Whether you intend to race down a ski slope or glide across a frozen tundra, waxed skis help you go faster. In addition to providing a smooth ride, applying ski wax also helps protect your skis from nicks, scrapes and damage that occurs as your skis become dry and brittle. Ski waxing is an essential maintenance task you should know how to perform at home. Though the type of wax you use depends on your skill level, the terrain and weather temperatures, procedures for applying ski wax are the same.
Step 1
Turn on your ski iron and allow it to heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Place your skis on a waxing bench or in a ski holder to free your hands and make the waxing process easier.
Step 2
Clean your skis using a ski base cleaner and a soft cloth or paper towels. Wipe the entire base of the ski to remove dirt, debris and old wax, then dry thoroughly before applying a new coat of ski wax.
Step 3
Melt the ski wax and let it drip onto your ski. To melt, hold the ski iron perpendicular to the wax and allow it to drip in a line that extends from the tip of your ski to the tail, covering approximately 40 percent of the ski surface area.
Step 4
Iron the wax into your ski, starting at the tip. Wax penetration will be more complete by using light pressure and a slow, steady motion.
Step 5
Melt and add more wax, if necessary, to cover the entire width of the ski base with wax.
Step 6
Turn off the ski iron and allow the ski wax to cool to room temperature.
Step 7
Scrape excess wax, using a plastic scraper, until only a thin layer of wax remains on the top of the ski base.
Step 8
Hand polish to even out the surface area using a buffing cloth.
Tips and Warnings
- Choosing the right type of ski wax is an important part of the process. Deciding which wax to use can be confusing. Visi.com recommends getting started by assembling an inventory of three basic waxes, then adding to this inventory as your experience and skill level changes. A recommended starter inventory includes a cold wax for temperatures of 10 degrees F and colder, an intermediate wax for temperatures between 15 to 25 degrees F and a warm wax for temperatures of 25 to 35 degrees F.
- Apply wax to skis in a well-ventilated area.
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