Your Pre-Season Ski Tune Checklist (Before Monarch Opens)

Every fall it's the same story. The first storm rolls in, Monarch posts an opening date, and everyone in the Arkansas Valley pulls their skis out of the garage at the same time. Beat the rush and get your gear ready now.

Check your gear at home first

• Bases: Look for white, dry-looking patches. That means the base is starved for wax.

• Edges: Run a fingernail across the edge. If it doesn't shave off a little nail, the edge is dull. Rust from summer storage is common, especially on skis kept in a damp garage.

• Core shots: Any gouge you can see wood or core material through needs a real repair, not just wax.

• Bindings: Check for cracked plastic, worn brakes and toe pieces that don't snap closed cleanly. Touring bindings should also be checked for wear on the pins and heel risers.

• Skins: Pull them apart and check the glue. If it's dirty, clumpy or not sticking, it's time to clean or re-glue before your first tour.

Which tune do you need?

• Hot Wax ($30): For skis in good shape that just need a fresh coat of wax.

• Edge & Wax ($60): Sharpened edges plus wax. Our go-to for most skiers at the start of the season.

• Ski Tune ($80): Base repair, edges and wax. Good for skis with a few scrapes from last spring.

• Stone Tune ($100): A flat, fresh base structure from our stone grinder. The fix for skis that feel slow, grabby or "railed."

Need it back fast? Rush service is +$25. When the season wraps up, ask about our Summer/Storage wax ($50) so you don't start next fall with dry bases.

Bring it in

Drop your skis or splitboard off at the shop at 110 N F Street in downtown Salida, open 7 days a week. Questions? Call 719-539-4400.

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