Whether you are a seasoned skier or new to the slopes, to get the best glide you will need to apply a ski wax to your ski blades. Also known as glide wax, ski wax types vary. Choosing a ski wax depends on the temperatures of the environment in which you will be skiing. Applying the right type of wax will increase your speed. Universal ski waxes work well in any ski environment, making them the most commonly used types of wax for the casual skier. Application requires the use of an iron, which are available in most ski shops that sell ski wax.
Step 1
Lay your skis blade side up on a sturdy surface, such as a workbench. Secure the center of your skis to the surface with a set of vise grips.
Step 2
Run a brass brush up and down the length of each ski to remove caked on dirt and debris. Remove all signs of dirt and debris.
Step 3
Moisten a rag with isopropyl alcohol and wipe down the ski blades to remove fine dirt and dust particles. Allow the skis to dry for approximately 20 minutes.
Step 4
Plug in the iron and allow it to heat up. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations on the ski wax label for the proper temperature setting.
Step 5
Press a piece of wax against the iron and allow the melting wax to drip onto one of the ski blades. Allow the wax to drip from the tip of the blade to the tail while holding the iron and melting wax 2 inches to 4 inches above the blade.
Step 6
Run the iron over the ski blade, spreading the ski wax evenly along the surface. Add more melted wax, if necessary to ensure even distribution.
Step 7
Repeat the process on the second ski blade. Allow the ski wax to cool for at least 30 minutes. Remove the skis from the vise after the allotted cooling time.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are a cross-country skier, only apply ski wax to the tip and tail ends of your skis. Ironing on ski wax can be messy, so you may want to lay down a tarp to catch any wax drippings.
- Unplug your iron immediately after use. Scrape the wax from the iron with a plastic scraper when cooled. Be careful using the hot iron. The heat from the ski wax iron can burn your skin. Always apply the ski wax in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling dangerous fumes. Do not use a regular household iron to melt ski wax.
Things You'll Need
- Workbench
- Vise grips
- Brass brush
- Rag
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Ski wax iron
- Ski wax
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