Sole preparation

Ski base care: Waxing and essential care for quality gliding

Taking care of the soles of your skis is a crucial step in ensuring smooth, enjoyable gliding throughout the winter season. Care of your skis, in particular waxing, keeps your soles in good condition and optimizes your experience on the snow. Whether you're a beginner or an expert downhill skier, knowing how to care for your skis and how to wax them is essential to preserving your equipment and improving the quality of your skiing.

Why wax ski soles?

Waxing helps the soles of your skis glide more smoothly over the snow, and protects the base of your skis from wear and tear. Abrasive snow, temperature changes and contact with ice can damage ski soles. By waxing your skis, you avoid the risk of excessive friction and increase the durability of your soles.

Steps in sole care

1. Cleaning the soles: Before waxing, start by cleaning the soles to remove residues and impurities. Use an appropriate brush to prepare the bottom of the sole.

2. Choice of wax: The type of wax depends on the snow temperature and the type of glide required. Waxing products are available in several types of kerosene, suitable for cold, warm or intermediate temperatures. Choose the wax that meets your needs for the day, whether it's for hot waxing or basic waxing for the season.

3. Wax application: Using a waxing iron, apply a thin layer of wax to the base. Always work in the direction of glide, from tip to heel, to ensure even distribution. Use around 15 grams of wax for each ski to obtain an even layer.

4. Scraping operation: After allowing the wax to cool, scrape it off with a scraper to remove excess and ensure a smooth glide. This step is crucial to avoid any build-up that could slow down the ski.

5. Brushing the soles: Once scraped, the soles should be brushed with a special brush for a perfect finish. This operation smoothes the soles and improves glide by releasing the wax micro-pores.

Essential products and tools

For top-quality waxing, you need specific products and tools such as Vola wax, a waxing iron, a brush, a scraper and a sole cleaner. These tools are specially designed to facilitate maintenance and ensure optimum results with every operation.

By taking good care of your ski soles, you ensure a better skiing experience and extend the life of your equipment. Regular maintenance, including cleaning, waxing and brushing, is the key to enjoying the pleasures of skiing, whether on fresh snow or in difficult conditions.