SkiNet caught up with the women of Outdoor Divas in Boulder, CO and the ski techs of Roxy to learn more about ski tuning, skis, and more. Check out their pictures and bios here.
SkiNet: Where are you from? How old are you?
BB: Denver CO, 27
SkiNet: What’s your home mountain?
BB: I learned to ski at A-basin and it’s still my favorite local mountain…
SkiNet: Why did you start tuning skis?
BB: I started by tuning my own and eventually started doing small stuff at a local shop. I really enjoyed working in the shop and just continued to do it.
SkiNet: What’s the hardest part about tuning skis? What do you have difficulty fixing?
BB: Base welding is always a challenge…
SkiNet: What tools do you recommend people use for a basic tune?
BB: Basic file, 90 degree file holder, diamond stone, waxing iron, wax, scrapper and a little bit of elbow grease…
SkiNet: In your opinion, who benefits the most from a fresh tune? Who should de-tune their skis?
BB: Anyone who would like a nice performing ski could benefit from a fresh tune. Park rats and jibbers usually de-tune their skis so not to catch an edge…
SkiNet: Anything else you’d like to include?
BB: Girls kick ass!!!
SkiNet: Where are you from? How old are you?
BB: Denver CO, 27
SkiNet: What’s your home mountain?
BB: I learned to ski at A-basin and it’s still my favorite local mountain…
SkiNet: Why did you start tuning skis?
BB: I started by tuning my own and eventually started doing small stuff at a local shop. I really enjoyed working in the shop and just continued to do it.
SkiNet: What’s the hardest part about tuning skis? What do you have difficulty fixing?
BB: Base welding is always a challenge…
SkiNet: What tools do you recommend people use for a basic tune?
BB: Basic file, 90 degree file holder, diamond stone, waxing iron, wax, scrapper and a little bit of elbow grease…
SkiNet: In your opinion, who benefits the most from a fresh tune? Who should de-tune their skis?
BB: Anyone who would like a nice performing ski could benefit from a fresh tune. Park rats and jibbers usually de-tune their skis so not to catch an edge…
SkiNet: Anything else you’d like to include?
BB: Girls kick ass!!!
The ladies at Outdoor Divas in Boulder, CO show their tools.
Lauren's Bio:
SkiNet: Where are you from? How old are you?
LW: Originally from Seattle, WA and I am 22 years old
SkiNet: What’s your home mountain?
LW: I grew up at Snoqualmie pass but now I would say Keystone is my home mountain
SkiNet: Why did you start tuning skis?
LW: I love to ski and board so anything that has to do with the sport interests me
Go to Outdoor Divas.com for women's specific hard gear, soft goods, tips, clothes and more.
SkiNet: Where are you from? How old are you?
LW: Originally from Seattle, WA and I am 22 years old
SkiNet: What’s your home mountain?
LW: I grew up at Snoqualmie pass but now I would say Keystone is my home mountain
SkiNet: Why did you start tuning skis?
LW: I love to ski and board so anything that has to do with the sport interests me
Go to Outdoor Divas.com for women's specific hard gear, soft goods, tips, clothes and more.
More from Lauren at Outdoor Divas:
SkiNet: What’s the hardest part about tuning skis? What do you have difficulty fixing?
LW: The hardest part is getting everything perfect. There are so many little things that are easy to miss that can make a difference in how the ski performs. The hardest things to fix are those problems that have been let go for a long time before being brought in to be worked on. What might have once been an easy fix becomes a much harder and longer repair.
SkiNet: What tools do you recommend people use for a basic tune?
LW: For most recreational skiers a diamond file to remove burrs and a good wax are all you need to keep your skis performing well between full tunes
SkiNet: In your opinion, who benefits the most from a fresh tune? Who should de-tune their skis?
LW: Definitely those who ski on hard pack will notice a tune more than those skiing on softer snow. Park riders will likely benefit the most from de-tuning their edges to prevent hang ups. For the rest a graduated bevel to the shovel will help the ski hook up nicely without being “catchy."
SkiNet: What’s the hardest part about tuning skis? What do you have difficulty fixing?
LW: The hardest part is getting everything perfect. There are so many little things that are easy to miss that can make a difference in how the ski performs. The hardest things to fix are those problems that have been let go for a long time before being brought in to be worked on. What might have once been an easy fix becomes a much harder and longer repair.
SkiNet: What tools do you recommend people use for a basic tune?
LW: For most recreational skiers a diamond file to remove burrs and a good wax are all you need to keep your skis performing well between full tunes
SkiNet: In your opinion, who benefits the most from a fresh tune? Who should de-tune their skis?
LW: Definitely those who ski on hard pack will notice a tune more than those skiing on softer snow. Park riders will likely benefit the most from de-tuning their edges to prevent hang ups. For the rest a graduated bevel to the shovel will help the ski hook up nicely without being “catchy."
Maria Kallman of Outdoor Divas
SkiNet: Where are you from? How old are you?
MK: I live in Nederland, CO. I’m 25 years old.
SkiNet: What’s your home mountain?
MK: My home mountain is Eldora, but my favorite is Silverton Mountain.
SkiNet: Why did you start tuning skis?
MK: I like working with tools and skis!
SkiNet: What’s the hardest part about tuning skis? What do you have difficulty fixing?
MK: Mounting bindings is tough because of the consequences of messing up.
SkiNet: In your opinion, who benefits the most from a fresh tune? Who should de-tune their skis?
MK: Eldora skiers benefit from a fresh tune! Powder skiers… let them be. Beginner’s edges shouldn’t be too sharp, either.
SkiNet: Where are you from? How old are you?
MK: I live in Nederland, CO. I’m 25 years old.
SkiNet: What’s your home mountain?
MK: My home mountain is Eldora, but my favorite is Silverton Mountain.
SkiNet: Why did you start tuning skis?
MK: I like working with tools and skis!
SkiNet: What’s the hardest part about tuning skis? What do you have difficulty fixing?
MK: Mounting bindings is tough because of the consequences of messing up.
SkiNet: In your opinion, who benefits the most from a fresh tune? Who should de-tune their skis?
MK: Eldora skiers benefit from a fresh tune! Powder skiers… let them be. Beginner’s edges shouldn’t be too sharp, either.
SkiNet:Where are you from? How old are you?
Kate Turnbull: Minneapolis, MN, 27
SkiNet: What’s your home mountain?
KT: Buck Hill, though it doesn't qualify as a mountain. I keep myself busy by hanging out in the park, racing in a beer league and coaching a high school race team.
SkiNet: When did you start working in a shop? Why?
KT: I stared working when I was 15, I loved being around new equipment all the time and getting people excited to ski- the discount didn't hurt either.
SkiNet: What is the hardest piece of equipment to find for a person?
KT:Boots, everyone has unique feet.
SkiNet:What equipment do you ski on?
KT: Roxy Broomstix for the park and all mtn. Rossignol CX80 for racing.
SkiNet: What boots/skis do you recommend for beginners, advanced skiers, and experts?
KT:Roxy has such a great line up. They have a ski for girls of any age; from the Roxy Baby for the little ones to the Joyrider for the ripping ladies.
SkiNet: In your opinion, what is the biggest trend in hardgoods right now that has the ability to push the sport further?
KT:The womens market is huge right now. I meet women all the time who are getting back into the sport or upgrading their equipment because they are becoming better skiers. Its so great the the industry is making better skis and boots to keep up with women who are great skiers! I love hearing about athletes such as Sarah Burke and Lindsay Vonn pushing the envelope and showing just how talented women skiers are!
SkiNet: Anything else?
KT:Think Snow!
Kate Turnbull: Minneapolis, MN, 27
SkiNet: What’s your home mountain?
KT: Buck Hill, though it doesn't qualify as a mountain. I keep myself busy by hanging out in the park, racing in a beer league and coaching a high school race team.
SkiNet: When did you start working in a shop? Why?
KT: I stared working when I was 15, I loved being around new equipment all the time and getting people excited to ski- the discount didn't hurt either.
SkiNet: What is the hardest piece of equipment to find for a person?
KT:Boots, everyone has unique feet.
SkiNet:What equipment do you ski on?
KT: Roxy Broomstix for the park and all mtn. Rossignol CX80 for racing.
SkiNet: What boots/skis do you recommend for beginners, advanced skiers, and experts?
KT:Roxy has such a great line up. They have a ski for girls of any age; from the Roxy Baby for the little ones to the Joyrider for the ripping ladies.
SkiNet: In your opinion, what is the biggest trend in hardgoods right now that has the ability to push the sport further?
KT:The womens market is huge right now. I meet women all the time who are getting back into the sport or upgrading their equipment because they are becoming better skiers. Its so great the the industry is making better skis and boots to keep up with women who are great skiers! I love hearing about athletes such as Sarah Burke and Lindsay Vonn pushing the envelope and showing just how talented women skiers are!
SkiNet: Anything else?
KT:Think Snow!
SkiNet:Where are you from? How old are you?
Jamie Krakowiak: I grew up in Buffalo, NY. I’m 31 years old.
SkiNet:What’s your home mountain?
JK: I moved to Breckenridge in 2000, I call it home.
SkiNet: Why did you start tuning skis?
JK: I was tired of bringing beer to the boys at the local shops.
SkiNet: What’s the hardest part about tuning skis? What do you have difficulty fixing?
JK: Base welds are tricky for me to do in my garage, I would recommend bringing base damage next to the edge into a shop where they have all of the necessary tools.
SkiNet: What tools do you recommend people use for a basic tune?
JK: Iron, wax, edge file, metal and plastic scraper, and de-tuning stone.
SkiNet: In your opinion, who benefits the most from a fresh tune? Who should de-tune their skis?
JK: For powder hounds, a proper wax for the conditions is key. And for the front side skier a proper edge bevel is beneficial, but make sure to de-tune your skis 6-10 inches from the tip and tail before you get on the groomers.
Jamie Krakowiak: I grew up in Buffalo, NY. I’m 31 years old.
SkiNet:What’s your home mountain?
JK: I moved to Breckenridge in 2000, I call it home.
SkiNet: Why did you start tuning skis?
JK: I was tired of bringing beer to the boys at the local shops.
SkiNet: What’s the hardest part about tuning skis? What do you have difficulty fixing?
JK: Base welds are tricky for me to do in my garage, I would recommend bringing base damage next to the edge into a shop where they have all of the necessary tools.
SkiNet: What tools do you recommend people use for a basic tune?
JK: Iron, wax, edge file, metal and plastic scraper, and de-tuning stone.
SkiNet: In your opinion, who benefits the most from a fresh tune? Who should de-tune their skis?
JK: For powder hounds, a proper wax for the conditions is key. And for the front side skier a proper edge bevel is beneficial, but make sure to de-tune your skis 6-10 inches from the tip and tail before you get on the groomers.
SkiNet Where are you from? How old are you?
Bri Lui: Born and raised : Manchester, NH.
Currently living: N. Woodstock, NH
Age: 23
SkiNet: What’s your home mountain?
BL: My dad ski patrolled at Pat’s Peak in Henniker, NH; I grew up skiing (then later teaching and patrolling) there. So, even though I live right down the road from Loon Mt. now, I will always consider Pats Peak my “home” mountain.
SkiNet: When did you start working in a shop? Why?
BL: I’m a part-time tech rep for Dynastar/Lange and ROXY, so I don’t really have one particular shop I work in. It’s day to day - either shops all over the place, on snow demos or trade shows.
SkiNet: What is the hardest piece of equipment to find for a person? What equipment do you ski on?
BL:Boots. Some people know what they want, others do not; You could spend 10 minutes fitting someone, or you could spend an hour (or more) fitting someone. There are tons of options for boots, but there are also tons of different shaped feet and calves.
My equipment:
Skis: ROXY Shazam and Dynastar Contact 4x4
Boots: Lange women’s Freeride 110
SkiNet: What boots/skis do you recommend for beginners, advanced skiers, and experts?
BL:For the athletic intermediate/advanced intermediate, check out: Roxy – Alakazam and Sugah, or Dynastar - Exlusive, Exclusive Sensation, and Exclusive Active.
Advanced/Expert: Roxy - Shazam, Broomstix, Joyrider and Bliss. Dynastar (men’s) - Legend series (8000, Mythic Rider, etc.), Contact 4x4, Contact 10 and Women’s Exclusive Fluid Limited or Exclusive Legend.
SkiNet: In your opinion, what is the biggest trend in hardgoods right now that has the ability to push the sport further?
BL:A wider waist; It’s great all around. For beginners, the ski may feel more stable underfoot. This could increase their confidence, therefore, quickly increasing their skiing ability. For advanced/experts, a wider waist allows for a more versatile ski (in terms of an all mountain ski). An all-in-one ski that not only has the ability to be a hard-charging, powerful edger on groomers, but will also float through powder and be playful in bumps. People have so many more options available to them in order to purchase a one ski quiver. They’ll be going all over the mountain now, pushing the limits - that is if they weren’t already!
Bri Lui: Born and raised : Manchester, NH.
Currently living: N. Woodstock, NH
Age: 23
SkiNet: What’s your home mountain?
BL: My dad ski patrolled at Pat’s Peak in Henniker, NH; I grew up skiing (then later teaching and patrolling) there. So, even though I live right down the road from Loon Mt. now, I will always consider Pats Peak my “home” mountain.
SkiNet: When did you start working in a shop? Why?
BL: I’m a part-time tech rep for Dynastar/Lange and ROXY, so I don’t really have one particular shop I work in. It’s day to day - either shops all over the place, on snow demos or trade shows.
SkiNet: What is the hardest piece of equipment to find for a person? What equipment do you ski on?
BL:Boots. Some people know what they want, others do not; You could spend 10 minutes fitting someone, or you could spend an hour (or more) fitting someone. There are tons of options for boots, but there are also tons of different shaped feet and calves.
My equipment:
Skis: ROXY Shazam and Dynastar Contact 4x4
Boots: Lange women’s Freeride 110
SkiNet: What boots/skis do you recommend for beginners, advanced skiers, and experts?
BL:For the athletic intermediate/advanced intermediate, check out: Roxy – Alakazam and Sugah, or Dynastar - Exlusive, Exclusive Sensation, and Exclusive Active.
Advanced/Expert: Roxy - Shazam, Broomstix, Joyrider and Bliss. Dynastar (men’s) - Legend series (8000, Mythic Rider, etc.), Contact 4x4, Contact 10 and Women’s Exclusive Fluid Limited or Exclusive Legend.
SkiNet: In your opinion, what is the biggest trend in hardgoods right now that has the ability to push the sport further?
BL:A wider waist; It’s great all around. For beginners, the ski may feel more stable underfoot. This could increase their confidence, therefore, quickly increasing their skiing ability. For advanced/experts, a wider waist allows for a more versatile ski (in terms of an all mountain ski). An all-in-one ski that not only has the ability to be a hard-charging, powerful edger on groomers, but will also float through powder and be playful in bumps. People have so many more options available to them in order to purchase a one ski quiver. They’ll be going all over the mountain now, pushing the limits - that is if they weren’t already!
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