Tuning: Why a Race Tune Matters

Tuning: Why a Race Tune Matters

Ski racing is often called the Formula 1 of skiing—a sport where thousandths of a second can determine podium spots, season rankings, or even careers. When the margins are that tight, every detail matters. From your line choice to your equipment, nothing can be left to chance. That’s where a proper race tune comes in.

A race tune isn’t just about making skis sharp or fast—it’s about precision, consistency, and confidence when it matters most.

What Sets a Race Tune Apart?

At Alpine Base and Edge, we offer a full range of tuning services, from a basic tune that refreshes your bases to a full World Cup–level race tune. When it comes to race skis, we focus on one thing: making sure your equipment gives you every possible advantage.

Race tuning goes beyond a standard tune by factoring in:

• Snow temperature and texture
  
  

• Weather conditions on race day
  
  

• Course surface and aggressiveness
  
  

• The skier’s ability level and discipline
  
  

Everything—from base structure to wax selection—is intentional.

The Key Elements of a Race Tune

Base Flatness

A perfectly flat base is critical for speed.

If a ski has concave bases, it can cause excessive edge contact, increasing friction and slowing you down—especially on flats and gliding sections. A proper race tune ensures the ski is flat and structured correctly so it runs fast while still engaging when you tip it on edge.

Wax Selection

Wax can make or break a race run.

Different waxes are designed for different snow temperatures and moisture levels:

• Warm-temperature waxes are softer and designed to repel water in wet, melting snow—but they wear faster.
  
  

• Cold-temperature waxes are harder, more durable, and designed to glide efficiently over sharp, icy snow crystals.
  
  

At Alpine Base and Edge, we look at forecasted temperatures and snow conditions to select the correct wax and application so your skis glide efficiently from start to finish.

Edges

Edges are arguably the most important part of a race tune.

Sharp, precise edges allow you to:

• Hold clean lines on injected or icy surfaces
  
  

• Apply power earlier in the turn
  
  

• Maintain control at high speeds
  
  

Most ski racers run:

• Base edge angles between 0.25° and 1°
  
  

• Side edge angles between 3° and 4°
  
  

These aggressive angles provide exceptional grip but require proper setup and maintenance to ski their best.

Trust Your Equipment—and Your Tuner

When you bring race skis into a shop, you’re not just looking for a tune—you’re looking for confidence. You want to know that your equipment will help you perform at your highest level, not hold you back.

At Alpine Base and Edge, we take pride in delivering that confidence. Our experience, attention to detail, and understanding of race conditions allow us to prepare skis that racers can trust when they step into the start gate.

Because when the clock starts, the only thing you should be thinking about is your run.