How to Wax Wood Cross-Country Skis
Like alpine skis, wooden cross-country skis need to be cleaned and waxed periodically to provide optimum performance. But just as the design of alpine skis and cross-country skis vary significantly, so does the waxing process. Most classic wooden cross-country skis require two different types of wax: a kick wax or sticky klister wax is applied along the middle section of the skis to improve traction while a glide wax is used on the ends of each ski to create less friction.
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Things You'll Need
- Plastic scraper
- 100-grit sandpaper
- Synthetic cork
- Wax made for wooden cross-country skis
Instructions
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Instructions
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Choose the right type of kick wax/klister and glide wax for the conditions you will be skiing in. Most ski waxes are color-coded. For instance, red wax is designed for temperatures above 0, while blue wax is more suitable for colder readings. For the best results on icy, slushy or crusty snow typically found in later winter and early spring, use klister instead of kick wax.
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Thoroughly clean your wooden cross-country skis. Use a plastic scraper to remove old wax. Consider using a base cleaner or citrus-based solvent if your wooden cross-country skis have an abundance of built-up wax and dirt.
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Let your wooden cross-country skis dry completely before adding any ski wax.
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Use 100-grit sandpaper to smooth out the "kick zone" of your cross-country skis, which extends forward about 25 to 30 inches from the heel of the boot. Apply kick wax to this same area and then work it in by rubbing back and forth with synthetic cork. Repeat the process until each ski has four or five layers of wax.
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Add glide wax to the front and back of each wooden cross-country ski. Use cork to polish these newly waxed areas.
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Tips & Warnings
Wooden cross-country skis should be waxed at least once a season. Additional waxing may be needed following frequent use or when snow conditions change.
Never apply traction-enhancing kick wax to the glide zone on either end of wooden cross-country skis.
Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.rabidskier.com/skate_ski_waxing.htm
