If you are new to skiing then waxing can seem like a hassle. Especially since it’s not always easy to determine whether or not your ski wax is fresh. That is, until now. We’ve got you covered on this front. Here are a few telltale signs that your skiing wax is about to expire and needs to be replaced.
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Wax Turns Yellow
Wax is a highly flammable substance and extreme heat can cause it to deteriorate quickly. If your wax turns yellow then it’s time to call off your afternoon of skiing and head to the ski wax shop to get your hands on some new liquid. The color change indicates that your wax is on the brink of becoming unusable. It’s important to note that this can also happen if you leave your ski wax on for too long in extreme heat. If you wait until your wax turns bright yellow before reacting, it can be slightly more complicated. In any case, this is never a good sign. Always replace your wax before this happens.
Wax Turns Brittle
When your wax turns brittle it is time to say goodbye to your favorite ski jacket. This usually happens when your wax is stored in extreme heat or if it is old and cold. When the time comes to use your skis again, this will make the process much more complicated. You wouldn’t want to skid to a halt because the wax you’re using is too brittle and will break off during use. Always check the consistency of your wax before using it. If it is too thick then it may need to be thinned out with a few drops of oil or thinner before use.
Foam Turns Thick
Foam is another substance found inside most ski waxes. It is designed to enhance the performance of your skis and save you from slush and snow all day long. Thicker foam is better. It helps protect you from head to toe in case of a spill. It also adds a bit of cushioning, which again, is beneficial. If your foam is getting too thick then it’s time to find a new source for your ski wax. Too much of this stuff can make your skiing experience less enjoyable. Keep an eye out for if your foam is getting too thick because it can make taking a ski trip much more complicated. Sizes can vary but most manufacturers will tell you that you should aim to maintain a consistency of between 350 and 450mm. If you go below 350mm then your foam may start to break down, which is never a good thing. Above 450mm and you’re good to go.
Mountain Smell
Have you ever noticed that the farther you go up in elevation the more pungent everything becomes? It’s the nature of the matter. The same goes for your ski wax. If you are taking a hike up a ski slope then you can bet that the air is thick with the smell of pine and snow. It’s a combination that is as unique as it is intoxicating. If you go up in elevation and pass a skier or two then you will catch a faint whiff of their deodorizer. It’s quite an intoxicating mixture and one that will stick with you for the rest of your life. If you don’t have time to stop by the local ski shop for new wax then you are in luck. This is the type of smell that will let you know when your wax is getting close to its expiration date. It’s a smell that can only be described as paradise. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in an area where the smell is strong then you can be sure that your wax is at least good for the day. It might even be good enough for the entire week.
Smoother Than New
Has it ever happened to you that you hit a bump or a cliff edge and your ski wax immediately starts to peel off? This can be quite the irritation if it happens on a frequent basis. It’s time to say goodbye to those irritating little patches of dry, flaky wax that build up on your skis during the day. If you’re going for a morning ski and your wax is still wet when you get off the lift then it will still be damp when you’re skiing down. This is not a good thing, as it will lead to more wax buildup during use. Thicker and smoother is always a good thing, so try to avoid this. The only way to prevent this is by using a proper wax lubricant, which some manufacturers suggest using every time before skiing. This prevents any dryness and ensures better glide.
Odorless
Has it ever happened to you that your wax smells great when you open the container but as soon as you start skiing it becomes apparent that something is off? This usually happens when you use cheap wax that has been stored in direct sunlight. Even though it might smell good when you first open the container, it will most likely have an odor to it once you start skiing. If you can detect an odor while skiing then it’s high time for you to find a new source for your ski wax. Thicker and smoother is always a good thing, so try to avoid this. The only way to prevent this is by using a proper wax lubricant. This prevents any odor and ensures better glide.
It’s important to remember that these are only a few of the ways that your ski wax can indicate when it’s time to change it. There are other signs as well, such as if your wax starts feeling sticky during use then it’s time to visit the toilette for some toilette wax remover. If any of these signs sound familiar then it’s time to find a new source for your ski wax.