Waxing is an essential part of owning your own skis. It should be done regularly to avoid sticking and ensure a smooth ride. Buy the same ski wax the professionals use on snowleader.com!
Contrary to popular belief, skis do not slide along snow, but rather on a thin layer of water on top of the snow, which is created by friction between the base of the ski and the snow. The underside of the ski has millions of tiny grooves which facilitate the melting of the snow and prevent sticking.
That's where ski wax comes in - it adds to and protects this intricate network of grooves, as well as stopping the base from drying and flaking, therfore avoiding that 'grabbing' feeling.
You should wax your skis at least every 10 ski days to prevent them from becoming flaky. It should be done in a well ventilated area, as products used in ski wax are dangerous to inhale.
There's a choice between hot wax and cold wax.
Hot wax must be applied with an iron, and takes a longer time, but the results last longer as the wax penetrates the ski, giving it a deep conditioning effect.
Cold wax is the cheaper option - it's easier to do and takes less time, but gives a less thorough result. It is recommended that you just use cold wax as a 'top-up' between regular hot waxes.
You should cover the ski with a layer of wax, (and leave it to cool if you have used hot wax), then scrape it off with a ski wax scraper.
On Snowleader, we have everything you need to keep your skis in top condition. We have a variety of waxes and accessories from Vola, Swix, Toko and more.