When you ask "How do you wax touring skis?", it can refer to waxing the ski bases (like downhill skis) or waxing the skins used for uphill travel. Based on the provided reference, this guide focuses on waxing the skins to prevent snow buildup (known as 'gloping'), a crucial step for efficient touring in certain conditions.
Touring ski skins are strips of material attached to the ski bases for uphill traction. They have a directional "plush" material that grips the snow. However, in wet or warm snow conditions, snow can stick and accumulate on the plush, forming clumps. This 'gloping' adds weight, reduces glide, and makes uphill travel significantly harder. Waxing the skins helps the snow shed off more easily, preventing gloping.
How to Wax Touring Ski Skins Using an Iron
Using a low-temperature iron to bond wax into the skin's plush is an effective method to improve snow shedding. Here's how to do it, following the method described in the reference:
Step-by-Step Process
- Set the Iron on 'Low': Begin by setting your waxing iron to a low temperature. About 60 degrees Celsius is ideal. This low heat is critical to melt the wax without damaging the delicate fibers or the adhesive layer on the back of the skins.
- Apply the Wax: Take a block of suitable ski wax (many specific skin waxes exist, or a general non-fluorinated ski wax can work) and rub a good layer of wax onto the skin. Apply it to the plush side. Either with or against the grain – it doesn't matter which direction at this stage of initial application.
- Iron the Wax In: Once the wax is applied, gently use the low-temperature iron to melt the wax into the skin fibers. Move the iron steadily along the length of the skin. Iron the wax in for about 60 seconds, allowing the heat to help the wax penetrate the plush. Keep the iron moving to prevent overheating.
- Repeat Application: If needed, rub more wax onto the skins and repeat the ironing process (Step 3) to ensure thorough coverage and penetration, especially if the skins are dry or the wax isn't fully absorbed.
Tips for Effective Skin Waxing
- Use a dedicated iron: It's best to use an old iron or one specifically for waxing, as wax residue can contaminate clothing.
- Start clean and dry: Ensure your skins are clean and fully dry before applying wax.
- Choose the right wax: Specific skin waxes are available, or a temperature-appropriate non-fluorinated ski wax can be used. Avoid waxes with high fluorocarbon content as they can be less effective or even detrimental to skin performance over time.
- Cool down: Allow the skins to cool completely after ironing before packing them or using them.
While this process addresses waxing the skins for uphill performance, remember that the bases of your touring skis also require regular waxing for downhill glide, just like alpine skis. However, the method using an iron as described above is specifically for treating the skin plush.
