You just got a new pair of Voile skis. You added a binding to the order. And as part of that package, we mounted them up and gave them a final pass before shipping them your way. But then you notice something else included in the package: “A detune? What does that mean?”

It’s a fair question. The word doesn’t exactly sound confidence-inspiring. You want your skis “tuned,” right?

Absolutely. But here’s the thing: detuning isn’t about taking performance away from your skis. It’s about making sure they feel right in the terrain they were designed for. When done correctly (and it is), it makes your gear more intuitive, more predictable, and more enjoyable to ski. You want your skis both tuned and detuned.

Let’s break down why we detune skis.

What Is a Detune and How Is It Done?

Detuning is the process of lightly dulling the metal edges at the tip and tail of a ski, specifically beyond the contact points where the edge actually engages with the snow. These areas don’t help with edge grip, but when left too sharp, they can cause the ski to feel twitchy or hooky, especially in soft or variable conditions.

To detune, we use a metal file to soften the edge in those zones and then use a gummy stone to deburr the ski. It’s not aggressive, and it doesn’t affect the ski’s performance on firm snow, because your grip comes from the edges underfoot. Done right, detuning makes a ski feel smoother, more predictable, and more responsive in the kind of terrain Voile skis are built for.

Why We Detune Your Skis

When you order a Voile ski and binding together, we mount the binding and give your ski a pro-level detune before it leaves the building. Why? Because we want it to feel right on day one.

Here’s what a good detune does:

• Reduces unwanted edge-catching in soft snow, wind buff, or crust.
• Gives the ski a smoother, more intuitive turn initiation and release, especially in variable conditions.
• Improves overall handling, especially on lightweight touring skis that are designed to pivot and surf.

We design skis for the backcountry, where conditions are unpredictable, fall-line lines can get spicy, and hooky tips are not your friend. A proper detune is just part of getting them trail-ready.

When Detuning Matters Most

Some folks think detuning is only for powder skis or park setups. But it has real benefits for just about any ski that’s not chasing podiums on icy groomers.

Here’s when a detune makes a noticeable difference:

• Right out of the wrapper. Factory edges can be too sharp at the ends.
• In the backcountry. Variable snow, tight terrain, and unpredictable conditions reward predictability and control.
• On light touring setups. A ski that’s too edgy can feel twitchy or unstable. A detuned tip and tail give you the forgiveness you need without sacrificing grip underfoot.

In short, if you’re riding backcountry terrain, and especially if you’re riding Voile skis, it’s worth having that detune dialed.

Common Misconceptions

Let’s clear a few things up:

• “Isn’t that damaging the ski?” Nope. We’re not grinding down your edges. We’re fine-tuning them.
• “Won’t that ruin grip on firm snow?” Not even close. Your grip comes from the edge underfoot. That stays sharp.
• “Can I undo the detune later?” You could, but we wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re planning on skiing icy resort hardpack all day.

This isn’t a universal rule across all brands, by the way. But we know our skis inside and out, and we detune them based on how they’re designed to ski in real conditions, not just how they look on the bench.

Free Mount + Detune

One more reminder: when you buy skis and bindings together from us, we’ll mount the bindings for free and give the skis that essential detune at no extra cost.

You’re getting:

• A pro mount from the folks who designed the ski.
• A hand-finished detune tailored to backcountry riding.
• A setup that’s ready to tour right out of the box.

No extra tuning appointment, guesswork, or sharp tips to hook when you’re trying to make your first powder turn of the season.

Trust the Process

Look, we get it. “Detune” sounds like a bad thing. But in practice, it’s part of what makes our skis feel like Voile skis. Stable. Predictable. Ready for whatever the mountain throws your way.

We’ve been building skis for the backcountry for over 40 years. We’re not just selling you a product. We’re handing you a tool. And that tool works better when it’s been finished with care.

Got questions about tuning your gear or customizing your setup? Drop us a line. We’re always happy to help.