Winthrop Mountain Sports • Nordic Stone Grinding
Nordic Ski Grinding
Precision stone grinding and ski base preparation to help your skis glide faster, run smoother, and perform better across changing snow conditions.
Precision That Makes You Faster
Ski grinding is crucial for optimizing performance at any level. Our process removes microscopic layers of the ski base to reveal a clean, uniform surface that absorbs wax more effectively. We then apply a structure pattern designed to manage snow crystals and moisture content, helping your skis glide smoothly and efficiently.
Grind options include:
- Condition-specific grind patterns for targeted performance
- A high-quality universal grind to refresh your skis and boost speed
World-Class Nordic-Specific Equipment
Nordic skiing demands precision. That’s why we’ve invested in an advanced, Nordic-only stone grinding machine built in Italy and trusted worldwide for decades. We continually refine our process through research and on-snow testing to deliver fast, durable, consistent grinds.
Post-Grind Base Preparation
After grinding, skis should be wax-saturated and “hardened” for better speed and durability. We offer these post-grind treatments:
Heatbox Saturation (HB — $35)
The heatbox quickly saturates the base with wax, conditioning it for future layers. If you prefer not to use the heatbox, you can achieve similar results with 4–6 standard wax applications.
Base Hardening (BH — $20)
Hardening enhances the base’s surface for speed and durability by carefully heating it with wax, using specific waxes and temperatures based on the ski’s intended conditions. This ensures your skis are prepped for optimal performance.
Complete Base Prep Package (HB + BH — $45)
Get Heatbox Saturation + Base Hardening together at a discounted price.
Add these services at checkout.
Shipping Your Skis to Us
Please select the return shipping option when selecting your grind if you need your skis sent back to you. If you’re purchasing multiple grinds, only select the return shipping option once when adding the first grind to your cart. For multiple pairs of skis, use the notes section each time you add a grind to specify which pair the grind is for.
When shipping your skis to us, please include a copy of your order confirmation in the box.
Shipping Address & Carriers
FedEx or UPS only
Ship to:
Winthrop Mountain Sports
Attn: Ski Grinding
257 Riverside Avenue
Winthrop, WA 98862
USPS
Ship to:
Winthrop Mountain Sports
Attn: Ski Grinding
166 Twin lakes drive
Winthrop, WA 98862
Don’t hesitate to call us at 509-996-2886 or email [email protected] if you’d like a recommendation.
Nordic Ski Grinding & Base Preparation FAQ
What does Nordic ski grinding actually do?
Nordic ski grinding, also known as stone grinding skis or ski base grinding, refreshes the ski base by removing a microscopic layer of material. This creates a clean, flat surface and applies a specific structure pattern that manages snow crystals and moisture. Proper ski grinding improves wax absorption, glide, and overall cross-country ski performance.
How do I know if my cross-country skis need grinding?
Your Nordic skis may need a base grind if they feel slow despite proper waxing, show signs of oxidation, have visible scratches, or lack consistent structure. Regular ski base grinding helps restore speed, consistency, and durability, especially for frequently skied or older skis.
What’s the difference between a universal grind and a condition-specific grind?
A universal ski grind is designed to perform well across a wide range of snow temperatures and conditions, making it ideal for most Nordic skiers. Condition-specific ski grinding targets a narrower range of snow types (cold and dry or warm and wet) to maximize glide when conditions are predictable.
Will ski grinding remove base material and shorten ski life?
Professional Nordic ski grinding removes only a very small amount of base material. When performed by a ski grinding specialist using Nordic-specific equipment, grinding is safe and helps maintain ski performance, glide quality, and long-term base health.
Do you recommend waxing after ski grinding?
Yes. After stone grinding skis, hot waxing is essential to protect and saturate the freshly ground base. Waxing after ski grinding improves glide and prepares the base for future wax layers. For best results, we strongly recommend post-grind base preparation.
What does ski base preparation do, and is it important after grinding?
Ski base preparation is a critical step following Nordic ski grinding. Grinding opens and refreshes the base, leaving it dry and porous. Base prep saturates the ski base with wax, stabilizes the structure, and protects against oxidation. This ensures the grind performs as intended, improves glide, and extends the life of your ski base for future waxing and tuning.
Nordic Ski Grinding Reviews
Skiers from the Methow Valley and across the Pacific Northwest trust Winthrop Mountain Sports for professional Nordic ski grinding, stone grinding, and base preparation. Here’s what customers say about our ski grinding services.
“Hands down the best Nordic ski grinding I’ve ever had. The skis came back fast, predictable, and perfectly structured. Huge difference immediately.”
— Google Review
“I shipped my skis in for a stone grind and base prep and the results were incredible. True Nordic ski tuning specialists.”
— Google Review
“After the grind and heatbox treatment, my skis felt brand new. Race-level stone grinding and base preparation.”
— Google Review
