If you are one of those who rarely take the time to wax your skis, perhaps because you are too lazy or just don’t feel it’s necessary, you have surely found yourself more than once with the frustrating feeling of your skis “sticking” to the snow. It’s easy to let this maintenance go until the performance starts to decline noticeably, but the truth is that waxing your skis on a regular basis is not only easy, but it greatly improves your experience on different types of snow, so don’t wait until your skis are crying out for it!

Maintaining the different parts of your skis is key to smooth performance on the slopes. You’ve probably heard it many times, but it’s true: waxing your skis regularly improves your glide and extends the life of the sole This process, which may seem complicated at first, is actually simple and quick if you follow the right steps. Besides, doing it yourself allows you to adjust the wax to the snow conditions and save on visits to the workshop (although if you prefer to leave it to a professional, you’ll find good professional experts at the end of the article). Let’s get to it!

Why is it important to wax your skis?

Waxing not only improves gliding speed, but also protects the base of the ski. With use, ski bases can become dry and dull, increasing friction with the snow. Applying wax on a regular basis fills these pores and ensures a smoother, more controlled experience, whether on powder days or icy slopes. In addition, keeping skis waxed prolongs their lifespan. Developing this article on the maintenance of the ski’s sole or base requires a good understanding of what the bottom surface that is in direct contact with the snow is made of. This base is usually made of a synthetic material known as P-Tex, a high density and durable polyethylene, designed to be soft and wear resistant. It is the most common material, characterised by its high wax absorption capacity, which improves sliding on snow. If you do not wax the P-Tex, its performance decreases. The bases of the skis have an extruded or sintered base. Their characteristics are different, so we will give you a brief explanation before moving on to the subject at hand.

    • Extruded base: More economical, but with less wax absorption capacity. Requires less maintenance but offers lower performance in demanding conditions. Typically used in mid to low-end skis or rental equipment.
    • Sintered base: Of higher quality, it offers better wax absorption, allowing for faster and more efficient gliding. This type of base is more common in high performance skis.

How often should you wax your skis?

A general rule of thumb is to wax your skis after every 5-10 days of use, although this may vary depending on snow conditions. If you notice that the bases of your skis look dry or have a whitish appearance, it’s time to apply a new coat of wax. In addition, skiing in very cold snow conditions or in wet snow can also accelerate wax wear. In addition, it is advisable to wax your skis at the end of the season so that the sole is hydrated during the months they will be stored in the loft.

What do you need to wax your skis?

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary equipment. You don’t need expensive tools, but good quality equipment is essential to get the best results and some space to lay your skis flat.

Start by putting on an apron or at least a piece of clothing that you are not too fond of. It is normal to stain yourself with wax if you are not practised. If the garment or apron is thick, you will avoid the unpleasant sensation of burning and the heat of the wax getting to your skin.

Waxing iron

Invest in a ski-specific iron. Clothes irons do not maintain a constant temperature, which can damage the base of the skis. We recommend leading brands such as Swix, Toko, Xcman, Skinstar and Holmenkol. If you don’t want to buy a specific ski waxing plate, the old steel plates without holes can be a good option. Now it is worth telling you something important, which is the temperature of the ski waxing iron. It all depends on the type of wax you are going to use, as each wax has a specific melting point. Usually the wax manufacturer will state the ideal temperature on the packaging, but here is a general guide for different types of waxes:

  • Cold snow wax (generally for temperatures of -10°C or lower): These waxes require a higher temperature on the plate, between 140°C and 155°C. They are harder and therefore need more heat to melt properly.
  • Medium temperature snow wax (between -10°C and 0°C): The iron should be at an intermediate temperature, around 125°C to 140°C.
  • Wax for warm snow (wet snow or temperatures above 0°C): These waxes are softer and need a lower iron temperature, usually between 110°C and 125°C.

An important recommendation is to adjust the iron so that the wax melts easily when touching the iron, but does not smoke. If the wax starts to smoke, it is a sign that the iron is too hot, which can damage both the wax and the base of the skis.

Ski wax

The wax must be adapted to the snow conditions. There are waxes for cold snow, wet snow and also general purpose (all-temp) waxes which are generally the most widely used by the general public. Traditionally, ski waxes are made from paraffin waxes (petroleum derivatives), although there are also more advanced waxes that incorporate fluorocarbons, natural waxes (beeswax or carnauba wax). The more refined ones use waxes that include additives such as graphite or molybdenum, which help reduce static electricity build-up in cold or very dry conditions, thus improving glide on hard snow. There are several reputable brands in the industry offering high quality products. Swix is one of the most popular in the ski world, known for its wide range of waxes designed for different snow conditions and temperatures. Toko is also highly regarded, with a range of waxes from general purpose or all-temp waxes to more specialised competition waxes, making it a versatile and reliable choice. Dakine, on the other hand, is more action sports oriented and offers affordable, easy-to-use waxes for those looking for a hassle-free general waxing. Finally, Hertel has gained popularity with its multi-temperature “Super HotSauce” wax, an ideal choice for both skiers and snowboarders looking for a product that works well in a variety of conditions without the need to constantly change waxes.

Plastic scraper

The scraper is an essential tool in the ski waxing process, used to remove excess wax that builds up on the base after application. Although applying the wax correctly is crucial, scraping is also crucial, as only a thin layer of wax should remain on the base of the ski. More wax does not make the ski glide better. Everything in the right measure and trying to leave the surface very smooth.

“Scraping ensures that the wax penetrates into the pores of the base and that there is no build-up that could slow down the glide”.

Plastic scrapers are made of high density plastic (polycarbonate or acrylic), which gives them the necessary rigidity to remove wax efficiently without damaging the base of the ski. These scrapers are usually very thin, between 3 and 5 mm thick, which allows them to be stored conveniently.

Before you start scraping, allow the wax applied to the skis to cool completely for about 15-20 minutes. Scraping while the wax is still hot may cause it to be removed too much or not to adhere well to the base.

Always start from the tip of the ski and make firm strokes towards the tail. Tilt the scraper at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the surface of the base and make constant, controlled movements. The aim is to remove all surface wax without scratching the base. Many scrapers include a small groove on the side to clean the metal edges of the ski, which is useful to remove wax accumulated in those areas. As brands of scrapers we recommend, apart from the above mentioned waxes, racewax.

Base brushes

These are essential tools in the ski waxing process, used after scraping off the wax to remove any remaining residue and polish the base. Brushing is crucial to obtain a smooth finish, optimise glide and free the pores of the ski base, allowing the wax to adhere properly. Proper use of brushes helps maximise speed and control on the slopes.

There are several types of brushes, each designed to fulfil a specific function within the ski maintenance process. The most common materials are bronze, nylon and horsehair, each with different purposes in grooming the base.

  1. Bronze or steel brush: This brush is used in the first phase of brushing, before applying the wax or just after scraping off the excess wax. The bronze or steel bristles are stiff enough to penetrate into the pores of the base and remove wax or dirt. They also help to open up the structure of the base, preparing it to better absorb new wax.
  2. Nylon brush: This is the most versatile and commonly used brush after the bronze brush. It is used to remove the fine wax residues after scraping and to start polishing the surface of the base. Its use is crucial to smooth out the remaining wax and provide a well-finished base for better gliding.
  3. Horsehair brush: This is the final brush in the waxing process, designed to polish the base to a higher level and give it a smooth, shiny finish. The soft horsehair bristles remove the finest wax particles and provide the ultimate polish for optimum glide.

If you want to make proper use of the base brushes, we recommend a brushing prior to waxing. The bronze brush is used before applying the wax to clean and prepare the base, removing any accumulated dirt. This is followed by brushing after scraping. Once you have scraped off the excess wax, use the nylon brush to remove any wax residue and smooth the base. It is advisable to make several passes from the tip to the tail, with moderate pressure. Finally comes the final polishing , which is nothing more and nothing less than using the horsehair brush to give the base the finishing touch. This brushing helps to add shine and improve the ski’s speed on snow.

Base cleaner

This is simply a product to remove dirt or residues before waxing. You have two options: solvent-based and environmentally friendly cleaners. Both types remove residues, but the eco-friendly ones tend to be less aggressive and safer for the environment. It is not necessary to use base cleaner before each waxing session. We recommend using it only when the base is visibly dirty, when you change wax type (from cold to hot wax, for example) or if the base has accumulated stubborn residues. The brands mentioned above, together with Dominator , are the most commonly used base cleaners.

Rubber bands

Their main function is to keep the ski brakes in a retracted position, preventing them from interfering with your work. Although rubber bands may seem a minor element compared to other tools, they make the job much easier by allowing you to manipulate the skis without obstacles. Although ski-specific rubber bands are recommended, if you don’t have them handy, you can also use any thick rubber band that is strong enough.

Ski Vise

This is a clamping system, similar to a vise, that allows you to hold your skis securely in place while you are adjusting, waxing or edge grinding. The vises are specifically designed to hold skis firmly and securely, making it easier to access the base and edges without the skis moving. If you don’t have a ski vise and will be using a rectangular table to maintain your skis, be sure to take some precautions to keep the skis stable by placing something on their sides to prevent them from tipping over, although ideally you should use ski vises mounted on a stable workbench.

. Also place a towel or non-slip mat on the table to prevent the skis from moving while you work and protect anything you don’t want to get dirty with old towels or rags. Although it won’t be as precise as with a vise, this improvised method can work well if you work carefully and pay attention to stability. Toko React and Swix have waxing stands with all kinds of settings. There is also an aluminium waxing bench from VOLA that is ideal for racers, since they have to transport it regularly.

By the way, the purpose of the dresser is to keep the skis fixed in three main positions:

  1. Base up: This is the ideal position for waxing and planing. The ski is positioned with the base upwards to allow full access to the surface.
  2. Upright edges: This position is perfect for sharpening ski edges. Holding the ski in an upright position ensures that you can work the edges efficiently and accurately without it moving.
  3. Inclined angle: Many vises allow the ski to be positioned at an inclined angle, making edge sharpening easier and more comfortable. These are the most recommended if you are also going to do the edges.

Steps to wax your skis

Find a well-ventilated area, as wax fumes can be harmful. Ideally, work in a garage or outdoors. Make sure your table or bench is clear of personal items, clothing or electronic devices. Place the vises on the table and make sure they are securely fastened.

Before applying the wax, it is important that the base is clean of dust, salt, or any residue that may have accumulated. Use a base cleaner with a soft cloth to clean the skis from tip to tail. This step is also a good opportunity to check for any damage to the base, such as scratches, and repair them with P-Tex if necessary.

Once the base is clean, heat your iron to the appropriate temperature for the wax you are using. Keep in mind that each type of wax has a different melting temperature, so it is important not to overheat it. If the wax starts to smoke, the iron is too hot.

Hold the wax against the iron and let it drip onto the base of the ski, distributing it evenly across the surface. Ideally, apply a thin layer to avoid waste. Afterwards, use the iron to spread the wax all over the base, making sure to cover every corner without stopping in one spot for too long, as you could damage the base.

After applying the wax, let the skis sit for about 30 minutes (depending on the manufacturer) to allow the wax to cool and harden. Do not try to speed up the process by applying cold or air, as this could compromise the quality of the wax.

Once the wax is cool, use the plastic scraper to remove the excess. The aim is to leave a thin layer of wax in the pores of the base. Scrape from the tip to the tail with firm, steady strokes. Repeat the process until no more wax remains.

The last step, and one of the most important to maximise performance, is to brush the bases. First use the stiff bristle brush to remove any remaining wax particles. Then use the soft bristle brush to polish the base to get the smoothest surface possible. This step is key to making sure your skis glide as efficiently as possible on the snow.

Knowing how to wax your skis will not only improve your experience on the slopes, but also prolong the life of your equipment. With practice and the right materials, you can easily do it at home. If you also want to go a step further and adapt the wax to the snow conditions, you will get a faster and more manageable ski.

Let’s give it all on the slopes with well waxed skis!