How to Sharpen Downhill Skis

Sharp skis aid in carving perfect turns and navigating icy slopes. Sharpening skis can be done at home with minimal equipment and a bit of practice. How often you need to sharpen your skis depends on how frequently you ski. If you ski a few times each week it is best to sharpen your skis once a week. The more frequently you sharpen your skis the less edge you will have to take off and the less work you will have to do.

Things You'll Need

  • Edge bevel
  • Base bevel
  • File
  • Diamond stone
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the angles, called a bevel, of the base edge and side edge of your ski. Most skis have a one-degree bevel for the base and a one- to four-degree bevel for the side. If you're unsure of the angle, check with the manufacturer.

    • 2

      Position the ski on a table, sawhorse or bench with the base facing up. Put a rubber band over the binding to tie the brakes down.

    • 3

      Rub the diamond stone along the base edge of the ski to remove any burrs or nicks.

    • 4

      Clamp the file to the base bevel so that the teeth are facing the tail of the ski. Files only sharpen in one direction so it is important to only move from tip to tail down the length of the ski. Some files will have an arrow showing you which way to sharpen.

    • 5

      Place the file flat against the base edge and drag the file from the tip to the tail of the ski. Repeat this motion three or more times if the edge is very dull.

    • 6

      Reposition the ski so that the edge of the ski is now facing up.

    • 7

      Place the file flat against the side edge and drag the file from the tip to the tail of the ski. Use steady even pressure while moving the file and sharpen about 12 inches at a time. Move the file back up to overlap the previous spot and drag the file down again.

    • 8

      Test the sharpness of the edge by scraping the back of your fingernail across the edge. If it's sharp, a visible curl of nail will be removed.

    • 9

      Repeat Steps 5 through 8 for all edges on both skis.