Nordic skiing includes cross-country treks and mountain jumping. Characterized by skis that use boots with heels not attached to the ski, this version of the winter sport also includes the Nordic combined or biathlon sport of long-distance skiing with jumps. Preparing Nordic skis to perform best under the conditions in which they'll be used takes preparation and planning.
Prepare Your Skis
Putting expensive wax on a poorly prepared set of skis decreases the performance of the skis. Take time to smooth your ski bottoms. You can have them stone-ground at a ski shop or do them by hand. If you have skied previously, look at how your wax has worn to learn your kick zone. Mark your kick zone on your skis so you can wax them properly during each subsequent waxing. If you are not sure where your kick zone starts and ends, wax long to hedge your bet that you have covered it.
Apply a Base Coat
Apply a base coat of wax by brushing the wax from the tip toward the tail so your skis work with the terrain in the direction they'll be sliding. Use a metal brush to start smoothing the wax, finishing with a plastic brush. How easily your finishing brush slides along the wax gives you an indication of how the skis will perform on snow. The easier the brush glides along the bottom, the better the skis will perform.
Add a Second Coat for Speed
A good base coat may be all you need for an entire season, depending on how much you ski. If you desire more speed, add a second coat. Waxes are made for different temperatures. Select a warm- or cold-weather wax depending on the forecast for your trip.
Create a Waxing Station
In addition to preparing your equipment , plan how and where you'll use it. If you don't have a stable table or bench in a well-ventilated area, you may rush the process. Find a place with plenty of room to walk all the way around your skis while working. Make sure your bench or table is secure and won't collapse while you're working. Put a disposable floor or ground covering under the entire work area to catch any wax that may fall during the process. Don't use plastic, which may cause you to slip during your grinding or waxing.
Use the Right Iron
It's better to borrow or rent a quality waxing iron than try to make do with one you can afford. Try to secure an iron that has a temperature control that keeps the iron at a constant temperature during the entire waxing process. This helps you apply your wax evenly. Let your iron warm for at least 15 minutes before starting your waxing to ensure an even temperature during the entire waxing process.
Buy the Right Wax
Waxes come in different temperature grades. Make sure you look for the temperature in degrees on the packaging, rather than simply relying on "warm weather" or "cold weather" phrasing, since not all manufacturers use the same standards. Look for a wax that is more abrasion resistant; water-repellent waxes are more appropriate for downhill skiing.
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