Waxing

Buyer’s guide for ski and snowboard wax

You will probably feel confused when you will see how many types of wax there are. Universal, coloured, fluored, eco-friendly or tour-specific, the wax offering has never been so big. Here is a little guide to help you find out which one will suite you best.

Spray wax or a block of solid wax?

We may be stating the obvious but spray wax is by far the most convenient and the easiest to use. Spray the base, wipe with a cotton cloth until it penetrates and you’re done. Quick and easy. It is a good way to wax your skis or board if you don’t have much time ahead or if you don’t want to take all of your maintenance equipment with you. The downside is that this type of wax is less durable. It’s a quick fix, that’s it. Real waxing should be done with solid wax. You will heat it up until it melts and blends into the base which will make it last a lot longer. In order to maximise this durability you should begin the process with removing the previous wax with a block of wax remover.

What type of wax should you use for your skis or snowboard?

That’s when it gets a little more complicated. There are plenty of waxes available on the market, each being specific to a certain type of temperature or snow. However, the universal wax makes things simpler. It is the most versatile wax and the cheapest one as well. If you need to wax your gear for skiing on the slopes, or for freeriding or for ski touring anytime during the year, it is the one you need. Other waxes are more specific and require more knowledge to be used. It is reserved for demanding skiers who want to get the best performance out of their skis. The yellow blocks of wax are made for a use in ‘warm’ conditions with the air temperature between -6°C and 20°C. The red ones are suited for air temperatures between -15°C and -5°C and the blue wax is for really cold days with temperatures far below -12°C. These types of specific wax are mostly used in competitions by racers. This allows them to adjust day to day and get an optimal glide. Spring or warm days require a different approach. The idea is to be able to glide on a snow that is usually very wet. Manufacturers have developped waxes with fluor in it. They are more expensive and also more toxic so be careful, if you use it in a small room, make sure it is ventilated or air it afterwards. To finish with an eco-friendly touch, we could mention the E-Wac by Vola which is an environmental friendly wax using no petrol. They also make a touring specific wax, suited for skiers who want to keep the climbing skins in the best possible shape for as long as possible!

Wax your skis yourself with one of our many blocks of wax available!