To prepare your downhill skis for the slopes, you need to wax them properly. Wax provides a slick surface on your skis, which reduces resistance and channels air and water from under the skis. This helps you ski faster and maneuver more easily. While there are many techniques for applying different types of ski wax, using a simple rub-on wax, which does not require a hot iron, is good for beginner to intermediate skiers. The wax is available at any good ski shop or sporting goods store and takes only a little time to apply.
Step 1
Select the proper wax for the temperature conditions in which you are skiing. Check the label on the wax packaging for the temperature range. Select a rub-on wax, rather than a melt-on type.
Step 2
Place your skis, bases up, on a flat and stable work area. Scrape as much old wax as possible from the base of the skis with the plastic scraper. Spray on the wax remover, then remove any softened wax with a clean cloth. Ensure that the skis are dry and at room temperature before applying the new wax. Rub the cleaned surfaces of the skis, lightly, with 100-grit sandpaper.
Step 3
Rub the ski wax up and down along the length of the base of the skis. Ensure a layer of wax covers the entire base. Rub the cork block over the base of each ski, repeatedly, to produce friction that will create a smooth surface. Apply another layer of wax and rub the cork over it again. Repeat this step two more times, building up layer on layer of wax.
Step 4
Run the scraper down the length of the ski base several times to remove any excess wax. Rub the abrasive pad with moderate pressure over the surface of the wax. Work along the length of the skis to create tiny grooves that channel both air and water along the skis.
Things You'll Need
- Plastic scraper
- Wax remover
- Clean cloth
- 100-grit sandpaper
- Rub-on wax
- Cork block
- Abrasive fiber pad
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