Yes! Because our skis are designed specifically for you and whatever level you’re working at, we’ll make sure they fit your style comfortably and help you improve your skiing. We take out the guessing of what you need out of a ski and make sure you’ll love them.
Frequently Asked Questions
our custom skis process
I’m a beginner/intermediate skier. Is it worth getting custom skis?
Why would I buy skis I've never tried?
Wagner Custom offers a smarter way to purchase skis. We map your Skier DNA and then build your optimal skis that allow you to reach your absolute highest potential. You’ll know you’re on your ideal equipment and spend your time in the mountains having fun skiing rather than demoing and evaluating skis.
Do the skis come ready to ski?
Yes, with a little help from you. To make your skis “slope-ready,” we need a boot and personal information to adjust the bindings appropriately. We'll send you a link to the binding form when we are ready for your boot, and we’ll send your boot back with your skis.
Do you rent or demo skis?
We do not rent skis from the factory, as each ski is built custom to match your needs (rather than us trying to fit an already existing ski to you).
We do, however, have five Demo Sites where you can try our skis built for specific shops and the typical conditions found in that shop's area. We have Gorsuch in Aspen (CO), Vail (CO), and Park City (UT), as well as Granite Chief in Trukee (CA), and California Ski Company in Berkeley (CA).
Go check them out if you happen to be in the area!
Do I need to come to Telluride to get fitted?
Not at all. We create and ship skis all over the world. Buy your skis online here or call us at (970) 728-0107 to get started. We do recommend that you use your skis as a reason to visit us in Telluride and test drive your new skis!
Do you make Telemark or Backcountry Skis?
Yes! Most skis are made the same but be sure to mention if you plan on using your Wagner Skis for telemarking or backcountry so we customize the weight and materials to your needs.
Do you make snowboards?
Yes, we do! Call us directly at (970) 728-0107 to find out more about the custom snowboard process. (In fact, we have a long history of making snowboards! We used to be the manufacturer of a major snowboard brand before they built their own factory.)
Do you guarantee your skis?
Absolutely! If you aren’t totally satisfied with your skis, we’ll take them back and make it right.
We stand behind all our products. Quality, built-to-last skis accumulate character and meaning through extended use, tunes, and repairs. Scratched, dinged, repaired, and tuned skis are happy skis because they’ve been enjoying adventures with you.
For all issues, please submit a Spa Tune Form. Note the issues on the form, and send your skis our way. Once we receive the skis and inspect them, we’ll follow up with solution options.
If you have any additional questions about our repair, tune or warranty process, please contact customer service for assistance: (970) 728-0107.
If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.
What if I don't like the Custom Skis you built for me?
We guarantee that you’ll 100% love your Wagner Custom Skis. Buy them, ski them hard, and evaluate them. If you don’t like your skis, just let us know and we’ll make it right by building you a new set or returning your money. There’s zero risk of getting stuck with a set of skis from us that you don’t absolutely love.
Can I call you to buy my skis, or do I have to go through the website?
Yes, either route works! Call us at (970) 728-0107 or schedule a call with a ski designer here.
How much do your skis cost?
Our custom skis start at $1995.00. If you have bought your skis online but haven’t already scheduled your design appointment, please do so here or give us a call at (970) 728-0107 and we’ll get you on the calendar.
Do you sell and mount bindings?
We do! We prefer to do the binding mount for your skis, as if we get it wrong we'll fix it for free. If a shop gets it wrong, they won't buy you new skis. If you have purchased skis from us and are getting a binding mounted, you will get an email from us with a link to the binding form–alternatively, you can also find a link here. Complete the form and we can take it from there.
Wagner is mounting my bindings. Where do I send my boots?
You will get an email from us with all the necessary shipping information when we are ready to receive your boots. Please send us only one boot – we'd hate to have one shipped back to you and one remaining here at the shop!
Do you tune skis?
Yes--and no. During the off-season (March through September) we offer what we call a "spa for your skis." A Spa Tune returns your Wagner Custom Skis to almost-new condition between seasons. We start by inspecting your skis from tip to tail and perform any needed base repairs. We'll restore the original factory tune and buff out the topsheet-sidewall interface to restore energy and diminish stress. Your skis come back from the spa fresh, clean, and skiing like new.
factory and showroom
Where is the factory?
The Wagner Custom Ski Factory (and Showroom) is located at 620 Mountain Village Blvd (Unit 1B) in Mountain Village, Colorado, at the base of the Telluride Ski Resort. You can find us on Google Maps here.
When is Wagner Custom Skis open?
We are open Monday - Friday from 9AM to 5PM. If you need to schedule an appointment to pick up (or drop off) your skis outside of these hours, please call (970) 728-1017 and make an arrangement to do so.
What are Wagner's COVID protocols?
The health and safety of our employees is of the upmost importance to us. Without our team, we cannot make your dream skis!
We follow the COVID protocol/guidelines of San Miguel County. To see what the current rules of the county are, go to the county's page here.
Does Wagner Custom Skis do tours?
Traditionally we would run regular tours of our factory in both the summer and winter seasons. At the moment, the best way you can see us in action is by checking out the Factory Tour online.
graphicS
How does the graphic process work?
It's an exciting–and sometimes complicated–process! Read about it here.
What are my graphic options?
- Custom Art - for example, a new painting or drawing
- Established Artwork - using an existing painting or drawing
- Photography or Photograph(s) - can be from a professional, or be your own
- Graphic Elements - stripes, patterns, ombre, flags, text, etc.
- Logo(s) - you’ll need permission to use logos if they aren’t your own
- Wood Veneer - check out our options here
- House Graphic - check out our options here
- Artist Series Graphic - check out our options here
Check out our Journal article about the Custom Graphic process here.
Is there anything I can't do on my skis?
Sadly, yes, there are a few things we can't do (based on our manufacturing process):
- Mixed finishes (i.e. actual wood veneer plus color; matte with gloss)
- Sparkles or glittery finishes
- Metallics
- Opaque topsheets with translucent areas
- Fluorescents and neon colors
Do you have any tips to get started on my custom graphic?
Yes! Here are a few things we have found that work:
Simplicity is best. While you are likely to have multiple ideas, we highly suggest narrowing down your concept to just one or two.
If you have a concept, we can help you find good existing images or artwork.
If you are stuck and just can’t make a decision or if you need help locating artwork, feel free to reach out to us and we can help walk you through the process.
If you are working with your own designer or artist, or commissioning an original piece of artwork for your skis, we always suggest giving them a hard deadline. We’ve seen skis get sidelined for many weeks, and it’s not fun. We can create a ski template with your unique ski shape that you can pass along to your artist or designer.
I’d like to create my own ski graphic (or I have a friend create my ski graphic). How does this work?
Great! Once we have worked out your ski shape and you have placed your order, we’ll provide a template of your ski with graphic guidelines. Our designers will be available to answer any questions and make final revisions.
I have a custom graphic concept! Now what?
It’s time to gather your artwork, photography, graphics, etc!
The next step is sending us an email with your concept and any images you’d like to use. From there, we’ll review everything and let you know if we need any clarification/additional files. As soon as we have all this information from you, we will put together three first-round (R1) concepts for you to consider.
Once you take a look at the concepts we sent and think it over, let us know your feedback. Three rounds of revisions (R2, R3, and a final [F] to approve) are included with the custom graphic charge. If we exceed the three rounds, we charge $100/hr for design work – but it is the exception that goes over three rounds.
If you request a color sample before moving into production, one small (7” x 5”) sample is included in the cost of a custom graphic. Additional or larger proofs are available for a charge — please ask for details. Note that you cannot return a pair of skis due to the color unless you had previously asked for (and approved) a sample.
After we have final approval on your graphic (and color sample if requested), your skis can enter production. It generally takes three weeks from this point to ski delivery.
Will your designers create original artwork if I’ve got a concept in mind?
Our designers create most ski designs using existing artwork. If you have found something that you know you like, we know you’ll like the look and feel of the skis using that piece. If you’d like to create original artwork for your skis, we’ll likely need to get an artist or illustrator involved. We can help you find an artist or illustrator who can make your concept come to life.
Once we have a digital copy of the original artwork from your artist/illustrator, our designers will create a ski layout with your original piece. Just ask and we’ll help you with this process. And, if it’s a really simple concept that you have in mind, we can likely handle it in-house.
Is there any artwork included in the custom design fee?
You are responsible for buying artwork, as needed. We can help you find and purchase artwork as well as find illustrators to create original art.
Do you care if an image is copyrighted?
Yes, very much. We need permission to use any copyrighted material. That includes logos, artwork, text, etc. If you want to use copyrighted art, you’ll need to reach out to the owners and get permission (we can help with this – just ask). We’ve found that most artists/institutions are happy to give permission for one-time use (sometimes for a nominal fee). We will need explicit written permission to use any copyrighted material.
What kind of graphic files do you take?
- Please use .pdf, .ai, or .eps when possible.
- We will need the largest version of the image/artwork, etc. you can get. The bigger the image, the more options we can create for your layout.
- Also know that we can create a ski template for you with your unique ski shape that you can pass along to your artist or designer if you are embarking on fresh artwork.
How do I proof color?
The colors that you see on screen may not be an exact match to the final product. This has to do with the differences between your/our monitors, and the difference between your monitor and our printer/topsheet materials. If color is very important to you, the only way to proof the actual color is to request a sample. One small (7” x 5”) sample is included in the cost of a custom graphic. Additional or larger proofs are available for a charge, please contact us for details. Note that you cannot return a pair of skis due to the color unless you had previously asked for (and approved) a sample.
How does final design approval work?
You are responsible for final approval, as the file that you approve will go to print. We highly recommend proofing your skis on a monitor or full-sized screen. We are not responsible for typos or errors once the final file has been approved by you.
What color options do I have for the bases of my skis?
We only use black base material, as it has the highest graphite content and is therefore the fastest and most durable. We have a limited color selection for the logo inserts, however. When you order your skis, please ask and we will send you a photo with options.
When should I expect to receive my skis?
It typically takes 3 weeks from final graphic approval to delivery. Have a trip coming up or need them sooner? Email info@wagnerskis.com or call us at (970) 728-0107 to see if we can fast track them for you.
manufacturing
How do you make skis?
Check out our online Factory Tour for all the details!
What is dye-sublimation?
Dye-sublimation is the process we use to transfer dye (ink) onto our topsheet material to allow your printed graphics to be placed as the topsheet of your skis. This process occurs in our heat press machine, transitioning the dye to a gas and onto a new surface. Neons, fluorescent, and metallic colors are special inks that do not work with the dye-sublimation process.
care for your skis
How do I tune my skis?
Lucky, you! You don't have to!
We recommend sending your Wagner Custom Skis to us for a spa treatment between ski seasons. It’s a great way to upkeep your skis so they perform well into the future.
Our spa treatments rejuvenate your skis and come at the perfect time for them to unwind and catch up with old friends at the factory. We start by inspecting your skis from tip to tail. Next, we perform needed base repairs to put your skis back intact for next season. We utilize the original factory tune of the skis to enhance their longevity. Last, we buff out the topsheet-sidewall interface to restore energy and diminish stress. Your skis come back from the spa fresh, clean, and skiing like new.
(In all seriousness, the skis return from the factory in great condition so you are ready to keep charging next season.)
We can only perform Spa Tunes during the off-season, as our machinery is very busy during the winter months making new friends for your skis! Click here to book a Spa Tune, and if the link doesn't work please try again in the spring.
If you wish to do-it-yourself, here are some good tips from us.
When should i get my skis tuned?
We recommend sending your Wagner Custom Skis to us for a spa treatment between ski seasons. Bring them to us when you are done with your trip/season and we can take it from there. Note that we can only perform Spa Tunes during the off-season, as our machinery is very busy during the winter months making new friends for your skis! Click here to book a Spa Tune, and if the link doesn't work please try again in the spring.
If you ski more than a week or two a year, take your skis to a local shop for an overnight tune to get the edges deburred and a wax. Ask around your resort for the most trusted place. (We cannot do overnight tunes at the factory.)
If you are a DIYer – or for in-depth information on overall ski maintenance – click here for more details.
I've scheduled a spa tune, how do I ship my skis to you?
CAN'T FIND YOUR QUESTION?
Call us at (970) 728-0107 or email us at info@wagnerskis.com.
We'll be happy to answer any other questions you may have!