At Proctor Ski & Board, tuning skis and snowboards isn't just a service—it’s part of our DNA. For over 30 years, we’ve been helping New Englanders get the best performance out of their gear. Whether you're carving corduroy at Pats Peak or heading north for a powder day, a well-tuned ski or board can make all the difference.
But behind every edge sharpened and base ground, there’s another mission quietly running: our commitment to sustainability.
In this post, we take you behind the scenes of our Montana Challenge Stone Grinder—a powerhouse machine that tunes thousands of skis and snowboards each year—and show you how we’re working to keep both your gear and the environment in top shape.
Precision Tuning with the Montana Challenge Stone Grinder
Our tuning room is equipped with a Montana Challenge Stone Grinder, one of the most advanced machines in the industry. This isn't your average belt sander. The Montana grinder allows us to precision-tune skis and snowboards with structured base patterns that enhance glide, improve edge hold, and extend the life of your equipment.
What makes it so effective?
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Computer-controlled grinding ensures every ski is tuned to exact specs
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Stone grinding can add specific textures to the base to match snow conditions
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Edge sharpening is dialed to the tenth of a degree for ultimate control on snow
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High-Tech Tuning makes sure that your base edge is the best that it can be for the conditions
Whether you're a racer looking for micro-tuned base angles or a recreational skier wanting smooth glides and clean carves, our machine delivers consistent, high-quality results—every time.
Thousands of Skis & Boards Tuned Annually
Each season, we service thousands of skis and snowboards in our shop. From early-season tune-ups to mid-season maintenance and race tunes, our technicians have seen it all.
Our team includes experienced techs who understand ski shapes, rocker profiles, and base materials inside and out. We don’t just run gear through a machine—we evaluate it, adjust it, and make sure it's performing exactly how it should for your style and terrain.
And we keep it local. Every tune is done in-house, right here in our shop, so you know exactly who’s working on your gear.
Sustainability Starts in the Tuning Room
While performance is always our top priority, environmental responsibility runs through everything we do. Ski tuning is a process that, by nature, uses water, lubricants, and energy. We’ve made sure our systems minimize waste and environmental impact wherever possible.
♻️ All Water is Recycled by Licensed Professionals
The Montana Challenge uses water to cool the stone and flush away micro-particles during the grinding process. But none of it goes down the drain. Instead:
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All used water is collected and filtered
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It is then recycled and processed by licensed waste management professionals
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This ensures zero harmful runoff and keeps any contaminants out of the water supply
We take this extra step because it matters—not just for the environment, but for our community here in New Hampshire, where clean water and clean mountains go hand in hand.
Other Ways We Stay Green
Our eco-efforts don’t stop with tuning:
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We use LED lighting throughout our shop to reduce electricity consumption
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We encourage customers to reuse boot bags, boxes, and packaging
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We work with brands that prioritize sustainable materials, from recycled outerwear fabrics to eco-conscious ski construction
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We support gear longevity, helping customers maintain, repair, and tune equipment instead of tossing it
We're also always looking to expand our efforts—whether that's partnering with recycling programs, or offering repair clinics.
Why It Matters
Skiing is about connecting with nature, breathing mountain air, and carving through snow with freedom. But as our winters face shorter seasons and more unpredictable weather, it’s on all of us—shops, skiers, and brands alike—to find ways to lessen our footprint.
At Proctor Ski & Board, we believe that even small steps, like recycling tuning water or choosing energy-efficient lighting, can lead to big changes. And when combined with thoughtful gear choices and responsible business practices, we help keep winter strong for the next generation.
Trust the Local Experts
Whether you’re dropping off your skis for a preseason tune or wondering how to improve your edge hold for icy conditions, our expert tuning staff is here to help.
We don’t just know the machines—we know the gear, the snow, and the riders who rely on them. And we’re proud to deliver top-tier service while keeping sustainability at the forefront of what we do.
Stop by Proctor Ski & Board for a tune that performs better—and supports a greener future.
We're here to keep you riding your best, all while doing our part to protect the mountain environment we all love.