How to Make Skis

First you must decide what kind of skis you want. In my project I am making short fat skis that can be easily carried on your back. Those skis are designed for snowboarders who venture into the back country. I find them a good substitute for a split board or snowshoes. But the process is the same if you make long narrow skis for cross country skiing. Birch is probably the best choice of wood to make skis, but other hardwood can be used.

I started with a 1X6 (3/4" X 5 1/2") board 3 feet long. Then I shaved the board to 1/2" then tapered down one foot at the front and one foot at the back to 1/8" (see diagram below).
ski ski

Then you have to bend your board into the shape of a ski. This can be done using a steam chamber. You will also need to build a form to hold the ski when you take it out of the steam chamber. You need a round form at the front and you will need to press down the centre of the ski if you want some camber on your skis.

ski ski
ski ski

Now using a jig saw cut a nice round curve on the tip of the skis. Varnish the side and top and use pine tar for the bottom. If you are using Nordic ski boots, install the appropriate binding. If you use a snowboard boot an old-fashioned leather binding works well.

ski
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