Winter Service

MONTANA SERVICE ROBOT "CRYSTAL MAGIC”

Glide through the snow like a racing pro. Our new service robot "CRYSTAL MAGIC" from MONTANA services your skis and board using the highest level of technology. With an extra-wide stone and the latest GRIPtech system, the "CRYSTAL MAGIC" offers a noticeable leap in quality:

• Solid, sharp and precisely ground edges.

• Particularly gentle material removal also of the blades and end areas.

• Finely structured base grinding and wax polish for improved glide

• Enjoy a new, intensive skiing experience

• Don’t forget: at our ski service in Sand in Taufers your skis and snowboard are always in the best hands - because our staff are also winter sports enthusiasts in their spare time and know exactly what is important.

Video 01

SHOULD I GET MY SKIS WAXED? 

Before we answer that question, we need to explain how a ski glides over the snow.

The base of a ski is made of a water-repellent material called polyethylene. With enough pressure from above, friction between the snow and the ski creates heat that forms a small film of water. Your ski rides on this film of water.

An additional layer of wax increases the water-repellent effect and glide to the base.

To create the lowest possible frictional resistance, a flat surface - i.e. a smooth ski bottom - is needed. Too many scratches and damage on the bottom will increase the resistance. Conversely, the ski can't form the optional film of water – impeding a smooth skiing experience.

A wax coating is therefore both a protective and gliding layer.  Since it is almost impossible to prevent the base of a ski from being scratched, it is better to apply the wax coating directly on the surface than on an untreated ski base. By doing this, you protect the skis themselves and any damage that occurs affects the wax layer, which is easier to replace than having to buy a new pair of skis every time it is damaged.

EDGE TUNING – JUST LIKE THE PROS

As a sports retailer, we can fulfil just about any wish when it comes to edge tuning. For most skiers, however, a long-tested and balanced setting is the best. In concrete terms, this means that the edge should neither be too pointed (and thus aggressive and less durable), nor too rounded (and thus durable but sluggish). Our standard setup provides for a total angle of 88.5°. As you can see from the half degree, this is a matter of surgical precision.

A few more details:

It is important that the edge on the base side (i.e., when you look directly at the base) always slopes -- this is called "hanging dragging". If it were completely flat with the base, the ski would immediately "tear" because the ski would immediately edge up.

In racing, the edge is adjusted to the athlete and can vary greatly. In slalom, the hanging angle is often 0.5°, while in downhill, it is often preferred to be around 1°.

TOP CLASS GRINDING METHOD

There are two different grinding methods: grinding with a stone and grinding with an abrasive belt. It doesn't sound like much of a difference, but it definitely is: a diamond mills the grinding stone at regular intervals in the micrometre range. This not only allows you to grind a wide variety of structures into the ski, the result is also unparalleled in terms of precision and uniformity. From a technical point of view, a stone cuts into the base and a belt tears out the material. For a perfectly flat and smooth ski, you need a stone - this is simply not possible with a belt of this quality.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SKI BOOT?

What makes a good ski boot? There are two main factors to consider: performance and comfort. New technologies and individual boot fitting take these factors to the next level:

Say goodbye once and for all to pressure points and toes that fall asleep. A perfectly individually fitted ski boot optimises technique, reduces effort, increases performance, and makes for more enjoyment on the slopes. "With a perfectly fitting ski boot, the whole package feels more natural, which is especially important for the recreational athlete.”