Revelstoke retail: Full-service ski tuning store opening downtown

Revelstoke is well and truly a mecca for the outdoor inclined with a new shop opening focused on getting the best tune for your skis or snowboard.

Dougal Pow has about 25 years grinding away at edges and, like his name, has a thing for snow. The New Zealand countryman did back to back winters between North America and New Zealand for years, working in ski-tune shops.

The Wax Bench store owner Dougal Pow with his specialized equipment. Photo: Emily Kemp/Revelstoke Mountaineer

Previously, Pow has operated in town through other stores, tuning equipment dropped off in town through FSS and Powder Rentals. But now his business is at the demand where he needed to go full time and his experience is one of the reasons he has decided to go mainstream.

“It’s very rare that any technician in a ski resort or town shop has more than five years of experience,” Pow says.

The Wax Bench will take over the old Pulse Bootfitting store on 106 Orton Avenue. Pulse Bootfitting are opening their new shop front on Mackenzie Avenue later this year.

Watch this space. The Wax Bench has taken over the premises at 106 Orton Ave. Photo: Emily Kemp/Revelstoke Mountaineer

Pow’s full-service tuning shop has specialized equipment such as a stone grinder. Pow says he can do a variety of tasks, from repairs to tuning to calibrating ski bindings to a full-race tune.

“It’s important for everyone to have a good tune,” Pow said. “The first reason is your gear lasts longer. Second is you actually learn a lot faster, you won’t get as tired through your day, you get more vertical, learn faster. Third is safety. If you’re on badly tuned equipment, [there is an] increased chance of knee injuries.”

“Edges are essentially your steering and brakes. If not set correctly that’s going to make it harder. If you’re skidding a lot or and find it difficult to stop or find a lot of your time sideways [then you need a tune].”

The Wax Bench is expected to open around mid-October and will also include a retail component, selling products from local companies Board Butter Glide Wax, Trapper Snowboards and Bigbend Skis.