Guide to Waxing Skis

Applying ski wax to the bases of your skis is something that should be done several times a season to get the best performance out of the skis. With the right tools and a little practice, waxing skis is something any skier can do at home.

  1. Tools

    • Having the proper tools makes ski waxing simple. First, get a set of vice grips and set them up on a work bench. Holding the ski rigid makes applying wax a much easier task. After that, go to your local ski shop and get a metal wax scraper, a wax brush and a waxing iron. While a home iron will work, you'll never be able to use it on clothes again, so it's best to get a dedicated waxing iron, and one designed solely for ski waxing is best as it maintains a constant temperature.

    Remove the Old Wax

    • Before applying wax to your bases, you need to prepare the bases by removing the old wax. Put the ski in the vice grip with the base side pointed up, and use the scraper to remove the old wax. Hold the scraper at a 45-degree angle and go from tip to tail until no more wax comes off. Finally, use the brush to vigorously brush the bases.

    Apply Wax

    • Apply wax by holding the wax against the iron and holding the iron six inches above the ski base. Drizzle wax onto the base from tip to tail, then iron it into the base, running the iron slowly and smoothly across the length of the base until the wax is smooth. Now scrape off as much wax as you can with the scraper. This seems wrong, but only a very thin layer of wax should be left on the skis. After scraping, use the brush to buff out the remaining wax layer.