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Let’s face it. Getting to the slopes isn’t quite as easy as it was, say, 6 months ago. With the economic crisis as bad as it is, a ski trip is probably one of the first things to get crossed off your list of things to do. Of course, I could argue that it’s still a necessity and I need to get up there simply for the health and well being of my soul, but I don’t think that qualifies as a legitimate medical condition that requires attention…or maybe it does.

Either way, we’re all looking for ways to cut down on everyday costs and if we play our cards right, we might still have some dough to spare for a trip or two before the season starts to come to a close. After all, we’re not only getting the best snow of the year right now, but also some of the best snow of the past several years. And if you can find a way to swing it, why not extend yourself for something that may end up giving you just the inspiration you need for that next move.

My first recommendation that’ll help you put some money into the snow fund is to tune your own skis or snowboard. The cost of a full tune is pretty ridiculous, although I’ve been a tech before and appreciate the machinery and expertise that goes into it, and if you don’t want to spend the $50-60 every time out, you don’t have to. And to be honest, not waxing your skis isn’t the worst thing in the world but it WILL affect your skiing. So, to set yourself up for multiple tunes until you get that big gash you just need to hand over to the experts, you’ll need the following…

travel iron ($10+)

universal wax ($7-10)

plastic or metal scraper ($3-5)

citrus degreaser ($5)

file brush ($7)

Arkansas stone ($5-10)

chrome file ($10-12)

And now you’re ready…

1) Using two chairs to support your tips and tails, prop one ski up so it’s sturdy. Make sure you put down a drop cloth to protect the floors.

2) Use the file brush along the expanse of your base to make sure all rocks and dirt are out of any scrapes.

3) Apply some degreaser to a paper towel and wipe the bases clean.

4) With the iron hot and facing down, apply the wax and move up and down the length of the ski. Then, use the iron to spread the wax across every inch of the base.

5) Once the wax has hardened, start at the tip and drag the scraper (at a 30-45 degree angle) all the way to the tail, removing the top layer and creating a smooth, even surface.

Proper tuning of your edges requires more tools and expertise than most of us possess, but you can easily smooth out nicks and dings at home…

6) Lay the Arkansas stone flat on the base so part of the stone hangs over the edge. Angle the stone slightly over the edge and rub the length of the ski until if feels smooth. Then do the same to the perpendicular part of the edge.

7) Finally, take the file and, without using too much pressure, make a few strokes along the edges at the tip and tail to dull the edges.

There you go. Now you’re equipped to keep your board(s) in tip top shape without having to put the time, effort and money into paying for a full tune…all for less than $50.