Skiers wax the bases of their skis to allow them to glide more easily over the snow. Freshly waxed skis can also turn more easily. You should wax your skis at least two or three times each season. If you ski frequently, you should consider waxing your skis after every five or six ski trips, according to the SnowSkiing Channel. If you ski professionally or in races, you might want to wax your skis before each time you ski.
Step 1
Look at the upcoming weather forecast for the area in which you will be skiing and buy ski wax designed for use in the appropriate temperature range.
Step 2
Clean the skis with a base cleaner to remove dirt, grit or old wax buildup. Dry the skis with a soft towel.
Step 3
Heat an iron to use on the skis. Irons designed especially for ski waxing can maintain a more consistent temperature than clothing irons. If you cannot find or afford a specialized ski wax iron, you can use an iron designed for clothing. Do not use the iron on clothes after you have used it to iron wax, as you might damage your clothes.
Step 4
Rub the ski wax bar onto the base of the skis while the iron heats up. Use the minimum amount of wax necessary to cover the surface of the skis. You can also hold the wax against the hot iron to drip it directly onto the skis so that it is already warm.
Step 5
Run the iron over the ski wax to melt it and let the base of the skis absorb it. Keep the iron moving constantly to avoid damaging your skis.
Step 6
Let the ski wax cool for about an hour.
Step 7
Scrape off excess wax with a plastic scraper, then wipe the skis with a paper towel.
Step 8
Remove any remaining excess wax with a nylon or steel brush, and wipe the skis once again with paper towels.
Tips and Warnings
- To make waxing your skis easier, set your skis up on a vise to lock them in place. Only wax skis at room temperature, not when they are still cold after skiing. Waxing cold skis can cause the skis to warp.
- Do not touch the surface of a hot iron. Use caution when heating and using an iron around children.
Things You'll Need
- Base cleaner
- Ski wax
- Iron
- Towels
- Plastic scraper
- Steel or nylon brush
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