How do you wax your skis?
Waxing the soles of your skis is an essential operation. The aim is not only toimprove glide quality, but also to protect and extend the life of your equipment over time.
Speck-Sports shows you how to wax your skis, how often and what tools you'll need.
How do I wax the soles of my skis?
Waxing is a simple operation, but one that needs to be repeated, especially if you ski regularly. Careful maintenance of your skis extends both their life and their performance. The specialists at Speck-Sports explain how to wax your skis, step by step.
You'll need the following products and tools:
- kerosene wax
- universal wax
- waxing iron
- plastic scraper
- brush
We recommend that you bring along a pair of vices to keep your skis stable during maintenance. You can buy these products separately or opt for a complete maintenance kit.
How to wax your skis in 3 steps
Before we begin, we'd like to draw your attention to two important points. All the operations to be carried out during the various stages must be carried out in the direction of glide, always starting from the tip of the ski towards the heel.
We recommend that you allow a few hours to pass between your return from the slopes and waxing, to avoid excessive temperature variations. Otherwise you risk damaging your skis.
Let's move on to practice.
1. Clean
It's important to clean your skis thoroughly before waxing.
Use a waxing iron to heat the kerosene. As well as being designed for waxing, the waxing iron allows you to set the ideal temperature. For most products, this is 100°C. If you heat too little or too much, you risk burning the product or damaging the ski.
Preheat the iron to 100°C, then melt the kerosene along the ski. Don't use too much - a small amount is enough. Using the iron, spread the kerosene over the entire surface of the base. The gesture should be slow, but never leave the hot iron stationary on the soleplate. If your iron is too hot, you'll hear a crackling sound. This sound indicates that you need to lower the temperature of the iron.
Always in the direction of glide, remove the product with the squeegee. Use large strokes along the length of the ski to avoid leaving marks. Remove any remaining residue and dust with the brush and a clean cloth. The aim is to obtain a clean, completely dry surface.
2. Waxing
There are many waxing products available, but don't panic: for leisure skiing, you can use a universal wax. The advantage of this is that it's compatible with and performs well on all types of snow.
Using your waxing iron, melt the wax bread. Put small drops all over the ski base. Then spread the wax over the entire surface of the base, in the direction of travel.
When you've finished, leave the ski to dry and cool for about two hours. Some products may dry more or less quickly, so check the instructions for use on the package leaflet.
Ready-to-use wax is available in liquid form. It can be applied to the base of your ski with a cloth, but use this option only in the event of an emergency. Otherwise, you run the risk of quickly damaging your base.
3. Scrape and brush
Your ski is now ready for the next step.
Using the plastic squeegee, start removing the wax, pressing gently and repeatedly over the base if necessary, and remembering to go over the edges too (there's a small notch on the squeegee for this purpose).
At the end, use the brush again to remove any remaining residue.
Where can you wax your skis?
There are two options available to you. You can wax your skis yourself or hire a professional. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages.
Waxing yourself?
With the right technique and equipment, you can maintain your skis at home. You'll save time and can adapt the waxing to the weather conditions. Adapting the wax to the temperature and type of snow will allow youto further improve the performance of your skis. If you're unsure which product to choose, ask our experts for advice—they'll be happy to help!
When should you contact a professional?
Unfortunately, with use, your skis can become damaged. A few deep scratches or rust... When this happens, it's best to contact a professional.
At Speck-Sports?
TheSpeck-Sports workshop is equipped with state-of-the-art machines to maintain and repair your equipment. Waxing, sharpening, repairs... our technicians offer you a complete overhaul of your skis.
When should you wax your skis?
Going out with freshly waxed skis is like going out with brand new skis. We recommend waxing them at least once at the end of the season. Observe the condition of your skis; if you notice a drop in performance, it's time to give your skis a makeover. For skis purchased second-hand, we recommend waxing them before hitting the slopes to ensure you get the most out of their performance.
Should new skis be waxed?
New skis are already ready to hit the snow. However, you can still wax them to apply a wax that is more suited to the snow conditions.
In summary, remember that the gliding quality and durability of your skis will be better if you maintain them regularly.
Waxing is one part of ski maintenance; there is also sharpening, which is usually done at the same time as waxing. Discover our experts' advice and technical guides to learn how to choose and maintain your equipment:
Maintaining your skis after waxing
Tips for proper storage
Ski storage between sessions is often underestimated, but it plays a key role in their durability. Choose a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight to prevent the bases from drying out or the edges from rusting.
Place your skis in a horizontal or slightly inclined position, avoiding prolonged contact with damp surfaces. If possible, apply a thin layer of protective wax to the base before prolonged storage: this acts as a barrier against external damage and preserves their quality until the next outing.
Maintaining optimal glide between waxings
To prolong the effects of the last waxing and maintain perfect glide, a few simple steps are all it takes. After each outing, carefully clean your skis with a brush to remove accumulated snow and dirt. Regularly inspect the bases and apply liquid wax if necessary for quick touch-ups.
Adopting these small habits will not only improve your performance on the slopes but also increase the longevity of your equipment. Regular attention makes all the difference when it comes to enjoying the joys ofwinter to the fullest.
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