Ski wax is applied to the base of skis and snowboards to reduce friction with the snow, improving glide and protecting the base from drying out and oxidising. Wax is matched to snow temperature: softer, warmer-temperature waxes for warm/wet snow; harder, colder waxes for cold/dry abrasive snow. Most waxes are colour-coded by temperature range. Recreational users can use a universal all-temperature wax and re-wax every 3-5 days of use; racers tune to exact conditions and may add fluorinated top-coats (now restricted in competition for environmental reasons) for wet snow.
Key points
- Reduces friction, protects the base
- Matched to snow temperature
- Universal wax fine for recreational use
- Re-wax every 3-5 days of skiing