Wax Tips for Cross-Country Skiing
Grip wax, klister, and glide wax, step by step
The most important wax tip for cross-country skiing: the right wax is determined by two factors, temperature and snow type. Cold, dry snow calls for hard grip wax, while old, transformed snow and ice call for klister. Glide wax goes on the tip and tail of classic skis, and on the entire base of skating skis, regardless of grip wax. These are general and simplified wax tips. The algorithm behind EasyRubben is far more advanced than this guide suggests. For our sharpest wax recommendations based on live weather along your route, try Racing mode in EasyRubben.
Grip wax
Grip wax (hard wax) is used in cold, dry conditions, typically when the snow is fresh and untouched or lightly transformed below freezing. Choose the colour by the thermometer.
Cold, dry fresh snow with fine, sharp crystals. The coldest common choice for bitter winter days.
Dry, transformed snow. The most widely used grip wax in normal winter conditions, versatile and reliable.
Fine fresh snow near the freezing point. A good choice when the temperature hovers around zero.
Wet fresh snow and conditions right at zero. Borders on klister territory, and if there is ice or rain, switch to klister.
Klister, for warm and icy conditions
Klister is necessary when the snow is old and transformed (above roughly -3 °C), on ice or crust, on wet corn snow, and always in rain or sleet. Grip wax slides off without biting in these conditions.
Applied as the first layer to give the top klister something to bond to. Makes the klister more durable and easier to remove afterwards.
Cold klister for old, transformed snow below freezing. Used when it is too warm for grip wax but too cold for violet klister.
Transition klister for barely above zero and cold klister days. Well suited to old snow around the freezing point.
Ice and crust. Silver klister is specially formulated for hard, icy surfaces where other klisters slip.
Warm, wet snow and typical spring skiing. Holds well in soft, waterlogged snow where other klisters lose their grip.
Glide wax, tip and tail (classic) or full base (skating and double poling)
Glide wax is applied to the tip and tail of classic skis to reduce friction, and over the entire base on skating skis. Choose the colour by air temperature, regardless of which grip wax you use.
Hardest and fastest in deep cold. Fluorinated turquoise waxes are used in racing.
Cold winter days. The standard choice for most recreational outings in midwinter.
Mild winter conditions. Works well as an all-round glide wax for touring skis throughout the season.
Conditions around zero and wet tracks. Essential to prevent snow from sticking to the base.
Spring skiing and slushy conditions. A soft wax that glides well on very wet, warm snow.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right grip wax?
Wax selection is driven by two factors: temperature and snow type. For cold, dry snow, use grip wax in the right colour for the thermometer reading. For old, transformed snow above roughly minus three degrees, ice, crust, or wet corn snow, use klister. These two factors cover all common snow conditions.
When should I use klister instead of grip wax?
Klister is used when the snow is old and transformed (above roughly -3 °C), when there is ice or crust on the track, or on wet corn snow. If it is raining or sleeting, klister is always the right call. Grip wax does not work in these conditions because the snow crystals are too rounded to bite into the wax.
Do I need glide wax on my touring skis?
For casual touring, glide wax is not strictly necessary, but it reduces friction on the tip and tail of classic skis and is essential on skating skis. On longer outings, glide wax improves speed and saves energy. Choose glide wax by temperature, not by grip wax.
What is the difference between touring and racing wax?
Racing wax uses narrower temperature windows and dedicated racing products for maximum performance. Touring wax is more forgiving and handles wider temperature swings. For recreational skiers and tourers, standard grip wax and klister are more than enough.
Why does my grip wax wear off too quickly?
The most common causes are: the wax is too soft for the temperature (try a colder colour), the base was not clean and dry before application, the kick zone is too short, or no base binder was applied first. Make sure to cork the wax in thoroughly.
Can I use the same wax for the entire course when the terrain varies?
Yes, but on hilly courses with significant elevation changes the temperature can vary by several degrees. EasyRubben analyses weather for each zone along the route and suggests a single strategy that best covers the conditions, for example a middle-range wax as a compromise, or klister at the bottom and grip wax at the top.
What is base binder and do I need it?
Base binder (base wax) is an adhesion layer applied first to make the grip wax last longer. It is especially important in warm or icy conditions and when using klister. In cold, dry weather with grip wax many skiers get by without it, but base binder always extends durability.
What does it mean that snow is "transformed"?
Transformed snow is snow that has changed structure since it fell. Fresh snow has sharp, fine crystals that bite well into grip wax. Over time and with temperature fluctuations the crystals become rounded, and then you need softer wax or klister. Ice and crust are the most extreme forms of transformed snow.
Want to know exactly which wax you need today, based on live weather along your route?
Get a recommendation for today's conditions