the minimum prep required to reduce base bevel. We remove sidewall, refinish the base, install event specific structure, install the correct base angle, install 3 degree side angle and one coat of wax. This is used for adult and junior race skis where we are changing the base angle and installing an event specific race grind.

World Cup Race Prep is our highest level of race ski tuning. We remove sidewall, refinish the base and install event specific structure, install correct base angle, install 3 degree side angle, sand sidewalls, shape top sheet on tips and tails and apply one coat of wax. World Cup Race Ski Prep is our most advanced race ski preparation. This is used for race skis that require a specialized ski prep that will allow the ski to glide and edge to its maximum ability. This prep contains all the steps of the Elite Race Ski Prep with the addition of sanding the sidewalls smooth and shaping of the tips and tails of the skis.

Once the new race ski prep is done to the base and sides, we offer 1 to 3 Hot Box cycles for SL, GS and speed event skis to further ensure your race skis are sliding on snow their best.

Give your ski racer all the tools they need to do the job right. Invest a small amount of money in new race ski prep and then follow-up with routine maintenance throughout the season to insure those new race skis ski their best from the day you buy them until you move them on to a new owner.

Peak Ski Shop Ski Tuning Evolution

At Peak Ski Shop Ski Tuning is constantly evolving.

Change is good.

As we move the Wintersteiger Omega and pack up our Wintersteiger Trimjet in preparation for receiving our new Wintersteiger Mercury we are reflecting on how ski tuning at Peak Ski Shop has progressed over the last 26 years. Just as the ski industry and ski tuning technology has evolved, so has Peak Performance Ski Shop.

Peak Ski Shop Ski tuning changes from Trimjet and Omega to Mercury — Out with the old, in with the new. Shipping out the Wintersteiger TrimJet to make room for the Mercury.

We strive to be at the forefront of our industry utilizing the latest proven technologies to offer our customers best in class ski tuning. Whether you are a first-time skier out on a pair of our rental skis, a seasoned recreational skier, or a ski racing athlete we offer world cup ski racing quality workshop services and tuning utilizing the highest-tech machinery available.

Here’s the history behind Peak Ski Shop ski tuning:

1988: Reichmann Stone Grinder and Belt. When we opened the store we started out tuning with a Reichmann Stone Grinder and Belt. It was a state of the art ski tuning machine for the time. It was designed to flatten a ski and put a basic structure on it. Quickly we realized we needed something more. (Looking back, the technology that was employed for tuning long straight skis seems rudimentary now.)

Peak Ski Shop Ski Tuning circa 1992-1993 with a Wintersteiger Micro 1

1991: Wintersteiger Micro 1. Coming from a precision automotive background, precision ski services and high quality craftsmanship were a priority for our shop. Within the first few years of tuning skis we realized we wanted to offer a higher level of ski tuning. We purchased our first Wintersteiger ski tuning machine, a Micro 1. This machine had a belt and stone, which allowed us to tune base edges and add structure to a ski base. This was one of the first machines that allowed the ability to install a race specific pattern to the skis.

1997: Wintersteiger Trim Disc 90. In 1997, There was a quantum leap in edge sharpening technology when ceramic disk technology for base and side edge tuning emerged. Ski manufacturers were using a ceramic disc edge sharpening machine which created a very precise and smooth edge. Wintersteiger was the first manufacturer to introduce this technology to ski shops with the Trim Disc 90. We knew we had to get one of these machines. The Wintersteiger Micro 90 revolutionized Peak Ski Shop ski tuning and ski tuning around the world. In the end, we found this machine to be very precise for side edges, but technology was still lacking in the ability to create precise base edges on the skis. Race level quality base edges still needed to be set by hand and side edges needed to be checked by hand.

Peak Ski Shop ski tuning in 2010 with a Wintersteiger Sigma RS350 and TrimJet.

2004: Wintersteiger Sigma RS350. This machine was the beginning of modern ski structuring and the workhorse of Peak Ski Shop ski tuning for 10 years. It was from the first series of machines from Wintersteiger to use digital programming and allowed us to apply strict parameter controlled racing structures. This machine was able to create structures that were specific to DH, SG, SL or GS. With a grinding stone width of 350 mm, besides easily grinding snowboards; we could work much more efficiently with skis, because the stone is divided. We could create two structures at the same time by setting a different structure on either half of the stone. This allowed us to pre-grind on one half of the stone and then follow up immediately with fine grinding on the other half. In addition to tuning for specific racing events, we could also program this machine to tune skis for specific temperatures and snow conditions.

2007: Wintersteiger Trimjet. One of the most sought-after machines on the market, the Wintersteiger Trimjet is built around Wintersteiger’s Ceramic Disc Finish technology. This machine provided precise edge geometry and allowed us to individually and independently adjust angles. This machine changed ski tuning again. The technology of the Trimjet allowed very precise side edges and base edge from .5 to >1 degree. Skis were polished and sharp from the first ski to the hundredth ski – everyday.

Peak Ski Shop ski tuning with the Wintersteiger Omega RS350.

2014: Wintersteiger Omega Race 350. In our quest for higher quality precision race (and recreational) ski tunes we purchased a Wintersteiger Omega Race 350. This machine expanded the variety of structures that could be used keeping pace with the structures that were being offered by the ski manufacturers on their highest level race skis. The centering unit on the Omega RS 350 supports easy and precise grinding of center specific racing structures (e.g., hoop and arrow structures) which was another bonus for Peak Ski Shop ski tuning.

2015: Wintersteiger Mercury with Race Service. In our never-ending quest for the highest quality ski tunes we have now purchased a fully automated Wintersteiger Mercury ski tuning machine with the race service option. We’ve watched the evolution of automated ski tuning machines. It took 15 years, but in 2013 the automated machines really started to take off in popularity, not just in Vermont but all over the world. Until now, we were still not convinced automated ski tuning machines could do as good if not better than a manual machine. We now feel the latest Wintersteiger Mercury ski tuning machine really does surpass manually operated machines. Everyone uses machines differently because everyone has different needs. Some shops have a standard Wintersteiger Mercury automated ski tuning machine, it does a fantastic job on recreational skis. We bought a Wintersteiger Mercury ski tuning machine with race programming packages. This machine will allow us to do very detailed race specific ski tuning as well as incredibly high quality recreational tunes. The combination of our skilled technicians and the precision of a race machine will make all skis, both recreational and race skis, ski better.

Peak Ski Shop ski tuning machines have changed and evolved over the last 26 years, but one thing that has not changed is Peak Performance Ski Shop’s precision craftsmanship, attention to detail and commitment to quality. We’ve always been known as ‘the place to get skis tuned in Killington’ whether you were a recreational skier or a ski racer. That’s who Peak Performance Ski Shop is and how we’ve built the store.

Hand Tuning Skis with Alex Martin

Learning from the Pros: Hand Tuning with Alex Martin

This past April I had the opportunity to join a handful of ski tuning professionals at a ski tuning clinic offered by Ted Ligety’s personal ski tuner, Alex Martin. The tuning clinic, presented by Head Skis and hosted by The Speed Factory in West Campton NH, was an amazing opportunity to see the latest hand tuning techniques and advance my skills in one of the most respected crafts in the ski industry.

Alex Martin is World Cup ski racer and Olympian, Ted Ligety‘s right hand man on the hill since 2010. Just as Ted’s coaching staff watches Ted on the course and advises him on his performance, Alex watches Ted on the course and makes changes to improve the performance of his skis. When Ted is testing a course, Alex takes notes and Ted’s feedback and works on improving the skis until they are just right. Quite often, they do not even discuss the changes, Alex makes observations, makes changes based on his knowledge and experience and then just lets Ted ski them and tell him what he thought.

Ted Ligety skis Giant Slalom, Super-G, Slalom, Combined and Downhill. Typically he tests about 50 pairs of GS skis per year plus he also tests skis for all the disciplines he races…and that’s just for training! Alex tunes the trainers exactly the same as the race skis, except for the wax so that Ted gets a good feel for the tune. He will use different waxes and overlays on race day to make the skis as fast as possible. Alex hand tunes every single pair of Ted’s skis from brand new to race ready. You can imagine how many skis go across Alex Martin’s tuning bench each season. He and Ted will test skis until they find a pair for each event that they believe are the fastest, and those skis are put aside to be used exclusively on race day for Ted’s actual race runs. Once a ski has a nick in the edge, it is done and a new pair of skis is used.

Hand tuning is super simple, yet incredibly in-depth. Alex doesn’t use any fancy high-tech equipment. He uses simple basic hand tuning tools that anyone can easily source and learn to use. Some basic tools he recommends every ski racer own are (most of these items can be found in our Peak Race Tuning Kit):

Swix 2nd Cut Race File / Panzer file
3° side edge file guide
Swix Sand paper (120 grit and 400 grit)
Swix Fibertex
Swix Fiberlene
Temperature controlled iron or Digital iron
Nylon Roto Brush (and shaft)
Diamond stones – 100 grit, 200 grit, 400 grit and 600 grit
Brush Assortment – Brass brush, Nylon brush, Horsehair brush
A good supply of waxes for training and racing

Alex is incredibly in-tune with each and every ski he lays his hands on. He finesses every step from pulling the sidewall to finely polishing the edges. Alex was full of tips and tricks of the trade as well as words of wisdom for both novice and experienced ski tuners alike. From this clinic I gained a gratitude for hand tuning skis and a certification from Head Skis and Alex Martin himself.

I’ve been hand tuning skis since I was a young ski racer and race tuning skis at Peak Performance Ski Shop since 2006. I went to this clinic to watch a true pro and master at work and learn the little nuances that make the difference. I left this clinic feeling invigorated and excited to bring what I learned back to the shop.

Post-camp summer ski wax

What should you do with your skis after summer ski camp?

After summer ski camp, properly cleaning your skis, prepping them and applying summer ski wax for summer storage is going to increase the lifespan of your skis and get you back on snow quicker and easier in the fall.

Follow these steps to properly clean your skis and apply summer ski wax:

Clean your skis. Hose your skis off to remove chemicals, dirt and organic particles and allow your skis to dry overnight. Glacier snow is very dirty and full of chemicals that are used to make the snow firm.
Remove the residual wax fluorocarbon from the skis. Once your skis are clean and dry, if you want to further clean the fluoros out of bases we suggest using Swix Glide Wax Cleaner. We do not recommend using a citrus based cleaner it removes wax and lubrication from the ski bases and dries them out.
Assess whether your skis need to be ground. If they need any base work have them welded, the edges set and fully tuned. We recommend our Elite Race Ski Prep (T3-STAGE-2).
Hand sharpen the skis. If bases are in good condition and there is no need to grind/machine tune the skis, hand sharpen the skis with diamond stones (sometimes called moon stones) or files to remove any dings, burrs, or rust from the ski edges. Use a Swix 2nd Cut Race File or 100 grit MoonFlex Diamond File and a 200 grit MoonFlex Diamond File to sharpen the edges, then follow with a 400 grit MoonFlex Diamond File and a 600 grit MoonFlex Diamond File to finish sharpening the edges and polish the edges.
Condition the bases. To truly pull all the fluoros out of the skis and properly condition the bases you can take the skis through several hot waxing and scraping cycles. To hot scrape; iron in a coat of Swix CH8 or CH10, and before the ski wax is fully cooled – scrape it off. It is ideal to do this to a point where you no longer see any dirt coming out of the ski base. Generally, one to three cycles of ski wax and scraping does the trick.
Wax the skis. Finish with a coat of summer ski wax or storage wax. Iron in a coat of Swix CH7 or CH8 all-purpose wax. Leave this wax on the ski until you ski again in fall/winter.
Strap and store the skis. Use ski straps to secure the skis base to base, and store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Store them in a closet in the main part of your house or under your bed. Do not store skis in the basement or garage – the concrete floors will cause the edges to rust.

Proper cleaning and ski wax is essential to prolong the life of your skis. Taking care of your skis in the summer will make getting back on snow in winter quicker and easier. When you return to snow in the fall/winter, just scrape off the summer ski wax and you are ready to ski!

Wax for Mt Hood ski camp

Wondering what the proper wax for Mt Hood summer ski camp is?

Conditions

Skiing on the Palmer Glacier in summer is a lot like late spring skiing conditions at most American ski resorts: dirty and very variable. Therefore, to get the best performance out of your skis it is important to take the proper ski wax for Mt Hood with you to camp. When skiing on the Palmer Glacier at Mt Hood you need to protect your skis from abrasion. Dirt and dust particles attach to the glacier snow pack and very sharp ice crystals form from the salt used to keep the surface hard. The snow is very dirty and cycles every day from very hard to very soft and back again.

At summer ski camp, the ski racers are waxing and tuning their own skis daily under the guidance of their coaches. Waxing their skis every day at ski camp is important to keep the bases clean and gliding well in a variety of temperatures and on chemically treated snow. The temperature on the glacier changes every day from air temperatures 20°F – 30°F first thing in the morning to 60°F – 70°F by 11am or noon.

Wax

CH7X (Swix) (purple/violet) is the best all-around wax for Mt Hood summer ski camp. It is hard enough to protect the skis in the morning on the cold and chemically treated snow, yet still gives good glide later in the day when the temperature gets warm with strong sun.

If you are going to ski camp at Mt Hood for 2 weeks you will need a minimum of one (1) 180 gram bar of Swix CH7X. Two (2) 180gm bars of Swix CH7X wax should get you through 10 days of skiing SL and GS at Mt Hood. Make sure you seal the wax up in a ziplock bag when you put it in your gear bag to fly to camp. If your luggage and/or plane sits on the tarmac and things heat up the wax may melt. Proper packing before flying will save you the time, effort and expense of trying to find wax at camp and a lot of clean up later.

After Camp

Despite daily waxing at camp, the salt and abrasive conditions can still dry the ski bases out. We recommend thoroughly cleaning the bases and tuning and waxing your skis after any summer ski camp. Subscribe to our blog to read our upcoming post that talks about cleaning your skis and what to do with your skis after summer ski camp.