How to Make a Rail for Skis

Ski rails are long platforms that are raised off the ground and allow skiers to practice and perfect tricks. Imagine an upside-down U shape that's long and low to the ground. The skier skies toward the rail, jumps onto it so his skis slide down the rail and jumps off at the other end. Build a ski rail to your own customized length, width and height. Create smaller rails for younger kids while building longer and higher rails as they grow and their skill level increases. You'll save money by not having to purchase a ski rail, and you have control over the design.

Things You'll Need

  • Saw
  • 31 feet of 2-by-6 board
  • 15, 4-inch wood screws
  • 10, 2-inch wood screws
  • Power drill
  • Pencil
  • 37 feet of 1 1/2-inch diameter PVC pipe
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a 2-by-6 board to 12 feet in length. Cut two 2-by-6 boards to 18-inch lengths to make the legs of your rail frame. Stand the legs up and set the 12-foot-long section on top of the legs so you have a 6-inch wide U shape. Use your drill to drive screws through the 12-foot section and into the legs to secure them to your ski rail frame.

    • 2

      Cut another 2-by-6 board to a length of 11 feet 10 inches that will be a support piece. Turn your rail upside-down so the legs point up in the air. Butt the 2-by-6 support brace along the frame and between the legs. Drill screws through the legs and into the support brace.

    • 3

      Cut a 2-by-6 into two 20-inch lengths to make the feet of your rail, which will prevent the rail from tipping. Set the feet flat on the ground, then set your rail on top so the legs are resting on the feet. Center the feet on the bottom of the legs so the same length extends past the legs on either side, creating an upside-down T-shape with the legs and feet. Trace around the legs, marking the location of the legs on the feet, and move the frame. Turn the frame upside-down so the legs are pointing into the air. Set the feet onto the legs, and use the marks as a guide to properly position them. Drive screws through the feet to secure them to the legs.

    • 4

      Cut three pieces of 1 1/2-inch PVC the same length as your assembled frame. Drill holes in your PVC pipes slightly larger than the diameter of the screw heads you're using. Drill the holes at both ends and in the center of the pipes. Set the pipes on top of your rail frame with the holes facing up. Put the screws through the holes then drill them through the bottom of the PVC pipe and into the rail frame to secure the pipes. Your ski rail is ready for action.