After weeks of very little new snow, suddenly there is a big storm and lots of new snow. WooHoo! However the excitement and fun at Teacup last weekend was compromised for many when their skis would build up thick layers of iced up snow on the base. Part of our Mt Hood Nordic programs at Teacup is showing all ages just how fun Nordic skiing can be, part of maintaining this fun is ski maintenance!
When a young pipeline athlete asked me why his skate skis kept picking up thick layers of snow, I asked him if he knew what the three phases water could take. “Yes, liquid, gas, and ice (solid)”. Smart kid! What if there was a point where snow could be in constant change between all three, what would happen? “It could be water one moment and ice the next?” Smart kid! Newly fallen snow with high moisture content, and air temperature just above freezing, add in a moving ski that is chilled right at freezing, and you have thick layers of snow frozen on your ski due to this phenomenon.
Smooth is relative, as a fast ski base isn’t mirror smooth but has fine structure (stone grind or hand applied structure), but the surface is still smooth. Ski over some gravel or dirt and the resulting scratch isn’t smooth, the micro-frayed surface of the scratch will grab on to any wayward snow crystal waiting for an opportunity to latch on. Note that this is less likely for the very hard and abrasion resistant ski bases found on high performance skis; lower performance skis, mostly those with the white or clear bases with stamped “fishscale” grip patterns, are much easier to scratch and leave a frayed or “hairy” surface. So, don’t ski in a snow and gravel covered parking lot if you want to reduce the chances of an iced-up ski base.
Lubrication can come from many treatments with the most reliable that of using glide waxes – either hot wax or liquid applications. There are other methods, with many skiers swearing by lubricants such as Rain-X, Silicone sprays…and olive oil! They can work, but with a major caveat- such lubricants can keep the skis gliding well and resisting icing, but almost all of them can also pick up dirt. Dirt doesn't glide, and dirt plus wet snow make mud. And now things got worse – much worse – in regard to icing. The best reliability is from products developed for ski bases. Inappropriate lubrication can work in the short term but make matters worse.
We have had a low snowpack at Teacup this winter, with thin spots where dirt can mix into the snow. Plus the long dry periods without snow allow contaminants from the atmosphere to accumulate on the snow (yes, even tree pollen!). Dirty ski bases will absolutely deliver that instant “high-heels” skiing experience.
FIrst- Keep your skis clean! Modern ski bases are made to glide and resist icing pretty well on their own. However once you add contaminates (dirt, tree pollen and other unmentionables) the ski bases will start to pick up snow as you glide. Many know the importance of applying wax to their skis, but on days when the snow is fresh, wet, and right around or slightly above freezing (sound familiar?) the most important factor in avoiding icing is cleaning the ski base.
For those who do not want to use lubricants or solvents, using dish soap and water and scrubbing with a nylon brush may be enough. For those who like superior performance and will use glide wax (hot wax or liquids), the best results come from using the glide zone cleaners available from ski wax manufacturers. Of note is that some companies make solutions that not only clean the contaminants from the base but also leave in place a layer of a hard and durable glide wax (Vauhti and Rex). Clean skis are fun, fast skis! When we do these demos at Teacup, by far the biggest difference people feel is after their skis get cleaned with the glide cleaner! The difference of adding wax is often harder to perceive.
Second- Use a glide wax, whether it is a general wax or any of the many temperature and condition specific waxes, proper application of a wax to a ski base will help with preventing icing and increase the glide (and FUN!).
For more detailed information about liquid glide waxes and the use of cleaning agents, please visit visit these two earlier postings on the Coaches Corner – https://teacupnordic.org/blogs/coaches-corner/try-a-little-tenderness-ski-care-and- maintenance
https://teacupnordic.org/blogs/coaches-corner/is-it-time-to-toss-your-wax-iron-a- summery
If your skis are icing up badly, simply adding another layer of liquid glide wax might be enough. But often this only works for a short while. Reason why? When you apply wax to a dirty ski, you have created a dirt sandwich. Wax is made to stick to the ski base, if you have dirt on your ski base, the wax sticks to the dirt then rubs off on the snow and you are back to square one. An effective onsite treatment is easy to do, but you will have to have a couple of items. If these are too cumbersome to take with you in a pack, keep them handy in your car or remaining kit in the cabin.
On site and having issues? Here is a useful and durable treatment.
Additional details can be found in the “tenderness” article. Now go enjoy that new snow!
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Example of glide cleaner and cleaning brush |
Brush in one direction to clean the ski! |
Example of dirt after just 2 km of skiing! |
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Apply glide wax, don't forget to brush after it dries! |
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