In terms of having a fast ski, the correct structure for the snow conditions is just as important as having the correct wax.

Stonegrinding a ski removes a thin layer of P-tex and refreshes the base to "new" condition with a specific structure.  However, like any new base, this means that lots of base prep and waxing must be done in order to make the ski fast.  See ski waxing for many external links that discuss base prepping and waxing. There are three possible reasons for having your skis stoneground:

• the bases are scratched and dinged.
• a too-hot waxing iron has sealed the pores of the P-tex.
• the P-tex has been without wax for long period of time, so the outside layer has "oxidized" (dried-out). 

Kevin Miller writes (in November 2006):
Gord's is an alpine ski and snowboard shop, but they may be the only place in Winnipeg that will stonegrind cross country skis (for $24.95 a pair).  The service guy (Mike) is very knowledgeable about XC skis. I've now had five pair stoneground by Mike since spring 2003. I've requested some medium grinds (for moderately cold snow) and some fine grinds (for cold snow). The service and grind have been excellent every time, and Mike always finishes the job by smothering the bases with Swix red base-prep glide wax (for classic skis, he just waxes the glide zones I've marked). Gord's also offers a hotbox service which increases wax absorption.

Structuring tools can be purchased at local ski shops. A riller cuts rills into a base which dramatically speeds up a ski in warm moist snow (and dramatically slows down a ski in dry cold snow).  Other tools, like the Toko Structurite, press a structure into the base that can be later removed by heating (waxing) the base.  

Kevin Miller writes:
I find the Toko Structurite to be an invaluable tool for warm snow conditions. 

   This page was last updated on November 28, 2006