Ski waxing, an essential step in equipment maintenance

Waxing involves applying a thin layer of special wax, called wax, to the bases of the equipment to optimize its glide. This maintenance is performed on all slide sports equipment, from beginner piste skis to racing skis, as well as cross-country skis, snowboards, freeride skis, etc.

The first step is to clean the base of the ski or snowboard, to remove the old wax layer and dirt, using a de-waxing paraffin, a suitable scraper, and a brush.
Next, you need to get several accessories to perform the actual waxing: a waxing iron, a block of wax suitable for snow conditions and a workbench which will allow you to position the ski well and hold it in place.

The operation to perform is not complex a priori, but requires some experience to apply the wax correctly. After having set the iron to the correct temperature (around 100°C, but variable depending on the type of wax), apply the wax over the entire base, including edges, from front to back. It is important to have a uniform application and to proceed sparingly to avoid damaging the base with the iron, while applying a sufficient layer of wax.

Waxing is for some a somewhat tedious operation, but it is nonetheless essential for the following reasons:

• optimize glide: a waxed ski glides better on snow, offers more fluidity and enjoyment, and better performance;

• protect the ski or snowboard base: wax prevents drying out and premature wear, which will allow you to keep your equipment longer;

• ensure better grip: waxing doesn't just help with glide, because on hard snow, using suitable wax also allows for better grip in turns ;

• adapt performance to conditions: with a single pair of skis or snowboard, specific waxes allow you toadjust glide according to temperature and snow type, for more versatile equipment.

Most often, if you buy new equipment, it is ready to use (waxed and sharpened). It is therefore not necessary to wax them immediately after purchase. Similarly, ski rental at a Sport 2000 store guarantees that the skis are well-maintained and that waxing has been done whenever necessary.

Generally, it is advisable to wax skis at the end of the season by leaving a thick protective layer of wax, then to re-wax before starting the next season. If you ski regularly and intensively, you will also need to wax your skis or snowboard every 3 to 5 outings depending on conditions, as well as before each competition.

With a little equipment and a workshop that offers you enough space, you can easily wax your skis yourself. Nevertheless, you need to know how to choose correctly between the different wax colors, apply the right amount of product, perform the correct movements, and simply take the time to do it!

To simplify your life and benefit from quality waxing, it is therefore advisable to bring your skis to theworkshop of a Sport 2000 store. The vast majority of our shops offer this service: bring them to the store at the beginning of your stay and benefit from the expertise of the ski technicians for the maintenance of your equipment! Each shop sets its own prices, but you can expect on average between 7 and 15 euros depending on the equipment to be waxed and the wax used.

If necessary, you can also requestski sharpening, or even repairs if needed. Complete maintenance can thus be carried out, for skis that are always performing well on piste, off-piste or in the snowpark, and that last longer.

To avoid having to worry about waxing and equipment maintenance in general, rental is undoubtedly the best option. You benefit not only from recent equipment and adapted to your needs (ski level, size, junior or adult model, etc.) at a reduced price, but also regularly maintained by the store team. The ski technicians also handle binding adjustment according to your body type and level, so you benefit from ready-to-use equipment.

And of course, you can rent other products selected from the best brands, to have a complete outfit for winter sports: ski boots, helmet, poles, etc. This is not to mention the in-store sales areas where you can buy clothing, protection, and other accessories!