Your car won't run properly without adequate and appropriate fuel and periodic maintenance. Neither will your skis. Ski waxing and ski tuning maximize ski performance and prevent damage to your skis' edges and bases. The type of wax, as well as the tuning styles, are specific to the weather, snow conditions and skiing styles.
History
The earliest written references to ski preparation are found in a 1674 history of Lapland. The Laps used pine and rosin to tune and wax their skis. Later, in the 1890s, Norwegian ski racers would improve their glide by rubbing a thin layer of paraffin wax into their ski bases. As centuries past, different countries developed their own type of ski wax. In 1922, a Stuttgart factory created a ski wax that combined melted candles with turpentine. During World War II, the American 10th Mountain Division used ski waxes for four different temperature ranges. Then, in 1946, Swix, a Swedish Company added pigments to its wax ski, to indicate suitability for different temperatures. Ski tuning also underwent an evolutionary process. Stones and files were the earliest tuning tools, until the belt grinder and the stone wheel supplied an alternative to manual tuning.
Function
Your skis perform by carving and gliding through the snow. Carving requires sharp edges, and gliding requires smooth and lubricated bases. Tuning sharpens your edges and removes nicks from the bases. Waxing lubricates the bases and provides you with a smooth and fluid ride.
Effects
Edge beveling, which adjusts the angle between the ski bases and ski edges, is an essential part of the ski tuning process. Increasing the base edge bevel lifts more of the ski's bottom edge from the snow, which improves glide and enhances speed. Increasing base edge bevel at the tips and tails enhances turn initiation. If you ski on ice or hard-pack, the ski tech may bevel the side edge in order to increase edge grip in these conditions.
Types of Wax
If you plan to wax your own skis, choose the appropriate wax for the temperature and conditions. Red ski wax is designed for temperatures between 25 and 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Blue ski wax is best for temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Fahrenheit, and teal ski wax is for temperatures below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. The Swix website features its signature Ski Wax Wizard, which helps you determine the best wax for every type of condition (see "Resources").
Time Frame
Beginners should have their skis tuned after 15 ski days, intermediates after eight to 12 days and experts after five to seven days. Waxing may be applied as needed, but your skis must return to room temperature before applying wax.
Member Comments