Waxing cross-country skis: Instructions and tips for cross-country ski care
A well-waxed cross-country ski practically runs itself? Well, not quite, but you'll definitely glide a lot better on them! Here we show you how to wax your classic cross-country skis, “scale skis” or skating skis and which wax is best for cross-country ski care. Last but not least, we also address the question of whether you can wax your cross-country skis yourself or whether it's better to have them waxed by a professional.
Why do you need to wax cross-country skis?
“Waxing is so much effort” and ‘The ski is so good anyway, it doesn't need waxing’ or alternatively ‘Only professionals need to do it’ - if someone tries to sell you arguments like these, it's best not to listen at all! Because only with regularly waxed cross-country or skating skis can you really have fun on every cross-country tour.
The reason for this is actually quite logical: the layer of wax protects the base so that the ski can glide through the track all the more easily. If the base becomes brittle because the ski receives too little care, a braking effect occurs due to the increased friction.
Skis want to be waxed, so there's no question about that. The situation is not quite so clear when it comes to the process itself. There are many wax products out there, as well as tips on frequency and the persistent opinion that every cross-country ski needs to be waxed from the start...
Do you have to wax new cross-country skis?
A new ski should be ready to go straight away. That's why you don't have to wax our cross-country skis before you use them for the first time. You don't have to, but you can if you want to glide along particularly easily.
But: even the best cross-country skis need to be waxed at some point. After all, you are gliding on ice crystals - and they rub the wax layer a little further with every use. So the wax is worn away bit by bit and without occasional waxing you will sooner or later realize: it's a lot of effort all at once...
Frequency: How often do you have to wax cross-country/skating skis?
If professionals wax their cross-country skis every day, does that mean you have to invest time in ski care before every tour? No, don't worry. Normally, it's enough to take care of the wax layer every 2-3 days. That should be enough for a consistent gliding function.
However, this is more of an orientation value, as it is difficult to make general statements in this case. Last but not least, how often you actually ski and the prevailing snow conditions also play a role: Fresh snow crystals, for example, have a more pointed structure than old, wet snow and therefore grind out the wax more quickly.
The most important rule of thumb is: as soon as you can see irregularities on the base at first glance and at the latest when a black graphite base turns gray, it's time for a wax treatment!
Accessories: cold wax, liquid wax or simply candle wax?
You've probably already found out for yourself: There are many ski waxes. To help you make the right choice, we have briefly summarized the most important differences here!
Climbing wax vs. glide wax: These types of wax each have an opposite effect: climbing wax has the effect of increasing static friction in the climbing zone. This is an advantage if you don't have a ski with a mechanical climbing aid (skin, or so-called “scales”), but rather a classic wax ski (more on this in a moment). Glide wax, on the other hand, is - surprise, surprise - intended for the glide zone and reduces friction.
Liquid waxes are becoming increasingly popular. These products are specially designed to be easy to use. No special premises or clamping device are required. The waxing process is very simple and time-saving. Ideal if you want to be equipped on the go and want to wax in between.
So how do you find the ideal wax? In principle, the most important thing is that you are familiar with the wax and can use it correctly. You should also pay attention to the temperature specifications when buying your cross-country ski care product, as not every wax is suitable for every type of snow.
By the way, if you're wondering whether there is a real no-go: Yes! You shouldn't use regular candle wax for waxing your cross-country or skating skis. After all, you can never be sure what fragrances and colorants they may contain and how well your skis can handle these additives.
Waxing classic cross-country skis vs. waxing skating skis
Classic wax skis, scale skis, skating skis - what is what and how do I wax them? Let's take a step-by-step look at how waxing cross-country skis works in practice!
Variant 1: Waxing wax skis or “scale skis”
A classic cross-country ski is divided into three zones: Glide zone - kick zone - glide zone. It is therefore only logical that the entire ski is not treated in exactly the same way when waxing:
| Sliding zone | Sliding wax/liquid wax |
|---|---|
| Push-off zone/climbing zone | Climbing wax/liquid wax |
| Glide zone | Glide wax/liquid wax |
The climbing wax ensures that you have good grip on ascents, while the glide zone, as the name suggests, is effective when gliding. This ski structure is referred to as wax skis; there are also so-called “NoWax” skis.
These skis have a mechanical climbing aid in the climbing zone in the form of colloquially known “scales”, crown grinding or skins. They are best treated with a liquid wax and are generally rather low-maintenance. You don't need a special climbing wax for these, as the ski already has the grip function. However, it should be maintained, i.e. cleaned, using the liquid wax so that wax residue or dirt picked up from the track does not restrict the function of the mechanical climbing aid.
Variant 2: Waxing skis for skating
Climbing and gliding zone? Not with skating skis! These sporty cross-country skis have a continuous glide zone over the entire ski. So if you skate ski, you only need glide wax - that's the whole secret. Attention: When buying, pay close attention to which wax is intended for which temperature conditions!
How to wax cross-country skis correctly
Waxing skating skis or classic cross-country skis is not that difficult - especially not once you have a bit of practice. All you need is the right equipment:
For the simple version of liquid waxes, you don't need anything except a brush. Shake the bottle, apply the wax to the base, leave to dry and brush out.
If you want to do something good for your skis, you can treat them to a hot wax every now and then, which of course provides a little more intensive care than the quick liquid wax option. The following accessories are required for this:
a firm, stable base such as a workbench
a ski holder or a device that holds the ski firmly in place
a base cleaner
the appropriate ski wax
a blade to remove the wax layer
a nylon brush
a grooved pencil
a wax iron if you are working with hot wax
a soft towel
If possible, wax your skis in a room that is well ventilated. Ready? Then let's go! This is how you proceed:
Smooth and prepare the surface by removing dirt with the base cleaner.
Brush the surface thoroughly once to remove any remaining dirt.
Apply the wax to the gliding surfaces: You can apply cold wax directly and simply hold the hot wax block to the iron so that the wax becomes liquid and drips onto the ski.
If you are using hot wax, use the iron to spread the liquid wax over the ski. Caution: If smoke appears, remove the iron immediately! You can avoid this risk by using a wax iron that allows you to adjust the temperature.
Wait, wait, wait: Give the cold wax about 5-10 minutes and the hot wax 20-30 minutes to harden and soak in.
Clean the groove in the base with the groove pen. This is important for good guidance when gliding.
Remove the remaining (hot) wax layer.
Brush the base vigorously several times.
Wipe off any remaining wax flakes with the cloth.
Once you've done this a few times, you won't have to plan too much time for waxing your cross-country skis. Another tip when it comes to “no-wax” skis: glide wax has no place in the climbing zone. With these skis, you should again take particular care to remove any dirt from the “scales” or skins. The easiest way to do this is to use Clean & Glide products, which can be used for both the climbing and gliding zones.
Should I have my cross-country skis waxed or wax them myself?
Most of us treat our alpine skis to the little luxury of a professional ski service every now and then. But what about cross-country skis? Do you really have to go to a professional every time if you theoretically wax your skis several times a week?
No, of course not. Provided you are familiar with waxing and know exactly which product is best suited to your skis, you can definitely wax your cross-country skis yourself. However, when it comes to major repairs, scratches, etc., it's better to call in the professionals.
Finally, we recommend investing in high-quality accessories, such as a waxing iron instead of an “old iron” that is literally still sitting around somewhere at home. Or you can simply rely on care with liquid products. In both cases, nothing can go wrong and you'll notice it the first time you use your freshly waxed cross-country skis: It was worth it!
