TL;DR: It's a good idea to bring your new skis to the shop before you hit the slopes. Ski Expert Maeve G. talks about new skis and what you should do to set yourself (and your new boards) up for success.

So, you just purchased a new pair of gorgeous, new skis. Congratulations! What now? Let's get the answer to our big question out of the way: yes. Yes, you should bring your sparkly new skis to the shop to get them waxed, or if you have the necessary tools, you can do it yourself!

What is a Factory Tune?

First things first, when your shiny new skis leapt hot off of their proverbial press, they were treated to what is called a “factory tune.” What’s a factory tune? It is the basic preparation manufacturers provide for their skis before, say, Armada’s fleet of ARV 106’s is shipped to customers and retailers. Of course, different companies have different factory tune standards, but the general process includes:

1. Base Grind: Skis are run through a machine that grinds the base to create a flat and smooth surface– this removes any imperfections in the base and prepares it for a fresh coat o’ wax.
2. Edge Beveling: Ski edges are typically beveled to a standard angle, usually around 1 degree or 1.5 degrees, depending on the company. Beveling helps provide grip and stability when skiing groomed slopes.
3. Edge Sharpening: Skis are passed through a machine that sharpens the edges to ensure they are free from burrs and provide good edge grip.
4. Waxing: A basic layer of wax is applied to the base of the skis to protect them during shipping and storage. This wax provides some initial glide performance when skiing but is not as effective or long-lasting as a professional hot wax.

If the Factory Tune Includes a Factory Wax, Why Can’t I Hit the Slopes Right Away?

Factory waxes are not designed to hold up over time or for long on snow. The Factory Wax serves three distinct purposes:

1. Protection during Transportation: Factory wax helps protect the base of the skis during shipping and storage. It prevents the base from drying out or becoming damaged during transit.
2. Temporary Glide Performance: The factory wax (often a “universal wax,” designed to work in all snow conditions– a jack of all trades, master of none type of deal) provides some initial glide performance when the skis are first used. While not as effective as professionally applied or hot waxing, it offers some level of lubrication to reduce friction between ski base and snow.
3. Base Conditioning: Factory wax can help condition the ski base, keeping it hydrated and preventing it from drying out. This is particularly important for skis with sintered bases, which can absorb wax and benefit from regular maintenance.

And that’s not even considering the likelihood that your new skis (no matter how shiny) were probably constructed months ago and have probably been sitting in a dry, lonely warehouse ever since.

Long story short, it is inadvisable to ski on your factory wax because that is not its intended use. Wax your new skis yourself or at your local ski shop before hitting the slopes.

Let’s Talk Glide Wax

The wax on the bottom of your skis is called glide wax, and it’s developed differently for different temperatures. To optimize performance, wax your skis according to the temperature. A cold day with a warm temperature wax will be a slow, sticky one– and vice versa!

Stickiness aside, waxing is integral to basic ski maintenance! As we’ve already discussed, wax improves glide, but consistent hot waxing helps with a myriad of other, ostensibly unrelated, aspects of ski performance, like the ones described below.

1. Enhanced Control: Properly waxed skis provide better control and maneuverability on the snow. The reduced friction allows you to initiate turns more easily and maintain stability throughout your skiing session.
2. Protection Against Base Drying: Ski bases can dry out over time due to exposure to sun, wind, and dry snow conditions. Waxing creates a protective layer on the base, preventing it from drying out or rotting (in the event of moisture infiltration) and maintaining its elasticity.
3. Increased Durability: Waxing helps protect the base of your skis from abrasion and damage caused by rough snow or debris on the slopes. By reducing friction, waxing minimizes wear and tear on the base, extending your skis’ lifespan.
4. Rust Prevention: Exposure to air and UV rays can cause the base material of your skis to oxidize over time. Waxing forms a protective barrier that helps shield the base from these harmful elements.
5. Maintaining Edge Performance: Waxing also indirectly affects the performance of your ski edges. By reducing friction and allowing smoother turns, waxed skis enable better edge engagement, enhancing your ability to carve and grip the snow effectively.

As I always say, wax frequency is in the eye of the beholder. Some hardcore (and arguably obsessive) skiers wax their skis every day. Others do it every three to seven days. Ultimately, it’s up to personal preference, but the absolute least you should be waxing your skis should be twice a season: once at the beginning and once at the end.

How Do I Get My Skis Waxed?

Your local shop is a great place to get your skis waxed, but over time that can be hard on your wallet. Fortunately, waxing your own skis is one of the most approachable ways to start caring for your new boards!

What Equipment Do I Need to Start Waxing My Skis?

First, you’ll need the basics:

• Base Cleaner or Conditioner: To remove old wax, road salt, general ickiness from the bottoms of your skis, a base cleaner is super important.
• Ski Wax: Choose a wax appropriate for the snow conditions you'll be skiing in. Waxes come in different temperature ranges, so select one that matches the conditions.
• Ski Waxing Iron: A specialized waxing iron designed for ski waxing is ideal. Avoid using a regular household iron, as it may not have precise temperature control and could damage your skis.
• Plastic Scraper: This is used to remove excess wax from the base of the skis after application. A plastic scraper is gentle on the ski base and won't cause damage.
• Nylon Brush: A nylon brush is used to remove any remaining wax particles from the ski base after scraping. It also helps to buff the base and improve glide.
• Clean, Soft Cloth or Paper Towels: These are used for cleaning the ski bases before waxing and for buffing the bases after waxing.
• Ski Vise (optional): A ski vise holds the skis securely in place during waxing, making the process easier and more convenient. While not essential, it can be helpful if you plan to wax your skis frequently.
• Ventilated Workspace: It's important to wax skis in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes from the wax and to allow for proper ventilation when using the waxing iron.

Watch the video below for ski-waxing specifics and strategies!

If your ski has a larger problem, say a core shot or major edge/base repair, consider handing the reins to the professionals at your local ski shop!

Chat With an Expert!

Want to learn more about ski wax? Check out fellow Curated Expert Cam Baker’s article How to Wax Your Skis Like a Pro!

Interested in other ski maintenance tips? Take a peek at Expert Jake Mundt’s How to Take Care of Your Equipment During Ski Season or Elias M’s Rust on Ski Edges: What to do about it.

Still want to learn more? Reach out to a Curated Expert! We offer free, customized advice on how to find the best wax, and the best new skis, for you.