Grind Only

Race grind only to flatten the base of the ski. No edge work.

A grind in ski tuning refers to the process of flattening the base of a ski by removing a thin layer of base material and creating a textured pattern, called structure, designed to optimize glide and water management depending on snow conditions and intended use. Race Tech Ski Service uses a WINTERSTEIGER Scout for grinding. The smaller stone diameter on the Scout guarantees a higher quality grind.

Key points about a ski grind: 

Purpose: To flatten the ski base, removing imperfections and creating an optimal surface for water management and a consistent surface for wax application, leading to better glide and control. When done in conjunction with edging it allows for higher quality, more consistent edge bevels as well.

Structure patterns: The grinds used have various textures to manage water effectively. For example, fine patterns for cold, dry snow or coarser patterns for wet, slushy snow. Additionally, when it comes to ski racing, there are event-specific structures as well.

A well-executed grind is crucial for maximizing ski performance, especially for competitive skiers, as it significantly impacts glide, speed, and edge hold.

Over time and use, skis bend, flex, and break down from use. Slowly, the base bevel on a pair of skis increases, just from normal use. Over time, this slow erosion of performance is hard to detect but can make all the difference on the race course.

How to tell when you need a base grind:

1. Skis will not hold in icy conditions, even when the edges are razor-sharp.
2. White or "burnt" looking base material next to the edge material underfoot.
3. You are having difficulty getting wax to spread evenly across the base material of the ski.
4. If you have mid-season boot canting issues - could be an indication that your base bevel has increased. 

How many times can a ski be ground:

The number of times a ski can be ground depends on how much material needs to be removed to reach a good starting point. Race Tech Ski service pays close attention during the grinding process to ensure the proper balance of performance to longevity for your skis. If skis are badly damaged or significantly base high (convex) or base low (concave) a lot of material will need to be removed to get them as close to flat again as possible. This may result in only being able to get a handful of grinds in during the life of the ski. If the skis are well cared for, then very little material is removed when the base is ground and some skis may be able to be ground 20 times or more. 

Want more information on stone grinding? Here's a nice article on SkiRacing.com from my good friend, Graham Lonetto: Starting the Season with a Stone Grind.

If you are having performance issues, it's probably time to check the base bevel and get a stone grind. Base bevel is hard to read with the naked eye, it is best done with a true bar or bevel gauge. If you have concerns, stop by the shop anytime and we can check your base bevel for you.