Nordic skis--or cross-country skis--can vary slightly in their composition in order to accommodate different types of snow and terrain, but several aspects of skis are universal to all types. One universal requirement is the application of ski wax to the underside of the ski. This reduces friction between the ski and the snow, and it also provides a hard, protective coating to the ski that protects it from damage from branches, sediments and ice. Waxing should be done every few months of use and can be done at home.
Step 1
Turn the ski upside down so that its underside faces up. You can do this by placing two chairs at each end and letting the bindings hang down between both.
Step 2
Wash the surface of the ski with a wet cleaning rag. This will remove dirt, dust and other sediments that are stuck onto the existing wax.
Step 3
Take a brick of ski wax and hold it against a clothes iron set onto a low heat setting. Ski wax has a low melting point, making it easy to melt for application to the ski. Continue heating the wax as it melts and drips onto the underside of the ski. Place a drop of wax onto the ski every one or two inches along the ski.
Step 4
Take the iron and press it onto the ski. This will spread the wax evenly along the ski. Do this in a slow, soft motion all the way along the ski so that the wax is evenly dispersed and covering the entire ski.
Step 5
Wait 30 minutes while the ski wax hardens.
Step 6
Scrape the uneven parts of the wax off the ski with your scraping brush. To do this, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and move it along the wax from one end to the next. This will create an even, smooth layer of wax along the ski's bottom.
Step 7
Rub a polishing brush from one tip to the other to smooth out the wax. This will create a very smooth surface that will create minimal friction on the ski and make it easier to glide across the snow.
Things You'll Need
- Ski wax
- Cleaning cloth
- Iron
- Wax scraper
- Polishing brush
Member Comments