The shape of the crystals
Freshly fallen snow often has sharper crystals. Over time, they become rounded by wind, pressure and temperature fluctuations. The shape affects both friction and wear.
Vallaboden - snow and waxing
Different snow types - how snow affects your choice of ski wax
Temperature does not tell the whole story. Learn to distinguish fresh, fine-grained, transformed, coarse-grained and artificial snow - and understand how conditions affect grip, glide and your choice of ski wax.
The snow type is at least as important as the temperature
Two ski tracks at minus two degrees can behave completely differently. One may consist of dry, freshly fallen snow with sharp crystals. The other may be glossy, hard and transformed after several days of fluctuating temperatures. The same temperature therefore does not automatically mean the same wax.
When choosing ski wax, you need to weigh up temperature, humidity and the shape of the snow crystals. This applies to both glide and grip. You do not need to be able to make a scientific analysis of the snow, but it is valuable to be able to distinguish between new and old snow, fine and coarse snow, as well as dry and wet conditions.
The snow's moisture content
Dry snow and snow with free water require different properties from the wax. Near zero, small changes in weather and track conditions can make a big difference.
The age of the snow
Old and transformed snow is often rounder, harder, dirtier and more abrasive than fresh natural snow. Man-made snow can be particularly abrasive.
Nine common snow conditions in the waxing room
The classification below is practical rather than meteorological. The boundaries overlap, but the categories help you understand what is happening under the ski and which direction you should be thinking in.
Grip or glide? Grip-wax advice applies to waxable classic cross-country skis. Glide advice applies to the glide surfaces of cross-country skis, alpine skis and snowboards.
Cold and dry
Dry fresh snow
Freshly fallen snow in clearly sub-zero temperatures often has well-preserved, sharp crystals. The skiing can feel slow and squeaky, especially when it is really cold.
- Characteristics
- Loose, light snow with distinct crystals and very low moisture content.
- Grip
- Hard grip wax matched to the temperature, applied in thin, even layers.
- Glide
- Solid glide wax and a fine structure are usually a good starting point.
Near zero
Moist fresh snow
When it is snowing close to zero degrees, the crystals retain their original shape, but the snow contains more moisture. These are sensitive conditions where the grip wax can ice up easily.
- Characteristics
- Freshly fallen snow that feels soft and damp and can often be squeezed together.
- Grip
- Soft grip wax or a special zero wax. Test carefully and avoid unnecessarily thick layers.
- Glide
- Choose a glide wax for moist, fine-grained snow and avoid an overly coarse structure.
Stable winter conditions
Fine-grained snow
The snow has started to transform and the crystals have become smaller and rounder, but the conditions are still dry. This is often easy-to-wax and highly appreciated skiing conditions.
- Characteristics
- Small, even grains that no longer have the distinct star shape of fresh snow.
- Grip
- Grip wax normally works well. Follow the temperature range and build up several thin layers.
- Glide
- Choose a glide wax for fine-grained snow and the current temperature.
Moist zero conditions
Moist fine-grained snow
Small, slightly rounded grains are combined with high moisture content. The conditions can shift quickly between good hard grip wax conditions, icing, and a track that starts to require klister.
- Characteristics
- Fine-grained snow that binds together and feels damp without being distinctly coarse.
- Grip
- Soft grip wax or zero wax. In glazed sections, a thin klister base or cover layer may be needed.
- Glide
- Glide wax for moist conditions and a structure that can manage the thin water film.
Older and transformed
Old snow
The snow has been on the ground for a while and has been affected by wind, skiers, and temperature fluctuations. The crystals are more rounded, and the track can be both harder and dirtier.
- Characteristics
- Compacted snow with rounded grains and more visible wear in the track.
- Grip
- Hard grip wax works as long as the snow is fine and dry. Coarser or shinier tracks may require klister.
- Glide
- A durable glide wax for old or transformed snow is often a better choice than a pure new-snow product.
Glossy and moist
Moist old snow
Older snow near the freezing point often becomes glossy and glazed in the track. This is a typical transitional condition where hard grip wax can start to lose grip while a klister that is too soft becomes sticky.
- Characteristics
- Glossy track, rounded grains, and noticeable moisture without large amounts of free water.
- Grip
- Klister is often the safest base. In some conditions it can be covered with hard grip wax for better feel.
- Glide
- Choose a product for moist, transformed snow and keep the base clean from dirt.
Hard and abrasive
Coarse-grained and icy snow
Snow that has melted and refrozen consists of large, hard grains. It is abrasive and can quickly wear away a grip layer that is too weak.
- Characteristics
- Large ice particles, hard surface, crust, or clearly icy sections in the track.
- Grip
- Durable klister, often with a base adapted for icy and coarse conditions.
- Glide
- Prioritize durability. A coarser structure becomes more relevant when the snow is also moist.
Above freezing and water
Wet, coarse-grained snow
In mild weather, there is free water between the large, rounded grains. The water can create suction under the ski, and dirt sticks more easily to the base.
- Characteristics
- Wet, heavy snow with visible water and large, rounded grains.
- Grip
- Klister for wet and coarse snow. Apply an even layer rather than an unnecessarily thick one.
- Glide
- Wet-condition glide wax, a clean base surface, and a more open structure that channels water away.
Dense and hard tracks
Artificial snow
Man-made snow is denser and often more abrasive than natural snow. Freshly made man-made snow in cold conditions can be very sharp, while older man-made snow becomes more like coarse-grained, transformed snow.
- Characteristics
- Hard and compact surface, often with irregular grains and high wax wear.
- Grip
- Choose a durable solution based on temperature and grain size. Klister is commonly used when the track is coarse or glazed.
- Glide
- Use a durable glide wax for man-made snow or coarse snow and check the base more often.
How to assess the snow in half a minute
Your hands, eyes and a little knowledge of the past day's weather will take you a long way.
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Look at the crystals
If you can see distinct, sharp snowflakes, the snow is new. Small round grains indicate fine-grained snow, while large hard grains show that the snow has transformed.
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Squeeze a handful of snow
If it falls apart, the snow conditions are dry. If the snow holds together like a snowball, it is moist. If it runs or glistens, there is free water.
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Feel the track
A shiny, hard or icy track is often more transformed than the snow next to it. Assess the surface the ski will actually run on, not just the snow at the side.
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Think back in time
Has it snowed recently, been a thaw, refrozen, or blown hard? The weather history often explains why the snow looks and behaves the way it does.
Quick overview from snow type to waxing approach
The overview is general guidance. The temperature range of the specific product and the manufacturer's recommendation always take priority.
On mobile, swipe the table sideways to see all columns.
| Snow type | Characteristics | Grip | Glide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry fresh snow | Sharp crystals and low humidity. | Hard kick wax in thin layers. | Solid glide wax and fine structure. |
| Moist fresh snow | Sharp crystals with more moisture. | Soft kick wax or zero wax. Watch out for icing. | Product for moist, fine-grained snow. |
| Fine-grained snow | Small and somewhat rounded grains. | Hard grip wax according to temperature. | Glide wax for fine-grained snow. |
| Moist fine-grained snow | Fine-grained snow that binds together and feels damp without being distinctly coarse. | Soft grip wax or zero wax. In glazed sections, a thin klister base or cover layer may be needed. | Glide wax for moist conditions and a structure that can manage the thin water film. |
| Old snow | Rounded and compacted grains. | Hard grip wax if the snow is dry and fine, otherwise klister. | Durable product for transformed snow. |
| Moist old snow | Glossy track, rounded grains, and noticeable moisture without large amounts of free water. | Klister is often the safest base. In some conditions it can be covered with hard grip wax for better feel. | Choose a product for moist, transformed snow and keep the base clean from dirt. |
| Coarse-grained and icy snow | Large, hard and abrasive grains. | Klister with good durability. | Durable glide wax. Coarser structure when the snow is moist. |
| Wet, coarse-grained snow | Large grains and free water. | Wet klister. | Wet wax, clean surface and more open structure. |
| Artificial snow | Dense, hard and often very abrasive. | Durable hard grip wax or klister solution depending on conditions. | Durable glide wax for man-made snow or coarse snow. |
Snow glossary
There are many local and everyday expressions for snow. Here are some of the most common that are also useful when assessing ski conditions.
- Fresh snow
- Newly fallen snow where the crystals' original shape is still clearly visible.
- Powder snow
- Very light, dry and loose fresh snow.
- Fine-grained
- Snow with small grains that have started to round off and transform.
- Coarse-grained
- Large, rounded ice and snow grains, often after thawing and refreezing.
- Transformed
- Older snow that has changed due to temperature, wind, pressure or melting.
- Artificial snow
- Machine-made snow that is often dense and abrasive.
- Crust
- A hard frozen surface layer on top of softer snow.
- Sticky snow
- Moist snow that is easy to shape and pack.
- Wet snow
- Moist, heavy snow near or above zero degrees.
- Slush
- A mixture of melted snow and water.
- Drifted snow
- Snow that has been moved and packed by the wind.
- Glazed track
- A shiny, hard ski track where the snow has been polished or frozen over.
Frequently asked questions about snow and waxing
Is air temperature or snow temperature more important?
Both are relevant, but always follow the temperature specified by the manufacturer on the product. Some scales are based on air temperature and others on snow temperature. Snow temperature often changes more slowly than air temperature, especially after rapid weather changes.
When should I switch from hard grip wax to klister?
This is determined mainly by the snow structure, not solely by whether the thermometer shows above-freezing temperatures. Klister becomes relevant when the snow is transformed, coarse-grained, icy, or wet. Moist new snow near zero can still be hard grip wax conditions.
Why do skis glide poorly in very cold fresh snow?
Cold fresh snow has sharp crystals and very little moisture. Friction is high and the snow can feel dry and slow. A solid glide wax, thorough brushing, and a fine base structure are normally a good starting point.
Why does wax wear faster on man-made snow?
Man-made snow is often dense, hard, and abrasive. It can therefore wear down both grip wax and glide wax faster than soft natural snow. Durable products and a good base become especially important.
Why does the grip wax ice up around zero?
Moist snow crystals can stick to a kick zone that is too soft or too thick and then freeze onto it. Choose a more precise zero-degree wax, apply thinner layers, and test the wax on the snow before building the entire kick zone.