Time to tune and wax skis and boards

With all the fine snow on hand, it's probably time to tune up the ski boards after all the running.

Even in good conditions such as we have now, it's easy to rough up the edges when you run on hard packed stuff. So here's q quick rundown on waxing and tuning. The same technique is used for both skis and boards.

Start by running a finger along an edge. The scrapes and gouges will make themselves known. Use a file or a hand tool to smooth out the burrs. Then smooth again with a soft or diamond stone.

Use a fingernail to check wax, running it down the bases. No wax at all means it's time to get out the old electric iron and bar wax. With the ski or board base up on a solid surface, dribble wax on the base by holding the wax bar against the iron and moving it the length of the base.

Then take the iron (mid-temperature on my old iron) and work it over the dribbles, smoothing them out, making sure to get wax on the entire base. Front to back is best here. Then let the skis/boards sit outside to harden the wax.

Bring them back to the work bench and fasten them (or it) down, base up. With a plastic scraper, work from front to back so that the wax curls up and off the base. Do that until no more is curling. Then with a stiff brass wire brush go over the base, pulling up granulated wax. The purpose here is to clear the tiny grooves in the base which channel the melted snow out from under the ski/board.

Polish the bases then with a nylon dish scrubber. Unless you've banged up the bindings on skis, no need to worry about them

Many skiers and riders aren't aware of the true purpose of waxing. It's not just to make you go fast and make turning easy; it's to fill the tiny pores in P-Tax. If they are left unplugged they act as suckers, grabbing water and holding it for seconds, making things more work.

All tuned up, you might want to consider visiting a mountain resort other than your usual choice. New vistas often encourage one to try new things. Last Sunday Heavenly's Dipper and Comet runs were fine, as was the now-busy Olympic. Snow was groomed but soft, of course, so the moguls built up quickly.

All runs served by the high-speed detachable lifts quickly became crowded. When a new high-speed lift goes in, it seems that nobody considers what that is going to do the traffic. Unless more trails are added (something difficult to do these days), the runs become overcrowded. But we do get more runs in over a few hours, which is why I quit a lot earlier than I used to.

DIAMOND PEAK GIRLS CLINICS

Here's what's happening at Diamond Peak these days: Saturday and Sunday, Girls Snowboard Clinics. There will be two types of clinics given that day - Girls Learn How to Snowboard lessons and an Introduction to the Terrain Park.

These clinics are open to girls' ages 7 to 16 and include all-day lessons and lunch Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Sunday, clinics will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a graduation event held afterwards.

Saturday is the 3rd annual Vertical Challenge. If you ski/telemark/snowboard the most vertical feet in a seven-hour period, then you'll win a free 08/09 Diamond Peak full season pass. '

The event will have divisions for men and women and the contestant(s) who skis/rides more than 45,000 vertical feet will receive $50 off a 08/09 pass. The entry fee is $10 and includes a commemorative T-shirt. Registration will be held in the base lodge from 8 to 9 a.m. and the event will be held from 9 to 4. An awards ceremony will be held on the base lodge deck following the competition.

SAVE THE SNOW NEW SCHEDULE

The "Save Our Snow" free eco-event designed to raise awareness about global warming and its effect on the ski industry was rescheduled for today. The event will now take place right before Snow Festival Opening Ceremonies at 5:30 p.m. outside Patagonia store in the base village.

Patagonia athlete Lorenzo Worster will be signing posters and providing commentary on the environmental film "Save our Snow." In addition to a free movie showing, event goers will receive discounts on Patagonia store items, entry into a drawing for the chance to win Squaw lift tickets and gear from Patagonia and Smith.

Patagonia will be offering 10 percent discounts on items and staff will be on hand to provide information on the Patagonia Common Threads Garment Recycling Program, through which customers can return their worn out Capilene Baselayers, Patagonia fleece, or Polartec fleece from other manufacturers to Patagonia for recycling. And those who do will receive 15 percent off their purchase of a new fleece or Capilene item.

NORTHSTAR VANS EVENT

Northstar-at-Tahoe hosts some of the world's best snowboarders at the Vans Cup at Tahoe, beginning today and through the weekend. Participants, including Olympians Danny Kass and J.J. Thomas, will compete for a total purse prize of more than $200,000.

OTHER ACTION

• Boreal Mountain Resort offers one of Tahoe's best Superpipes (450 feet), which is cut twice daily and open day and night.

• Sugar Bowl Ski Resort offers free lessons and rentals Monday through Friday with the purchase of an all-day lift ticket (ages 13 to 69 years) throughout March.

• Homewood Mountain Resort offers a special $29 midweek e-tickets (at www.skihomewood.com) available Monday through Thursday. Skiers and boarders catch big air on a custom jump at this Saturday's Snowbomb Sick & Twisted Big Air Festival, held near the North Lodge.

• Mt. Rose's Ski Tahoe - Be a Champion Ski Race and Party is Tuesday, March 11. Public races are based on format and best combined times.

• Alpine Meadows' Women by Women ... Alpine's Women's Clinic takes place Tuesday-Thursday; technical skill, strength and fun are top priorities, as well as providing a safe and supportive atmosphere. Open only to intermediate and advanced skiers.

• The 27th Annual Snowfest kicks off today and runs through March 9. This 10-day celebration is jam-packed with events, including the Gar Woods' Polar Bear Swim, Tahoe City and Kings Beach parades, Wacky Winter Bowling and the Tails by the Lake Doggie Agility Course. For all the details, click to www.tahoesnowfestival.com.

• Contact Sam Bauman at 881-1236 or Sbauman@nevadaappeal.com.