Structure is a pattern ground into the base primarily to repel water.
Stone ground base enlarged 100X.
Types of Structure
There are a large variety of structure patterns available with the latest stone grinders. The two basic categories of grinds are Lineal and Cross Structure. While there are no absolutes the lineal patterns are used only for high speed DH and cross patterns are more common on most race skis.
Lineal Pattern
Cross Pattern
Why is Structure Important?
The structure minimizes the friction between the base and snow and breaks suction in high moisture content snow.
Cold, crystalline snow calls for smoother structure to minimize friction points.
Wet snow requires coarser structure to create channels for water to be repelled from the base.
