A Case for Tip Notches and a Plan to Make Them Happen: By David Zink

I recently picked up a pair of 105 width skis that are the first in my quiver not to come with tip notches. I really missed having notches, or more specifically, the tip bungees that allow me to rip skins easily from the ski tip without taking a ski off or doing 1 leg ballet.

Apparently, I bought a “freeride” ski, and tip notches aren’t cool in that segment. I just wanted a fatter ski for powder and chunder, but I guess I crossed a line. I have always been curious about those lines between ski touring, ski mountaineering and freeride skiing. What the heck am I?

Here is why I like to have tip bungees for the skin to ski transition:

1. I like to be efficient (ok, lazy).

2. I like to get from the climbing part to the skiing part as quickly as possible.

3. I like to keep skis on my feet and under me in places where it may be exposed, windy or steep, whenever possible.

I do realize it is “possible” to rip skins with a front bail and tail clip without removing the ski. But it is awkward as hell (see #3), much slower (see #2) and then there is #1. I want those tip notches. So, I fixed the problem and cut my own.

Below is a description (and a video) of how I did this, but here are some reasons why you may not want to do what I did: 

First, I am pretty sure you will void your ski manufacturer’s warranty.

Second, my method involves free-hand cutting with a cut off disk mounted on an angle grinder without a guard. This cuts through ski material, including the hardened steel edges that wrap around the tip, like butter. Think carving pumpkins with a chainsaw. You need a steady hand. There are other slower and arguably less risky methods of doing the same thing, involving first drilling a hole, and then sawing through the hardened steel edge to meet the hole. You can probably google and find a method like that if mine scares you.

Here are the tools I used:

• Aforementioned angle grinder, cut off disk, ear protection, safety glasses and a full face shield. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to protect yourself from the potential of an exploding cut off disk rotating at 10,500 rpm.

• A ski with a good tip notch to use as a template.

• A sharp, pointy tool to scribe the notch onto your ski before cutting. This remains easier to see once you start cutting than a line from a pencil or marker.

• A way to securely clamp your ski to a bench while you cut the notch. I also use the bench to brace my hand while free-hand cutting with the grinder.

• Emory cloth & files (both flat and round).

• Two part epoxy to paint on the newly exposed ski guts.

Here is a 2 minute and 22 second video to show you how to do it.