Better Skiing: Tune-Up

Welcome to this edition of Better Skiing, I’m Bruce Ruff.
Tune ups. You know – that process where the edges on your skis are sharpened and the base is waxed. I hate that term “tune up!” It should be called mandatory maintenance. If you want your skis to perform, that’s what it is – Mandatory Maintenance.

When you have your skis stone ground, it does several things. It makes your skis flat. They do not come that way. Usually a new ski will have a convex or concave bottom right out of the wrapper. Grinding also sharpens the edges for better hold. Stone grinding also cuts a structure into the base which reduces suction and makes initiating a turn easier. Now, what about ski wax? I would say sliding is mandatory in skiing, wouldn’t you? Well, wax not only helps you slide but it protects your ski bottoms from drying out. You have probably spent a lot of money on your skis. If you want them to perform, spend some money on mandatory maintenance.