Glide Wax Guide for Ski Conditions

While people think of cold when they consider skiing on snow, when you ski, you are actually gliding on a thin layer of water created by the pressure of the ski on the snow. To maximize the glide, you need to wax your skis with a wax appropriate to the temperature of the snow.

  1. Temperature

    • Waxes are color-coded for the temperature of the snow. Blue waxes are for cold, new snow; red waxes are appropriate for most average snow temperatures; and yellow waxes are for spring conditions when the snow gets slushy and wet. These waxes are hydrocarbon waxes.

    Universal waxes

    • Universal glide waxes are a good choice for skiers and snowboarders who don't want to wax their skis frequently. A universal wax will work in most average snow conditions, but when it gets either really cold or really warm, the performance of the ski will suffer.

    Fluoro waxes

    • Fluoro waxes are designed for performance and are more expensive than standard waxes. Fluoro waxes can be further subdivided into low fluoro and high fluoro waxes. Fluoro waxes make the water under the ski bead up and slide under the ski like ball bearings. They are ideal for racing and for warm temperatures.

    Rub-On Waxes

    • For touching up your skis while on the hill, some skiers will carry a rub-on wax. Unlike hot waxes, which are designed to be applied with a waxing iron, a rub-on wax is crayoned onto the ski base. Rub-on waxes are not meant to be used as an everyday wax, but as a touch up for a day when your skis seem to be lacking performance, perhaps because the original hot wax has worn off.

    Graphite

    • Graphite is sometimes added to both hydrocarbon and fluoro waxes. Graphite additives are good for wet, muddy, spring conditions, as they have an added anti-cling property that prevents the dirt from sticking to the ski base.