Like downhill skiers, cross-country skiers apply wax to the bases of their skis so they will glide more smoothly over the snow. When you apply a fresh coat of wax to your skis, you will notice that they turn more easily in the snow. Wax your skis at least two or three times each year, or more often if you ski frequently. Dedicated skiers should wax their skis after every five trips, or even after every trip, according to the SnowSkiing Channel.
Step 1
Consult the weather forecast for your area and purchase a ski wax designed for the appropriate temperature range.
Step 2
Clean your skis with base cleaner. Place several drops of the cleaner on a soft towel and wipe the skis to remove all dirt or leftover wax buildup. Use a clean, soft towel to dry the skis.
Step 3
Heat up a ski waxing iron. Ski waxing irons maintain a more even temperature than regular irons, but you can use a regular clothing iron if you cannot purchase a ski waxing iron. If you choose to use a clothing iron on your skis, do not use that same iron on clothing in the future, as it might damage the fabric.
Step 4
Rub the bar of ski wax directly onto the bases of the skis, or hold the wax bar against the surface of the hot iron and drip wax onto the skis. Use as little wax as you can while still covering the entire surface of the bases of the skis.
Step 5
Run the iron over the bases of the skis to melt the wax. When you press and melt the wax onto the skis with the iron, the skis can absorb it more fully. Move the iron constantly to avoid burning or damaging your skis.
Step 6
Let the warm wax cool for an hour.
Step 7
Remove excess wax buildup with a plastic scraper. Then wipe the skis with a paper towel to remove small bits of scraped wax. Remove any remaining wax buildup with a steel or nylon brush. Then wipe the skis one more time with paper towels or a soft, clean towel.
Tips and Warnings
- Set up a vise to hold each ski in place vertically to make the waxing process easier.
- Do not wax your skis right after skiing, when they are cold. Waxing skis at low temperatures can cause them to warp. Keep hot irons away from children, and do not touch the iron's surface.
Things You'll Need
- Base cleaner
- Towels
- Ski wax
- Iron
- Plastic scraper
- Steel or nylon brush
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