Getting Started

If you're just getting started tuning your own skis or snowboard, but aren't sure where to begin, here's what we suggest:

Advanced tuners start here

1) Review the Recommended Tool List on our tool list page

2) Check out at the Tool Kits we offer in our online catalog...

3) Check out the Books, DVD's and Videos section of our online catalog and look for this asterik * next to certain items...these are good primers that'll can teach you tuning and waxing basics...
4) Look for items throughout our online catalog that have an asterik * next to them...this signifies a good basic tool for getting started...

5) Consider attending a tuning workshop or clinic listed further down this page...

6) Buy one of every tool listed in our online catalog! (Heh heh, just pullin' your leg a little there...)

Note:
Some busy folks with little or no tuning experience occasionally skip over the above steps, pick up the phone and call us up to say "Hey, I want to tune my gear, but don't know anything about it and need help...what do I get?". Frankly, this is like calling up your local auto parts store and asking them to teach you about auto repairs over the phone...it's something they probably don't have time to do. The same is true for us.

Please understand that we're always happy to answer questions about specific tools, waxes or tuning techniques over the phone...no problem. But we're really a small company...which means that the people who spend time with you on the phone are the same folks who have to prepare our catalog, update the website, take phone orders, process and pack orders, update the mailing list, order and unpack inventory, etc. As much as we'd enjoy sittin' and jawin' with ya (much less sneakin' out a for a few more powder runs), there just ain't enough time during the day...

So here's our deal...if you really insist on learning about tuning basics over the phone, please call our tech line at (800) 926-9904 during regular business hours and request a special consultation...which we'll usually schedule before or after our regular business hours. Like any decent education, it'll cost ya...our fee is $1. per minute ($30. minimum paid in advance by credit card)...and it applies whether or not you subsequently place an order with us. Sorry, but we aren't able to provide a similar service by e-mail or snail mail...our typing skills are way too slow!

Workshops & Clinics

Ski & Snowboard Tuning and Repairs
Learn all about ski and snowboard tuning and repair at workshops offered each fall at locations all across the country. The Ski & Snowboard Mechanics Workshops are open to the public as well as ski and snowboard shop personnel, and are taught by very experienced and qualified instructors. Call (802) 899-2633 for information, or go to www.vermontskisafety.com

Boot Fitting
Ski Magazine and Masterfit University take their campus on the road every fall for two-day workshops. Taught by some of the best boot-fitters in the country, they are also open to the public as well as shop personnel. For information, call (800) 575-4348, or email scohenski@aol.com

Avalanche Awareness Training
Offered every other year, the National Avalanche School is a week-long classroom course, followed by on-slope training. Taught by a staff of over 20 well-known and respected experts in the field, it is the oldest and most popular avalanche course of its kind held in N. America. For information call (303) 988-1111, or email fbarr@nsp.org