History of Ski Wax
The earliest recorded ski wax was pine tar, and it was used to coat wooden skis to prevent them from absorbing water. Ski wax technology didn't experience a breakthrough until 1943, when a chemical company and an Olympic skier developed a synthetic wax together. The formula is not too different from the ski waxes that are in use today. So, how often should you wax your skis? The answer varies. Depending on the conditions, you may need to wax after every ski practice or every week. Similarly, you may need to use tuning tools weekly (or daily) to tighten up your bindings -- although, that usually applies more to snowboards. Your skis should be sharp enough to slice off the top of your nail - if they are too blunt to do this, ski sharpening is required.
How to Wax and Tune Your Skis
Waxing and tuning your skis ensures they remain in top condition and perform optimally when you’re out on the slopes. Learning how to wax your skis is important. First, secure the breaks out of the way and wipe the skis with a little alcohol to remove any rust and dust. Drip the wax onto the skis, moving down the blade until the entire surface is covered in wax. By the time you have reached the opposite end, the first end should be dry. Once the wax has dried, use a plastic scraper to remove excess wax. Use a brush to remove any residual wax.
Wax and Tuning Supplies
Ski tuning kits are available to make home tuning simple, and they usually include a sharpener and a diamond stone for polishing. After sharpening the edges of your skis, polish them for the best control and grip when skiing. The North by Swix Shuttle Kit contains a pocket edge and diamond sharpener for total ski care. There are many ski wax brands available, but a popular choice is Toko ski wax. Toko's all-in-one hot wax is a versatile wax that works well in all temperatures, so no matter the weather, you can rely on this wax.