Tuning & Transport
A simple hot-wax routine you can do at home
An iron, a scraper, a brush and the right wax for the temperature. The basic steps for skis and snowboards.
By Rime & Ridge
Choose wax for the snow temperature
Glide waxes are made for temperature ranges; colder snow calls for harder wax. Check the temperature forecast for the days you'll ski and pick a wax whose range covers it. A universal wax is a sensible default if you ski in mixed conditions and don't want to switch.
Melt, spread and let it cool
Clean the base, then drip wax along it and spread it with a waxing iron, moving steadily from tip to tail. Use the iron temperature printed on the wax packaging; if the wax smokes, the iron is too hot. Let the ski or board cool completely so the wax can set; REI's guide suggests about 30 minutes, or until the base is cool to the touch.
Scrape and brush
Use a plastic scraper from tip to tail to remove the excess wax from the base, and clear the edges and sidewalls. Finish with a base brush, again tip to tail, to open the structure. Work somewhere ventilated, use a dedicated waxing iron rather than a clothes iron, and never leave a hot iron unattended.