DIY Ski Edge Sharpening

The edges of your skis can become dulled whether you have been traversing sheets of ice or simply taking routine runs over hard-packed snow. Sharp ski edges help you cut through snow and maintain your balance as you ski. The edges of your skis should be sharpened every 5 to 10 ski days. For maximum maintenance, you should also sharpen the base of your skis and wax them.

Things You'll Need

  • Heavy rubber band
  • Two solid chairs or ski vise
  • Variable edge bevel
  • Ski file
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the ski manufacturer's recommended bevel, the angle of difference between the edge of the ski and the bottom plane, and set your bevel tool. Ski edges are not right angles; they are specifically designed so it is best to not use the naked eye to determine measurements. Insert the ski file into the bevel tool.

    • 2

      Secure your skis in the vise or on the chairs and hold the brakes off the edges with a heavy rubber band.

    • 3

      Use a magic marker to color the edge of the ski. This will be a guide for your filing so that when you finish a stroke, you'll know where to restart.

    • 4

      Begin filing at the tip of your ski. Always file in the same direction, tip to tail, drawing it along the base. Adjust the file as needed. Remove nicks in the skis until edges are smooth to the touch.

    • 5

      Wipe down the edges to remove excess filings.