How to Wax Skis for Powder

Wax your skis every five or six outings.

A well-waxed ski will have you cutting through powder and gliding down a hill with more efficiency. Wax will improve the ease in which the ski cuts through the snow, as well as the speed in which it moves. That's why it's important to have well-waxed skis for both downhill and cross-country skiing. According to the SnowSkiing Channel, you will need to wax your skis every five or six outings. For racers, it should be done every time you hit the slopes.

Things You'll Need

• Ski iron
• Ski hand cork or rotor cork
• Plexi blade
• Fluorine wax
• Fluorine powder
• Steel or bronze brush
• Cotton cloth

Instructions

1. Apply fluorine powder to the gliding surface of your skis by tapping it out of the container. You want just enough powder to be able to iron it on to the entire underside of your skis.

2. Briefly iron the gliding surface. When ironing, divide each side of the length of the surface in half. Iron each side for about five seconds in one smooth motion.

3. Repeat the ironing technique described in Step 2 down the middle of the surface. Repeat this on the side edges. Wait two minutes.

4. Apply the fluorine wax with a ski cork. You can use a hand cork or a rotor cork. With a rotor cork, grab the pointed handle with one hand and the trigger handle with the other. Run the cork along the length of the skis while holding down the handle. Make continual swipes with the cork. If you are using a hand cork, apply wax on the cork and rub it on the skis. You need to use enough wax to cover the entire underside of the skis. Let it cool for 15 minutes.

5. Scrape the wax off gently with a plexi blade.

6. Brush off the excess wax.

7. Polish the glider with a cloth.

References

• YouTube: Waxing Like a Pro
• Spadout: How to Wax Skis
• The SnowSkiing Channel: How Often Should You Wax Your Downhill Snow Skis