Smooth Operators
Yeah, they’re smooth. New edge-preparation machines, such as the SnowGlide from
France and the TriOne from Italy, have created some hype thanks to their incredible smoothness — they produce edges 75 percent smoother than the best hand finish. These machines
have essentially taken over edge preparation at elite levels, and many club programs and
even some regular shops are using them, as well.
So how can other clubs and race retailers get on board? Here’s a guide, from the lessons
I’ve learned, to using these machines effectively and efficiently.
HOW TO CORRECTLY USE THE SNOWGLIDE AND TRIONE FOR INCREDIBLE EDGES BY DAVE PESZEK
Yes, the SnowGlide takes a skilled
human to operate.
Keep the SnowGlide
cool (here, modifying
the casing to allow
for compressed air) if
prepping multiple skis.
The Basics
Both the SnowGlide and the TriOne are amazing machines, but they take a skilled human to operate. While the process does not take the high level of skill that traditional edge
preparation (metal lapping using files, diamonds and stones) requires, it does take a similar
understanding and an excellent eye on the operator’s part to ensure that edges are getting
sharp.
Personal safety is paramount. Protective eyewear and breathing filtration are important,
as the airborne particles are very small.
These machines do not eliminate correctly dialing in your sidewalls and edge angles
— in fact, they put more of an emphasis on this. Due to the size of the disk, you’ll need to
ensure correct sidewall clearances. Also, due to the incredible accuracy and consistency of
the machines, you’ll discover that your best hand tune is actually slack by about 1 degree
or more.
They are not good at “ripping,” but they are excellent at maintaining consistently sharp
and smooth edges. You’ll use a panzer file and a file guide 1 to 2 degrees over what you’ll
finish when using the SnowGlide.
They are not a substitute for a high-volume edge-grinding machine such as a Winterstei-ger Trim Jet or similar, though they are more accurate, affordable and portable. Sturtevant’s
of Sun Valley, where I work, opted to purchase a SnowGlide machine this season for use
at our Warm Springs location — at the base of the ski hill and directly under the ski team’s
offices and lockers. Knowing that the machine was a staple at top levels, I sought to build a
strong relationship with customers who would appreciate having their skis maintained consistently each day — ski team athletes, masters and locals who ski nearly every day. We
built a shop program around a season-tuning-pass model that keeps skis super consistent
