A truly great day of skiing doesn't begin when you strap on your skis, but long before that. Anyone who regularly skis on the slopes, off-piste, or in the park knows this: the skiing experience depends not only on your skill level, but also on your equipment. Well- prepared skis glide more easily and respond more precisely. An often underestimated, but crucial factor in this is regular ski waxing .

Why growth is so important

The ski base is designed to glide over snow . More precisely, over a wafer-thin film of water created by pressure and friction. Wax optimizes this effect. It reduces friction , improves gliding, and simultaneously protects the base from drying out and wear . This is especially important in cold temperatures, on aggressive artificial snow, or in spring on wet, slushy snow. In these conditions, the difference between waxed and unwaxed skis quickly becomes apparent. Anyone who has ever had to push their skis on flat terrain or lost speed on long traverses knows how much a lack of wax can dampen the fun .

How often should you wax your skis?

How often skis should be waxed depends on several factors. Snow conditions, outside temperature, skiing style, and the frequency of skiing all play an important role. As a rule of thumb, a new coat of wax is advisable after about three to five days of skiing . This is especially true if the base appears dry, gray, or whitish. It's also time to wax if the skis noticeably lose speed . Of course, skis should be thoroughly waxed before the first day of skiing each season and after the last runs in spring . This protects the base and extends the lifespan of the skis.

Waxing your own skis – here's how it works

Waxing itself isn't rocket science and can easily be done at home with a little practice. First and foremost, the base must be clean . Dirt, dust, or old wax residue will prevent the new wax from penetrating the base properly . After cleaning, apply the wax at a medium temperature and spread it evenly from tip to tail with an iron. Keep the iron moving constantly to prevent overheating. A thin, even layer of wax is perfectly sufficient. The more wax you apply, the more your performance can suffer.

Cool, peel off, polish

After ironing, the skis should cool completely so the wax can properly penetrate the base . Excess wax is then removed with a sharp scraper. The goal is to retain the wax within the base and expose its structure. Finally, the skis are brushed or polished to maximize glide . The result: skis that are visibly well-maintained and offer significantly faster, smoother, and more controlled skiing on snow.

Clear visibility at any speed

Especially when the skis are running smoothly and picking up speed, another factor becomes particularly important: clear vision . Anyone skiing in changing light conditions needs to be able to rely on their perception. Flat light, fog, shadows, or diffuse conditions are simply part of winter. For such situations, it's essential to have the right ski goggles .

Our NOVA skis are specially designed to help you maintain clear vision even in challenging conditions. Thanks to high-contrast lenses, a wide field of vision , and an optimal fit, they help you recognize uneven terrain, features, and snow structures early on. This provides greater confidence, especially at higher speeds or on technically demanding sections. After all, even perfectly waxed skis can only reach their full potential if you can control them safely and precisely .

Conclusion: Care pays off.

Regular waxing not only makes skiing faster and more controlled, but also extends the lifespan of your skis. Combined with ski goggles you can rely on in all conditions, nothing stands in the way of your next great day on the slopes.

Credits: Elias Neier