New race skis look ready to go at first glance – but they're not. They are pre-ground at the factory, but not prepared for racing. To achieve maximum control, edge grip, and speed, precise and careful ski preparation is crucial.
In this article, we'll show you step-by-step how to properly file new race skis – with professional tips for parents of young athletes and experienced racers.
Important to know: You don't have to be able to do every step yourself – but you should understand what's involved. Only then can you make informed decisions about whether to do certain tasks yourself or entrust them to professionals.
1. Check and adjust base edge angle
The base edge angle directly influences the ski's behavior and edge grip on hard slopes. Depending on the discipline and age group, the following recommendations apply:
Guide values for the base edge angle:
Children: 0.7°–1.0°
Youth: 0.5°–0.7°
Adults:
- Slalom: 0.2°–0.5°
- Giant Slalom: 0.4°–0.7°
- Super-G: 0.7°–1.0°
- Downhill: 0.7°–1.2°
An angle that is too flat makes the ski aggressive and difficult to control. If the angle is too large, the edge grip becomes imprecise. Therefore, exact measurement and adjustment with suitable tools are essential.
Tools required:
Tip: If the angle is too flat, you can file it down. If it's too steep, only a complete base grind with a new structure will help.
Note: Precisely filing the base edge angle requires experience and special tools. This step can – and should – be done by a specialist if you are unsure.
2. Professionally prepare sidewalls
For the file to sit cleanly on the edge, the sidewalls must be set back. This improves processing and protects the file.
Work steps:
- Beveling at tip & tail: with body file.
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Cutting back Titanal & plastic: we use a special milling machine for this. However, it can also be done manually with a sidewall planer & 70° angle.
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Smoothing & waxing: K120 → K320 sandpaper, then work in paste wax with Fibertex.
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Recheck: Has enough material been removed?
A clean sidewall is the basis for precise side edge processing.
Tools required:
- Body file
- Sidewall planer
- 70° angle
- Sandpaper: K120 and K320 best to just wrap around an old file
- Paste wax
- Fibertex
- Straightedge
Practical tip: Even the initial filing of the sidewall and the first preparation require precision and practice. Many racers have us do this step – or learn it as part of a professional service course at our shop.
3. Base grind & structuring
A base grind is not always necessary, but highly recommended in certain cases. For example, if:
- the base edge is too far out of alignment from the factory
- the ski is not flat
- the base structure is uneven or does not meet the requirements
After grinding, the ski should be perfectly flat and have a structure adapted to the discipline and snow type. – Like a fine cross-structure for slalom here, for example:
Important: This step can only be performed in specialized shops with good ski grinding machines and professional staff. For race skis, we recommend structure grinds from the Wintersteiger Race NC.
4. Sharpening edges – the key to control
Now it's about precision: The side edges are sharpened with a fixed angle, usually between 87° and 85°, depending on the discipline and age.
Process:
- Apply angle & file evenly along the entire ski length until angles are correct
- Remove burrs & smooth edge with fine diamond file
Tools required:
- Angle guide
- Coarse file
- For hardening, possibly Aluminum oxide stone
- Fine file
- Diamond file 600 and 1000
- Masking tape to protect the base
Important: The edge should be razor-sharp but not rough – this increases control, especially on icy slopes.
Tip: You can mark the edge with a felt-tip pen to see if the edge is sharpened evenly over the entire surface.
5. Waxing the base – for speed & protection
A well-saturated base is crucial for glide and longevity.
Recommendations:
- Slalom: should not be hot waxed too often, so that the skis remain flat → best to maintain with a wax roller or paste wax
- Giant Slalom: 3 to 5 ironing cycles
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Super-G & Downhill: Wax 5 to 10 times for optimal base saturation
Between waxing cycles, always brush thoroughly (e.g., steel or bronze and horsehair brushes).
Tools required:
- Iron
- Possibly a wax roller
- Scrapers
- Steel- or Bronze brush
- Horsehair brush
- Wax for priming and cleaning
- Wax for ski care
Tip: You should also take on the correct waxing and brushing yourself. In our waxing courses and preparation workshops, we show you how to wax your skis race-ready.
Conclusion: Precision for success
The correct preparation of new race skis is not a luxury, but a basic prerequisite for fast skis. The rule is: you don't have to do everything yourself, but you should know what's necessary. Steps 1 to 3 sometimes require special equipment and experience – we are happy to help you with this. Steps 4 and 5, however, everyone should learn to do themselves.
With the necessary knowledge and some practice, you can take on many service tasks yourself. Or you can attend one of our service courses at SF Sports, where you will learn how to professionally sharpen, wax, and maintain skis.
Want more control over your skis?
Check out our courses, services, and products at www.sf-sports.de – for athletes, parents, and anyone who wants to take responsibility in ski racing.