Ski wax is the snow sport equivalent of the Tin Man's oil can. It is crucial to the ski's momentum, speed and efficiency, as well as the skier's comfort on the snow. Manufacturers make ski wax for different types of downhill and cross-country skiing. Some of these waxes are temperature and condition specific.
History
Ski instructor Seth Masia, in an article on the "Skiing Heritage" website, explains that the earliest references to ski wax appeared in a 1674 translation of a history of Lapland. The Laps used pine tar on their wooden skis, which provided traction and allowed the skis to glide in the snow. Pine tar was the most common form of ski wax until 1943, when a Swedish chemical firm asked bronze medalist skier Martin Matsbo to develop a synthetic ski wax.
Function
Ski waxing has evolved since the pine tar days, but the function remains the same. Wax facilitates ski glide, while providing traction with the snow and reducing snow friction. Ski wax also protects your bases and edges from damage. Skis with inadequate wax may be prone to nicks and burrs.
Features
The ski wax specialists at Dominator Wax note the numerous essential features of ski wax. The wax must be harder than the snow, to prevent the snow crystals from penetrating the wax. A low friction rating keeps the wax slippery, and the wax's ability to repel water keeps snow and ice from sticking to the ski base. Ski wax must also have anti-static properties, because static electricity increases friction.
Types
Ski wax manufacturers color-code their waxes for different temperatures. Red ski wax works best in temperatures between 25 and 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Blue ski wax suits temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Fahrenheit and teal ski is designed for temperatures below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Follow the Swix Wax Wizard link to choose the best wax for the temperature, humidity, conditions and your terrain preferences.
Considerations
Ski shop technicians wax your skis when you take them in to be tuned, but some people like to wax them at home. Let your skis return to room temperature before applying wax. Ventilate the room, and avoid over-heating the waxing iron. Medium temperature is sufficient.
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