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Introduction to Waxless Skis
The "waxless" in waxless skis only refers to the fact that you don't have to apply sticky grip wax to the center portion of the ski. The ridges imprinted in the centre portion of the waxless ski allow you to grip the snow and push yourself forward. The other function of a waxless ski, like any other ski, is to allow you to glide easily. For this you need to apply a glide wax.
Liquid Ski Glide Wax
The easiest way to apply glide wax is to buy a liquid glide wax which you can spray or sponge on yourself. Examples include Toko X-Press Grip & Glide Wax and Swix Easy Glide for Waxless Skis, but any liquid ski glide wax will work.
Liquid Wax on Waxless Skis
On a waxless ski you apply the wax to the ENTIRE base of the ski, including the patterned portion. The wax on the patterned portion will prevent snow, ice and dirt from building up in the ridges and also reduce wear on the ridges and increase your ability to glide. If there is already a buildup of dirt in the ridges, dampen a paper towel with wax remover and clean out the ridges, wait a few minutes for any remaining wax remover to evaporate and then apply the liquid wax.
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Liquid Wax on Waxable Skis
Liquid wax can also be applied on the tips and tails of waxable skis, but NOT on the portion where you will later apply grip wax.
Disadvantage of Liquid Wax
The only disadvantage to applying liquid wax yourself is that it isn't especially durable and will have to be reapplied every few times that you go skiing, but if you are only skiing a few times per year it will be perfectly adequate. If you are doing a great deal of training or racing you can take your skis to a cross country ski shop and have the tips and tails hot waxed with a hard glide wax that is ironed into the ski base and will be more durable than liquid wax. Remember that you will still have to apply liquid wax to the ridges on waxless skis.
Conclusion
A freshly glide waxed ski will have a glossy, smooth appearance. To tell if your skis need glide waxing look for frosty / cloudy patches that get bigger the more you use your skis. On skis with black bases look for grey patches were the glide wax has worn away and on skis with white bases look for dull, frosty areas were the wax has worn away. Keeping your skis in good condition will allow you to ski farther, faster and see more animals.  |
