Why You Should Tune Your Skis and Boards Each Year

As the winter season approaches, many skiers and snowboarders eagerly look forward to hitting the slopes. But before you grab your gear and head out, there's one important step you should take: get your skis or snowboard tuned. This annual maintenance routine can have a significant impact on your performance and overall experience on the mountain. 

Normal Wear and Tear Affects Performance

Even if you’re not skiing in extreme conditions, the normal, everyday use of your skis can degrade their performance over time. Every time you ski, your base and edges are exposed to various elements—rocks, ice, and debris on the slope. Hitting a rock or debris can cause gouges and scrapes on the base of your skis or snowboard, slowing you down. These imperfections may seem small, but they can significantly affect how smoothly you glide over snow.

Damaged Edges Make Turning Difficult

Another critical component that takes a beating is the edges of your skis. When your edges become nicked, dulled, or damaged, your ability to turn smoothly is compromised. Without sharp edges, it becomes harder to grip the snow, particularly on icy or hard-packed terrain, making it difficult to control your skis.

Different Types of Ski Tunes

A basic ski tune involves waxing your bases and sharpening your edges, often called an edge and wax tune. This type of tune-up is a simple, quick, and easy performance enhancer that most skiers should get regularly. If your skis are relatively undamaged, this will keep them gliding smoothly and turning efficiently. However, you may need a base grind if your skis have more significant damage, such as noticeable gouges on the base. A base grind involves running a belt sander and stone grinder over the base of your skis to smooth out the surface. This will dramatically improve the gliding qualities of the base by restoring its smoothness and ensuring it can glide freely over snow. For the ultimate performance boost, you can opt for a stone grind tune, which not only smooths the base but also adds a specific structure or pattern. This pattern helps the base hold wax more effectively and shed water as the skis slide over snow, enhancing speed and performance in variable conditions. The Benefits of an Annual Tune-UpA yearly tune-up can resolve these issues and ensure that your gear performs like new. With sharper edges, your skis will cut through the snow more effectively, giving you better control and confidence when making turns. A well-waxed base will reduce friction, allowing your skis to glide more smoothly and faster across the snow.

Tuning Options at Confluence Kayak and Ski

We offer three levels of tuning to suit your needs: 

Basic Quick Tune (Edge and Wax Tune) – Includes waxing the base and sharpening the edges. This is perfect for those looking for a fast and easy performance improvement.

Power Tune – A step up from the basic, this tune includes a belt sand step to further improve the base’s smoothness and gliding ability.

Premium Tune (Stone Grind) – Our most comprehensive tune involves a full stone grind that will put a structure on the base to hold wax better and shed water as you glide over snow. This tune offers the highest level of performance.

Boost Your Performance on the Hil

Ultimately, getting your skis or snowboard tuned is the number one thing you can do to improve your performance. You'll notice the difference immediately whether you're a beginner or an expert. You'll experience better speed, control, and maneuverability, making your time on the slopes more enjoyable and efficient.So before your next ski season, remember to take your gear in for a tune-up. At Confluence Kayak and Ski, we’re here to ensure your equipment is in top shape, offering the perfect tune for every skier.