How to Wax Skis

If you've been skiing for awhile, you might eventually want to learn how to wax skis.

The sport of alpine skiing involves friction against the cold snow. As such, for optimum performance, your skis will often require wax. In some situations people will spend the money on a full ski tuning, which includes ski waxing. However, ski tuning is expensive. If you can learn how to wax skis, you can save some money. Waxing your skis will enhance their ability to glide and give you a better sense of control. It will also keep the bases of your skis from drying out, which will ultimately extend their longevity.

So, how do you know when to wax your skis? Here are some situations that indicate that a ski waxing is needed:

• You point your skis straight down the hill, and they don't pick up any speed. You are moving so slowly, the the turtle from the Comcast commercial passes ahead of you. Your upper body is exhausted from using your poles to gain momentum. It's time for a wax job.

• In July, you took a trip to a South American ski resort. There were spring skiing conditions, with temperatures in the mid-40s. While you were there, you had your skis tuned. The shop applied a warm weather ski wax, which is suitable for temperatures of 28 degrees Fahrenheit or minus 2 degrees Celsius and above. Warm weather ski waxes are composed of a mix of paraffin and silicone. It is known for its ability to neutralize the effects of wet friction.

• In December, you took a trip to Mont Tremblant in Quebec. The temperature was minus 10 Fahrenheit. Your skis were not performing well. This was because they needed a cold weather wax. This type of wax has a hardening agent which makes it resistant to the sharper snow crystals typical of colder ski resorts.

Here are the tools you will need for waxing your skis:

• Ski wax that is appropriate for the current temperature
• Ski vise to hold your skis in place
• Waxing iron
• Nylon ski brush
• Plastic scraper
• Base cleaner
• Paper towels

Make sure that you have a clean working area. If dirt or dust falls on to the ski during the waxing process, you might end up with an uneven wax job. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated room.

If you have just come in from the snow, it's important to wait at least 30 minutes before applying wax to your skis. Failure to allow your skis to warm up to room temperature may warp your bases. This can permanently damage your skis.

Once your skis have warmed up, place them in the ski vise to stabilize them and use your brush to remove excess debris. Then, pour some base cleaner on to a paper towel and clean the bases of your skis. Once the bases have been cleaned, heat your waxing iron to a low temperature. While the iron is heating, apply an even coat of wax to the bases of your skis. Be sure to cover the entire base.

When the waxing iron reaches the proper temperature, hold it against the ski and wait for the wax to drip. Once this happens, move the iron up and down the bases. When you have finished, wait for the wax to cool down. You can check the temperature by touching it with the back of your hand. When the wax feels cool, use the scraper to remove it.

Learning how to wax skis can save you money and enhance performance. It's a skill that's well worth learning.

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