I love the feeling of fresh ski wax on my skis before I hit the slopes. It makes hitting the ski runs extra fun because I know my skis will feel fabulous all the way through.
But sometimes, that fresh ski wax can feel a little too much like a fresh coat of paint. Sure, it will make your skis look cool and shiny, but it won’t do anything for your legs or your grip on the snow.
So how often should I wax my skis? Is there a specific number of times I should do it? How many shavings should I leave on each side?
Here is a quick guide to help you choose the right wax and how often to use it so you can get the most out of your ski experience.
Table of Contents
Wax For Speed
This type of wax ensures your skis will be ready to hit the slopes when you are. It is a quick and easy way to get going as soon as possible. The advantage of this type of wax is that it is easy to apply, making it fast and efficient. It also allows you to adjust the skis as needed. If you are new to skiing, this type of wax will make the transition much easier. With less fear of damage due to chipped or cracked surfaces, you are free to enjoy your time on the slopes. The short downside is that this type of wax wears off easily and needs to be reapplied frequently. If you are going for a day, you will have to stop and check your ski wax often. This type of wax is best for intermediate and expert skiers who are looking for improved straight-down speed. (Image courtesy of Myself on My Mountain.)
Intermediates
This category of skiers is somewhere between experts and novices. They enjoy the freedom of riding any mountain no matter their ability while still feeling safe and secure on the slopes. The advantage of this category is that you can choose a wax that is suitable for both expert and intermediate use. You may want to try out a combination of both for maximum performance.
As a beginner, you are best advised to use a softer wax initially. Once you have gotten the hang of things, you can move up to a harder wax to take your skating further. Although it will leave a smoother surface, it will increase the chances of damage. This type of wax is best for all-around use by intermediate skiers who want to be able to ski any run they encounter. (Image courtesy of Myself on My Mountain.)
Expert
For expert skiers, speed is everything. They will use any means necessary to navigate the mountain on the first run of the day. A bit of a luxury for these skiers is that they can choose a wax that is harder than for intermediate use. Having said that, too much hard wax can cause the ski to become brittle. Expert skiers need a balance of both soft and hard waxes for the smoothest possible skiing experience.
For beginners, intermediates, and experts, there is also the option of electric ski waxers. These are ideal for lessening the stress of applying wax manually. As with any other electric appliance, if you have the money, why not? Less effort, more enjoyment on the slopes. (Image courtesy of Myself on My Mountain.)
How Often Should I Wax My Skis?
Now that you know the different types of wax available and which one you should choose based on your skiing needs, it’s time to figure out how often you should wax your skis. There is no exact answer for this, but here are some rough guidelines.
As A Newbie
If you are just starting out, then go for the soft wax. Once you have gotten the hang of things, you can move up to the harder wax. For safety reasons, beginners should use the softer wax until they are comfortable going on ski runs and taking full advantage of their equipment. (Image courtesy of Myself on My Mountain.)
This way, you will not only get the most out of your ski experience but also prevent any potential accidents. Remember: no matter how experienced you become, safety comes first.
For Intermediate And Expert Use
Intermediates and experts can choose any type of wax, but they want to be sure it is a combination of both hard and soft waxes. They will also use the harder wax for the smoothest possible skiing experience on the first run of the day. As time passes and their experience grows, they can move up to the softer wax to take advantage of the feel when skating on ice or snow surfaces. (Image courtesy of Myself on My Mountain.)
For intermediates and experts, every two weeks should be sufficient to wax their skis, but they should consult a professional to get the best possible results. In between waxing sessions, they should store their skis in a wax-proof storage container to keep them clean and dry. (Image courtesy of Myself on My Mountain.)
For All-around Use
For all-around use, it is best to start out with the soft wax and then move up eventually to the harder wax. Once you have gotten the hang of things and are no longer a beginner, you can switch to the harder wax for absolute control. (Image courtesy of Myself on My Mountain.)
This combination should leave you with a shiny, even surface without any danger of chipping or cracking. The disadvantage of this type of wax is that it is slow to apply and can leave an unpleasant odor behind. If you have dogs that you take skiing with you, then this type of wax is not ideal since it will stain their licking area purple. This is why it is best for all-around use by intermediates and experts who don’t mind the extra work in applying and removing the wax. (Image courtesy of Myself on My Mountain.)
When Should I Sharpen My Skis?
The moment you have finished waxing your skis, it is time to sharpen them. Before we begin discussing the best way to sharpen your skis, let’s examine the reasons why you waxed them in the first place. Was it to make them faster? Was it for control? Was it for safety reasons?
As already established, speed is one of the major considerations for any type of skier. If you want to go fast, then you should choose the harder wax so your skis can slice through the air smoothly. The disadvantage of this type of wax is that if you are not careful when applying it, then you can end up with a sticky surface that will make you fall over and over again. The advantage of the harder wax is that it can withstand greater speeds. Therefore, it is best for speed demons who are looking for a thrilling experience on the slopes. (Image courtesy of Myself on My Mountain.)
Control is also an important issue whenever you are on the slopes. If you want to have absolute control over your skiing experience, then you should opt for the harder wax and then smooth it down with an electric razor or a heat-generated diamond frosting tool. Although it will give you maximum control, this type of wax leads to brittleness. This is where the sticky surface issue comes into play because it will make you more susceptible to accidents. (Image courtesy of Myself on My Mountain.)
Next on the list is safety. For beginners, intermediates, and experts, too much wax can actually become dangerous due to the increased chances of damage from falling rocks, tree limbs, or rough patches on the trail. When applying the wax, make sure that the ski slope is well-manicured and free of any obstructions. Also, be mindful of where you place your skis on the slopes because the edges can become sharp if it is not done properly. In general, too much wax can cause you injury if it gets on skin, so make sure you are protected from any possible contact. (Image courtesy of Myself on My Mountain.)
How Do I Sharpen My Skis?
Now that you know why you waxed your skis and how often you should do it, it’s time to choose what method you will use to carry out the task. There are four basic methods of sharpening your skis: