Waxing the cross-country skis
During a recent visit to a Nordic Center on a snowy day, a gentleman arrived with "waxless" skis with scales, covered with snow on the entire base of the skis. He wasn’t able to move on them at all and seemed surprised to discover that even such skis require basic waxing. Indeed, ski maintenance through waxing is a vital aspect of cross-country skiing. Waxing can be a scientific process, fulfilling the creative needs of a skier and providing many joyful hours during the winter season. Or, with the introduction of high-quality liquid waxes and skin skis – which also require regular care for the skins - waxing can be a simple, fairly quick task with great returns.
Waxing is to cross-country skis what oil is to a car engine – essential for smooth operation and performance. When you glide across the snow, friction naturally occurs between the ski base and the snow surface. Without proper waxing, this friction can hinder movement, causing sluggishness and diminishing the overall skiing experience. Furthermore, waxing not only enhances glide but also protects the ski base from abrasion, moisture, and dirt, thereby prolonging the life of your equipment.
Glide wax, as the name suggests, focuses on reducing friction and enhancing glide. It is applied across the entire base of skate skis and on the glide sections of classic skis. Conversely, grip wax, also known as kick wax, is applied to the middle section of the classic skis’ base to provide traction during striding or ascending uphill and propel us forward. Unlike glide wax, grip wax adheres to the snow surface, ensuring the ski grips without slipping backward. Both glide and kick waxes come in various formulations tailored to specific snow conditions, from cold, dry snow to wet, slushy conditions.
As a minimum, we recommend applying liquid waxes based on current conditions before skiing. They are easy to apply and require minimal equipment – just liquid wax and a polishing nylon brush. If the snow conditions don’t change, they can be even be reapplied only every couple days of skiing, depending on how long you ski each day, how abrasive the snow is, and the quality of your ski base (retention capability). It's also advisable to have your skis waxed with hard wax 2-3 times a ski season by your local ski shop when using only liquid waxes.
Kick waxing, including klister application, can be a bit of science. Nowadays, skins are a prevalent "waxless" skis, favored by many non-competitive skiers. However, skins also require basic care. Keeping them clean and treating them with anti-icing sprays can greatly enhance your skiing experience. Application is simple and takes only a few minutes.
For more detailed instructions, we've curated a selection of our favorite waxing instructional videos:
And for a bit of fun, here's Lukas preparing Kamila’s skis as he’s geeking out on waxing – enjoying the hands-on work, learnings, and immediate results.
In the world of cross-country skiing, waxing is a fundamental skill that significantly impacts performance and enjoyment on the trails. So, embrace the art of waxing, and prepare to embark on a journey of winter bliss as you glide gracefully across snow-covered landscapes.
Happy skiing!