Ski Technician Training

Lesson 1 • Boot and Ski Interface

Explains how boot sole length, DIN standards, and boot-binding compatibility affect safety and performance. Grounds students in fit fundamentals.

Lesson 2 • Ski Anatomy and Components

Covers core, sidewall, base, edges, and topsheet construction. Establishes the vocabulary used throughout all subsequent technical work.

Lesson 3 • Workshop Safety and Tool Identification

Establishes safe workshop practices and introduces hand tools, power tools, and chemicals used in ski service. Safety habits are reinforced throughout the course.

Lesson 4 • Binding Systems Overview

Introduces alpine, touring, and telemark binding categories and their release mechanisms. Provides context for binding work covered in later chapters.

Lesson 1 • Edge Bevel Theory

Explains side-edge and base-edge bevel angles and their effect on grip and release. Provides the conceptual basis for all sharpening decisions.

Lesson 2 • Hand-Filing Techniques

Teaches file selection, stroke direction, pressure control, and file card maintenance. Students practice consistent strokes on training skis.

Lesson 3 • Edge Damage Assessment and Repair

Covers identification of burrs, cracks, missing sections, and rust. Students learn triage decisions and repair sequences for damaged edges.

Lesson 4 • Guided Sharpening Systems

Introduces angle guides, clamps, and diamond stones for repeatable bevel production. Builds on hand-filing skills with mechanical precision aids.

Lesson 1 • Base Material Science

Covers sintered vs. extruded polyethylene, porosity, and molecular weight. Understanding material properties guides repair material selection.

Lesson 2 • Damage Assessment and Classification

Teaches systematic inspection for scratches, gouges, core shots, and delamination. Accurate diagnosis determines the correct repair method.

Lesson 3 • Welding and Patch Repair

Covers hot-air welding guns and base patch cutting for large gouges and core shots. Builds on P-Tex skills with more durable repair methods.

Lesson 4 • P-Tex Candle and Ribbon Repair

Demonstrates flame-based P-Tex application for small gouges and scratches. Students practice drip control, fill height, and scraping technique.

Lesson 1 • Wax Chemistry and Snow Science

Explains hydrocarbon, fluorocarbon-free, and additive wax chemistry alongside snow crystal types and temperature ranges. Grounds wax selection in science.

Lesson 2 • Wax Testing and Adjustment

Covers glide testing, grip testing, and on-snow feedback interpretation. Teaches iterative adjustment to optimize wax choice.

Lesson 3 • Hot-Waxing Technique

Covers iron temperature settings, wax drip and spread, penetration time, and scraping sequence. Core alpine wax application skill.

Lesson 4 • Rub-On and Paste Wax Application

Teaches cold-condition rub-on waxes and paste application for quick service scenarios. Complements hot-wax skills for race-day adjustments.

Lesson 1 • Edge Grinding and Bevel Setting

Demonstrates machine-based side-edge and base-edge bevel grinding for consistent angles. Complements hand-sharpening skills with high-volume machine capability.

Lesson 2 • Structure Programming and Application

Explains linear, cross-hatch, and rilled structures and programs them into machine settings. Connects structure science from waxing chapter to machine execution.

Lesson 3 • Grinding Machine Types and Components

Introduces belt grinders, rotary stone grinders, and combination machines with their key components. Provides the mechanical context for safe operation.

Lesson 4 • Machine Calibration and Setup

Covers stone dressing, belt tensioning, table angle setting, and coolant flow adjustment. Calibration directly determines tune quality and consistency.

Lesson 1 • Binding Installation Procedure

Demonstrates torque-controlled screw driving, anti-corrosion treatment, and heel-piece alignment. Builds on drilling skills to complete the mount.

Lesson 2 • DIN Setting and Release Testing

Covers DIN calculation from skier weight, height, age, and ability, plus release torque verification. Ensures bindings release correctly under fall forces.

Lesson 3 • Touring Binding Mounting Specifics

Addresses tech-insert systems, frame touring mounts, and boot compatibility checks unique to touring setups. Extends alpine mounting skills to backcountry equipment.

Lesson 4 • Drilling and Screw Preparation

Teaches drill bit selection, depth stop setting, hole placement, and thread preparation. Proper drilling prevents core damage and ensures screw retention.

Lesson 1 • Race Wax Strategy and Selection

Covers snow sampling, temperature logging, and wax layering strategies for race conditions. Integrates wax science with competitive performance demands.

Lesson 2 • Post-Race Ski Care and Storage

Covers cleaning, storage waxing, edge protection, and condition logging after competition. Maintains equipment longevity and readiness for the next event.

Lesson 3 • On-Snow Testing and Feedback

Teaches structured glide tests, athlete feedback collection, and rapid tune adjustments. Bridges workshop preparation with real-time race-day decisions.

Lesson 4 • Time-Pressure Service Workflow

Develops efficient service sequences for multi-ski race fleets under strict time limits. Prioritizes tasks and minimizes errors in high-pressure environments.

Lesson 1 • Flex and Camber Modification

Explores heat-based camber adjustment and flex-zone modification techniques for specialized performance. Addresses advanced equipment customization beyond standard service.

Lesson 2 • Performance Problem Diagnosis

Teaches systematic diagnosis of chattering, catching, poor glide, and instability using athlete feedback and physical inspection. Builds analytical troubleshooting skills.

Lesson 3 • Athlete Consultation and Tune Reporting

Develops structured consultation methods and written tune reports for communicating with athletes and coaches. Closes the feedback loop between technician and athlete.

Lesson 4 • Multi-Ski Fleet Management

Covers inventory tracking, tune-profile databases, and rotation strategies for managing large ski fleets. Scales individual tuning skills to team and club operations.