Whether you're shredding down the mountains or taking a leisurely glide through the woods, a properly waxed pair of skis is essential for a smooth ride. But don't worry, waxing your skis is not rocket science, and I'm here to guide you through the process.
First things first, let's talk about the products you'll need. You'll need a hot waxing iron, wax (duh!), and a scraper. You can use either hot wax or rub-on wax. Hot wax is melted onto the ski with an iron, while rub-on wax is, well, rubbed on. Hot wax is more durable, but rub-on wax is faster and easier to apply.
Now, let's get down to business.
Before you start waxing, it's important to clean your skis thoroughly. Use a ski cleaner or a mixture of warm water and mild soap to remove any dirt, dust, or grime from the base of your skis. Dry them with a towel or let them air-dry.
You'll need:
Choose a ski wax that suits the conditions you'll be skiing in. For cold temperatures, use a hard wax, while a soft wax is best for warm temperatures.
Plug in the waxing iron and let it heat up to the temperature recommended on the wax package. Be careful not to overheat the wax, as this can damage your skis.
Hold the wax against the iron and drip it onto the base of the ski in a zig-zag pattern, starting at the tip and moving towards the tail. Spread the wax evenly over the entire base, making sure to cover the edges. Be careful not to let the wax drip onto the bindings or the ski brakes.
Use the waxing iron to melt the wax and spread it evenly over the base of the ski. Keep the iron moving in a back-and-forth motion, and don't leave it in one spot for too long, as this can cause the wax to burn. Spread the wax from tip to tail and from edge to edge. Be sure to cover the entire base of the ski.
Once the wax has cooled and hardened, use a plastic scraper to remove the excess wax. Hold the scraper at a 45-degree angle and scrape from tip to tail, removing as much wax as possible. Be careful not to scrape too hard, as this can damage the base of the ski.
Use a ski brush to remove any remaining wax particles and to smooth the base of the ski. Brush from tip to tail, using long, even strokes. Use a soft brush for warm wax and a stiff brush for cold wax.
And that's it! Your skis are now ready to hit the slopes.
So, why should you bother waxing your skis? Well, for one, it makes them faster. And who doesn't want to go faster? But more importantly, waxing your skis protects the base from damage caused by the snow and ice. It also helps to prolong the life of your skis.
Ski waxes can be divided into two main categories, which are temperature-specific waxes and all-temperature waxes.
Temperature-specific waxes are designed to perform well within a specific temperature range and require an understanding of environmental factors that affect the wax's ability to shed water, such as snow and air temperature, snow humidity, snow age, and condition.
All-temperature waxes are versatile and can be used in a wide range of temperatures and snow conditions.
Ski waxes can also be categorized according to their composition.
Ultimately, the type of wax that will work best for a skier depends on the snow conditions, temperature, and type of skiing they will be doing. It is recommended that recreational skiers and DIY ski waxers have a few different waxes to choose from.
But wait, how often should you wax your skis? Well, it depends on a number of factors, including how often you ski, the conditions in which you ski, and the type of wax you are using. As a general guideline, you should consider waxing your skis after every 4-6 days of skiing or every 150-200km of skiing, whichever comes first.
However, if you are skiing in wet or icy conditions, or if you are skiing aggressively and putting a lot of stress on your skis, you may need to wax your skis more frequently. On the other hand, if you are skiing in dry or powdery snow, you may be able to go longer between waxings.
It's also important to note that there are different types of wax for different temperatures and conditions. If you are using a universal wax, you may need to wax your skis more frequently than if you are using a temperature-specific wax that is designed to perform optimally in specific conditions.
Now, how can you tell if your skis need waxing? Easy – just look at the base. If it looks dry or white, it's time to wax. You can also tell by how your skis perform. If they're slow or sticking to the snow, it's time to wax.
In conclusion, waxing your skis is an essential part of skiing maintenance. It's not difficult to do, and the benefits are well worth the effort. So, grab your waxing iron and get to work! And remember, a well-waxed ski is a happy ski.
or, check out our DIN calculator to find the binding settings that you should be using.