Kick Wax Is For Classic Cross Country Skis

Kick wax, also known as grip wax, is applied to traditional classic cross country skis to grip the snow, enabling the skier to glide forward. The more effective the wax, the more efficient the skier will be. Different waxes are available for varying snow temperatures, with many products specifying an optimal temperature range. It is crucial to determine if your skis are waxable or waxless, as the latter doesn't require kick wax. Classic skis featuring synthetic skins or fishscales in the kick zones don’t need kick wax and are more user-friendly for beginners.

How Do I Apply Kick Wax?

Applying kick wax to cross country skis is a straightforward process that can be done before hitting the snow. You can apply the wax to the ski bases by crayoning the wax stick onto the kick zone, also known as the wax pocket. Apply a thin layer at a time (a total of 3 layers), and after each layer, smooth out the wax with appropriate sandpaper or foam cork. Once the final layer is smooth, you are finished.

There are other types of wax you can apply to the bottom of your skis to enhance performance. Klister wax is used in snow conditions that are too slippery for regular kick wax. Glide wax is applied to the base of the skis outside the kick zone to allow the skis to glide smoothly forward.