Is Your Gear Ready for Opening Day?
The countdown’s on. You’ve scoped the webcams for the first flurries, circled opening day, and maybe even dusted off your ski rack. But before you head for first chair, let’s make sure your gear’s as ready as you are. Nothing throws off those early-season laps faster than a sticky base, dull edges, or boots that turn your toes into frozen chicken nuggets by lunchtime.
Whether you’re a seasoned passholder or heading out for your very first blue run, your setup deserves some TLC before the lifts start spinning. And we’ve got you covered.
Preseason check-ups: Think of it like stretching your skis
Been a while since your gear saw snow? If your board’s been chilling in the garage since spring, or your skis still have battle wounds from last March, it’s time to bring them in.
At Christy Sports and Sturtevant’s, our techs will tune them up like new: sharpening the edges so they grip like they should, grinding the base so it’s smooth and fast, repairing any scrapes or core shots, and checking bindings to make sure they’re safe and dialed to you.
New to all this? No stress, we’ll help you pick the right rental or starter setup and make sure it’s tuned to perfection. No appointment necessary, just swing by any of our shops in Colorado, Utah, Montana, or Washington.
Why Tune before you ride?
Early-season snow can be… unpredictable. One run might be soft and forgiving, the next slick and icy. Having your gear dialed in ahead of time gives you the edge, literally.
Sharp edges help you carve with control instead of slipping through your turns. A fresh wax keeps you gliding smooth instead of fighting through sticky spots. And solid, properly adjusted bindings? They’re essential for both performance and safety.
When your gear is tuned and ready, so are you.
Wax vs. Tune: What’s the Deal?
We get this question a lot. Here’s the quick version:
- Waxing helps your gear glide smoother and faster. It’s what keeps you from feeling like you’re dragging a sled uphill.
- Tuning is the full reset: edge sharpening, base grind, and any repairs. You’ll feel the difference on your very first turn.
If your gear feels sticky or slow, it probably just needs wax. If it won’t hold an edge, or looks like it fought a rock garden and lost, it’s time for a tune.
Still not sure? Bring it in or check out our tuning and repair services to learn more about what your gear might need.
Let's Talk Boots (Because they matter... a lot)
You could have the best skis or board on the hill, but if your boots don’t fit right, your day is gonna be rough.
If you spent last season fighting heel lift, numb toes, or pressure points that had you unbuckling halfway through the day, it’s time for a fit check. Our expert boot fitters are legit pros. They’ll heat mold liners, adjust shells, build custom insoles, and make small tweaks that make a huge difference.
Even brand-new boots often need a little customizing. And fun fact? Your socks matter too. A thick, old pair of cotton socks can undo everything a good boot fitter just fixed.
DIY Care Tips for the Season Ahead
Want to keep your gear running smooth all winter? Here are a few habits that’ll pay off:
- Dry your gear after every session. Don’t toss it in a wet trunk and forget it. That’s how you get rusty edges.
- Store it right. Cool, dry place, not a sweltering attic or a leaky shed.
- Touch up your edges. A gummi stone can help smooth burrs between tunes.
- Wax regularly. Rub-on wax is great for quick hits, but bring it in for a hot wax every few days on snow for real glide.
- Keep an eye on your bindings. If something feels off or looks loose, let us check it out. For rentals, we’ll make sure everything’s adjusted to your weight and ability.
Thinking about upgrading?
Some gear has seen its fair share of seasons, and that’s totally normal. If your skis or board aren’t performing like they used to, or you’re finding yourself constantly patching the same issues, it might be time for an upgrade.
We’ve got new gear that’s faster, lighter, and more responsive than ever, designed to match your style, ability, and goals on the mountain. Whether you’re investing in your first setup or leveling up after years of riding, we’ll help you find the perfect fit.
Check out the new ski and snowboard gear for Winter 2025/2026 online or in our stores.
Why Christy Sports?
We’ve been doing this for over 60 years. Our team lives and breathes mountain life. We’re not just here to sell you gear, we’re here to make sure your winter is packed with great turns and zero regrets.
- Fast service (most tunes done in 24 hours).
- No appointment needed, just come in
- Real humans, real experience, and no gear snobbery
Get Ahead of the snow and start your season right
You’ve been dreaming about powder days, bluebird mornings, and après by the fire. But the best seasons start before the snow falls with gear that’s tuned, fitted, and ready to ride.
October is the sweet spot. Resorts are making snow, stoke is building, and our shops are fully stocked and prepped to get you dialed in. Don’t wait until the week of opening day when the lines are long and your gear’s still sitting in the garage.
Whether you’re bringing in last season’s setup, renting for your first trip, or finally upgrading to your own gear, we’re here to help you get it right from day one. Need a full tune? Done. Fresh wax? Easy. Boot fit that actually keeps your feet warm and happy? Let’s do it.
Our expert techs, boot fitters, and gear guides are mountain people, just like you. And we know what it takes to make this season your best one yet.
OUTSIDE IS BETTER. Let’s make sure your gear is too.
Last updated: September 16, 2025
Is Your Gear Ready for Opening Day?
The countdown’s on. You’ve scoped the webcams for the first flurries, circled opening day, and maybe even dusted off your ski rack. But before you head for first chair, let’s make sure your gear’s as ready as you are. Nothing throws off those early-season laps faster than a sticky base, dull edges, or boots that turn your toes into frozen chicken nuggets by lunchtime.
Whether you’re a seasoned passholder or heading out for your very first blue run, your setup deserves some TLC before the lifts start spinning. And we’ve got you covered.
Preseason check-ups: Think of it like stretching your skis
Been a while since your gear saw snow? If your board’s been chilling in the garage since spring, or your skis still have battle wounds from last March, it’s time to bring them in.
At Christy Sports and Sturtevant’s, our techs will tune them up like new: sharpening the edges so they grip like they should, grinding the base so it’s smooth and fast, repairing any scrapes or core shots, and checking bindings to make sure they’re safe and dialed to you.
New to all this? No stress, we’ll help you pick the right rental or starter setup and make sure it’s tuned to perfection. No appointment necessary, just swing by any of our shops in Colorado, Utah, Montana, or Washington.
Why Tune before you ride?
Early-season snow can be… unpredictable. One run might be soft and forgiving, the next slick and icy. Having your gear dialed in ahead of time gives you the edge, literally.
Sharp edges help you carve with control instead of slipping through your turns. A fresh wax keeps you gliding smooth instead of fighting through sticky spots. And solid, properly adjusted bindings? They’re essential for both performance and safety.
When your gear is tuned and ready, so are you.
Wax vs. Tune: What’s the Deal?
We get this question a lot. Here’s the quick version:
- Waxing helps your gear glide smoother and faster. It’s what keeps you from feeling like you’re dragging a sled uphill.
- Tuning is the full reset: edge sharpening, base grind, and any repairs. You’ll feel the difference on your very first turn.
If your gear feels sticky or slow, it probably just needs wax. If it won’t hold an edge, or looks like it fought a rock garden and lost, it’s time for a tune.
Still not sure? Bring it in or check out our tuning and repair services to learn more about what your gear might need.
Let's Talk Boots (Because they matter... a lot)
You could have the best skis or board on the hill, but if your boots don’t fit right, your day is gonna be rough.
If you spent last season fighting heel lift, numb toes, or pressure points that had you unbuckling halfway through the day, it’s time for a fit check. Our expert boot fitters are legit pros. They’ll heat mold liners, adjust shells, build custom insoles, and make small tweaks that make a huge difference.
Even brand-new boots often need a little customizing. And fun fact? Your socks matter too. A thick, old pair of cotton socks can undo everything a good boot fitter just fixed.
DIY Care Tips for the Season Ahead
Want to keep your gear running smooth all winter? Here are a few habits that’ll pay off:
- Dry your gear after every session. Don’t toss it in a wet trunk and forget it. That’s how you get rusty edges.
- Store it right. Cool, dry place, not a sweltering attic or a leaky shed.
- Touch up your edges. A gummi stone can help smooth burrs between tunes.
- Wax regularly. Rub-on wax is great for quick hits, but bring it in for a hot wax every few days on snow for real glide.
- Keep an eye on your bindings. If something feels off or looks loose, let us check it out. For rentals, we’ll make sure everything’s adjusted to your weight and ability.
Thinking about upgrading?
Some gear has seen its fair share of seasons, and that’s totally normal. If your skis or board aren’t performing like they used to, or you’re finding yourself constantly patching the same issues, it might be time for an upgrade.
We’ve got new gear that’s faster, lighter, and more responsive than ever, designed to match your style, ability, and goals on the mountain. Whether you’re investing in your first setup or leveling up after years of riding, we’ll help you find the perfect fit.
Check out the new ski and snowboard gear for Winter 2025/2026 online or in our stores.
Why Christy Sports?
We’ve been doing this for over 60 years. Our team lives and breathes mountain life. We’re not just here to sell you gear, we’re here to make sure your winter is packed with great turns and zero regrets.
- Fast service (most tunes done in 24 hours).
- No appointment needed, just come in
- Real humans, real experience, and no gear snobbery
Get Ahead of the snow and start your season right
You’ve been dreaming about powder days, bluebird mornings, and après by the fire. But the best seasons start before the snow falls with gear that’s tuned, fitted, and ready to ride.
October is the sweet spot. Resorts are making snow, stoke is building, and our shops are fully stocked and prepped to get you dialed in. Don’t wait until the week of opening day when the lines are long and your gear’s still sitting in the garage.
Whether you’re bringing in last season’s setup, renting for your first trip, or finally upgrading to your own gear, we’re here to help you get it right from day one. Need a full tune? Done. Fresh wax? Easy. Boot fit that actually keeps your feet warm and happy? Let’s do it.
Our expert techs, boot fitters, and gear guides are mountain people, just like you. And we know what it takes to make this season your best one yet.
OUTSIDE IS BETTER. Let’s make sure your gear is too.
Last updated: September 16, 2025
