Vallaboden
Learn how to wax and take care of your skis
Choose cross-country skis or alpine skis. In each section you will find practical guides for everything from simple everyday care to meticulous race preparation.
Selected entry points
Favourite guides from Vallaboden
Some of our most useful guides for better glide, more reliable grip and well-maintained skis.
Different types of cross-country skis
The difference between skin skis, waxable classic skis, and skate skis - and how they are waxed and maintained.
Grip waxing with hardwax
How to build even, durable grip step by step on waxable classic skis.
Glide waxing cross-country skis
Clean, iron in, scrape, and brush for better glide and a ski base that lasts longer.
Wax the family’s downhill skis
A simple method that gives better glide without making the job unnecessarily complicated.
Sharpen steel edges
Learn how to choose angles and tools, and sharpen and maintain steel edges correctly.
Waxing equipment for alpine skis
Waxing iron, ski vises, scrapers, brushes, and edge tools for a functional alpine tuning bench.
The complete knowledge bank
All guides in Vallaboden
Find all our guides to ski waxing and care here. Choose cross-country skiing, alpine skiing or a shared topic.
Basics and simple getting-started guides
For anyone who wants to understand their ski type or wax for the first time without making it too complicated.
Grip wax
Hard wax, klister and grip selection for different temperatures, snow types and conditions.
Grip waxing with hardwax
How to build even, durable grip step by step on waxable classic skis.
Hardwax around freezing
How to choose and fine-tune hardwax in one of the most difficult waxing conditions to assess.
Grip waxing with klister
Workflow for transformed, coarse-grained, glazed, wet, or icy snow.
SkiGo wax chart
Find the right grip wax, klister, and glide wax based on temperature and snow type.
Glide wax and structure
Glide waxing for cross-country and alpine skis, from simple everyday care to race preparation.
Glide waxing cross-country skis
Clean, iron in, scrape, and brush for better glide and a ski base that lasts longer.
Glide waxing alpine skis
Glide waxing for alpine skis from cleaning and iron-in to scraping and brushing.
Race glide for cross-country skis with START
Build a fluorine-free race glide setup with hard wax, liquid products and a precise finish.
Race glide for alpine skis with START
Product selection and working method for more ambitious preparation of alpine skis.
Rilling and structure
Learn to choose rill, pressure and pattern according to snow type, water content and the ski's base grind.
Ski care and bases
Cleaning, base preparation, storage and ski base care throughout the year.
Base-prep new cross-country skis
Give new or newly ground cross-country skis a clean, even and durable base.
Base-prep new alpine skis
Prepare a new or newly ground alpine base before the first regular glide waxing.
Clean cross-country skis
The right method for glide zones, grip wax, klister and integrated skins.
Clean alpine skis
Remove dirt and wax residue without drying out the base or mixing up the tools.
Prepare the ski bases for winter
Inspect, clean and saturate the base before the season's first outings.
Store cross-country skis for the summer
Clean the grip zone, skins and glide zones and apply a protective layer for the summer.
Store alpine skis for the summer
Protect bases and steel edges from drying out, dirt and rust during the off-season.
Remove fluorine from skis and equipment
Clean skis, brushes, waxing iron and work area in the correct order.
Burned base on alpine skis
Understand edge burn, common causes and what can be done when the base has been damaged near the steel edge.
Steel edges and waxing workshop
Steel edges, waxing irons, brushes and equipment that make the work easier and more precise.
Sharpen steel edges
Learn how to choose angles and tools, and sharpen and maintain steel edges correctly.
Waxing equipment for alpine skis
Waxing iron, ski vises, scrapers, brushes, and edge tools for a functional alpine tuning bench.
Tune the family's slalom skis
A simpler workflow with file guide, file and diamond stone for the family's skis.
Edge angles for alpine skis and snowboards
Recommended base-edge and side-edge angles for groomed runs, off-piste, racing and snowboards.
Waxing equipment for cross-country skis
Build a smart waxing bench setup with the right ski holders, iron, scrapers, brushes and cleaning products.
Choosing the right waxing iron
Compare base plate, temperature stability, power output, as well as analog and digital models.
Hand brushes and roto brushes
When are steel, bronze, horsehair, nylon, fleece and roto brushes used in the workflow?
In-depth guides and updates
Snow types, waxing terminology, races and reference material when you want to learn more or find a quick answer.
Different snow types
Understand how fresh snow, old snow, man-made snow, moisture and water affect wax and structure.
Waxing terminology
Searchable glossary of the ski’s zones, wax, base, structure, tools and older fluorinated-wax terms.
Waxing tips for Vasaloppet 2027
Collected guidance on preparation, glide, grip and backup plans ahead of the race.
Vauhti waxing guide
Choose the right Vauhti wax for the snow and temperature and learn how to use the products.
Personal help
Not sure which guide you need?
Tell us what type of skis you have, how you usually ski, and what you want to improve. We’ll help you find the right guide, wax, and equipment.