Pete is certified and has more than 20 years experience tuning, waxing, repairing and adjusting skis, boards and bindings. His work is unparalleled in the region.
Shepherd & Schaller has offered the Wausau Area’s best ski and snowboard maintenance and repair for over 60 years. Our back shop features Wintersteiger tuning equipment and a full time, dedicated staff who do nothing but the specialized, technical work you demand. Our back shop technicians are certified by the Binding manufacturers to work on your bindings. We would not have it any other way.
So what is involved in the “Tune” that makes such a difference in how your skis look, feel and perform? Read on:
1. Inspection: The top, base and edges are wiped clean of any dirt, solvents, and excess wax. Then the ski / board is inspected for any damage.
2. Base Repair: Any nicks, gouges, or core shots are repaired and filled with base repair material. (this service is an extra charge)
3. Base Grinding: The ski/board is then run across the stone grinder removing any minor damage and making the base flat and true. In doing so, tiny cuts are ground off and the base becomes true and flat. Now the base is able to absorb wax and the structures created are an important aid in gliding. This new structure also helps prevent suction and friction between base and snow. Your ski / board glides better and accomplishes the transition from edge to edge more easily. In addition, different temperatures and snow conditions require different structures – only the technician knows the right formula.
4. Edge Grinding: Most ski and board edges are “bevelled” between 0 and 2 degrees and a continuous smooth surface is created. The WINTERSTEIGER machine is able to reproduce this exact edge for ultimate carving performance on the hill.
5. Waxing: The last step in tuning is hot waxing. Hot wax impregnates the base, protects against damage and improves the gliding and turning properties of skis and boards. Professional level waxing is a 4-step process in itself. Shep’s offers a full line of Swix waxes from rub-on Universal F4 to Cera F (which World Cup racers know is not actually a wax, but 100% fluorinated carbons) as well as brushes, files, stones, vices, tables and everything you need for at-home touch-ups in between your professional services.
6. Hot Box: Shep’s Swix Hot Box is used by top level competitors and serious recreational skiers and riders to prepare equipment for top level performance. Warm air at a constant temperature allows wax to penetrate and saturate base material for the ultimate in base protection and glide capabilities. Hot Box wax service can be added to any Tune purchase for only a few dollars. Visit our Repair page for current pricing.
Swix Hot Box: Professional level performance and results
Ski or board tuning should only be carried out by a WINTERSTEIGER trained technician who understands your requirements. Unprofessional tuning can have negative effects and spoil your fun in skiing or snowboarding. Although manual tuning is possible, WINTERSTEIGER guarantees perfect bases and exact edges.
Regular ski / board tuning keeps your equipment in top shape and guarantees each run you take down the hill brings more enjoyment for you!