Ski Racing - January 25, 2010

Steel files: Clean frequently with a file brush and rub a little chalk into file teeth occasionally. Increase the life of files used on side edges by snapping off sections as they dull; this allows the file to be used almost to the tang without hitting the bindings.

Plastic scrapers: Wipe away wax build-up frequently using a steel scraper, ski edge, etc. Sharpen with a panzer file, drywall-sanding screen or scraper sharpening tool.

Steel scrapers: Keep sharp using a flat file and burnishing tool.

Base repair irons and pistol: Keep tips clean by wiping on an old Scotch Brite pad while still warm.

Riller Bars/Structure Tools: Clean out teeth and ridges on structure bars/blades with a bronze brush.

Wax Irons: Wipe off wax and any dirt from the bottom of warm (not hot) iron with Fiberlene, soft, clean rag or old T-shirt.

Scotch Brite, Fibertex, Omni-Prep Pads: Rinse pads under hot water (180 degrees Fahrenheit) to melt away wax.

Keep diamond stones clean with a nylon brush or an old toothbrush and base cleaner.

Recycle As performance-based sports, skiing and snowboarding see a lot of equipment turnover. New technology can quickly outdate the old, kids outgrow gear at an alarming rate, or things simply wear out. So what to do with that pile of outdated, unwanted or spent equipment gradually accumulating in the corner of the garage? The option that probably springs to mind first is to take the gear to a local ski swap. This is a great option if the gear is in decent condition and not too outdated; you can sell it and make some cash, and a percentage of the sale often helps fund the ski team or club hosting the event. Another option is to donate equipment to a youth program. Organizations such as SOS Outreach ( sosoutreach.org) help young people who otherwise A light mounted directly over your work provides more efficient light and reduces the overall lighting needed in your shop.

BACKSHOP

might not be able to get on the snow.

Equipment that is too old or worn-out to find a new home can be recycled and reborn as something entirely new. Snowsports Industries America (SIA), in conjunction with several Colorado ski shops, oversees the “Keep Winter

Use a scraper sharpener to increase the longevity of your wax scraper and help increase efficiency.

Cool: Snowsports Recycling Solution.” The program provides skiers an avenue for recycling unwanted skis, boots, bindings and poles at several Colorado locations (see “Resources” below). Once collected, materials are separated and incorporated into the manufacturing of such products as composite decking, flooring and parking area blocks. SIA is conducting research on other potential uses for the materials, such as cores for new skis and snowboards. The program is currently available only in Colorado, but work is being done to make hubs close to major skier populations nationwide a reality. Check in at the SIA website, sia.com, for updates.

If you just can’t bear parting with your old boards, get creative and build a fence (see photo at far left) or an Adirondack chair out of old pairs of skis or even a bench out of worn-out snowboards. Plans are available online. If you lack the skills or time to make your own, a few companies will help you turn old skis into usable furniture. Green Mountain Ski Furniture, based in Vermont ( recycledskis.com) can help you turn those favorite skis into custom furniture such as tables, chairs and coat racks.

Buy Green

Waxes and solvents are increasingly available in eco-friendly formulas. Many wax manufacturers, such as Purl and One Ball Jay, offer non-petro-leum based waxes derived from sustainable sources. While these products might not offer the performance a racer seeks, they may be a good choice for backcountry, free skiing or non-racing family members. Base cleaners are also offered in petroleum-free or reduced petroleum versions. Pure citric-base cleaners have proven to be effective, though they do take a bit longer to evaporate out of the ski base. For those in a hurry, a citric-naphtha blend might be the answer; the petroleum content is less than a pure petroleum base cleaner, but just enough to speed-up the evaporation rate.