Ski Tuning Guide
A complete protocol for tuning your skis with the Heavy File Guide, including the Austrian World Cup method for race-level precision.
How to Tune with the File Guide
Secure the Ski
Clamp your ski base-up in a tuning vice. Ensure the ski is stable and the edge you're filing is fully accessible. Clean the edge with a brass brush to remove oxidation.
Set Your Angle
Adjust the Heavy File Guide to your desired angle (85°–90°). For general tuning, start at 88°. Tighten all adjustment screws firmly — the guide's weight keeps it seated.
Insert the File
Slide your file into the guide, teeth facing the edge. Ensure the file sits flush against the guide's reference surface. A consistent file position is critical.
File the Edge
Place the guide flat on the ski base. Apply steady downward pressure and draw the file from tip to tail in smooth, even strokes. Never file backwards — always tip to tail.
Check Your Work
After 3–5 passes, run your thumbnail perpendicular across the edge. A properly sharpened edge will catch your nail. If it slides, make 2 more passes.
Deburr & Polish
Use a gummy stone to remove the burr created on the edge. Finish with a fine diamond stone (600 grit) for a mirror polish. Wipe clean with a microfibre cloth.
The Austrian Method
The Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV) has dominated World Cup racing for decades. Their tuning philosophy is built on one principle: relentless consistency. Every ski leaves the bench identical to the last. Follow this five-phase protocol for race-level precision.
Wax & Structure Guide
| Snow Temp | Wax | Structure |
|---|---|---|
Below -20°C | Hard graphite + fluoro powder | Fine linear (0.5mm) |
-15°C to -20°C | Hard blue race wax | Fine linear (0.5mm) |
-10°C to -15°C | Medium-hard violet wax | Medium linear (0.75mm) |
-5°C to -10°C | Medium universal wax | Medium linear (0.75mm) |
0°C to -5°C | Soft red wax + liquid fluoro | Cross-hatch (1.0mm) |
Above 0°C | Soft yellow wax + fluoro paste | Aggressive cross-hatch |
Trusted On The Hill
"Absolutely amazing service, from the tuning skills to explanations. Only the best quality equipment is used which ensures skis are consistent every time. At an extremely fair price, I would recommend the tuning service to everyone."
"Hudson is probably one of the only people I trust with my skis other than myself. His work is nothing short of World Cup quality whenever he does them on camp. I normally have him do the full race service package and genuinely I've never seen my skis serviced better. 10/10 would recommend for anyone from children's to World Cup."
"Best ski prep in the game. Sent him 3 race skis for prep for the season and he prepped them and got them back to me within a week, perfect to ski on. Side walls polished like glass, edges razor sharp and bases feeling speedy."
"Tuning was to an excellent finish and Hudson was very knowledgeable, answering any questions I had. The skis gripped and ran better than ever before! Also the scrapers cut through the wax extremely well and last a long time."