Get Your Skis Ready: Waxing Clinic with CMU Ski Team

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REI, 925 Independent Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81505
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  • Person waxing cross-country skis with a Swix waxing iron in a ski prep room, with skis secured in Swix benches and shelves stocked with ski waxes and tools in the background.
  • Cross-country ski waxing room with Swix ski benches, waxing tools on a work table, Fischer and Salomon skis stored on a wall rack, and folding chairs along the side.
  • Close-up of a Swix digital waxing iron showing a red LED display set to 124 degrees.
  • Ski waxing station under a team tent at a cross-country ski race, with people preparing skis and equipment in the snow.
  • Cross country skier in CMU uniform racing on groomed snow with trees in the background.
  • Person waxing cross-country skis with a Swix waxing iron in a ski prep room, with skis secured in Swix benches and shelves stocked with ski waxes and tools in the background.
  • Cross-country ski waxing room with Swix ski benches, waxing tools on a work table, Fischer and Salomon skis stored on a wall rack, and folding chairs along the side.
  • Close-up of a Swix digital waxing iron showing a red LED display set to 124 degrees.
  • Ski waxing station under a team tent at a cross-country ski race, with people preparing skis and equipment in the snow.
  • Cross country skier in CMU uniform racing on groomed snow with trees in the background.

About the Clinic

Join the Colorado Mesa University Cross Country Ski Team and their coach for a hands-on Waxing Clinic at REI Grand Junction! Whether you ski classic or skate, on waxless or waxable skis, we’ll walk you through everything from everyday base care to race-day prep. Come with your questions, curiosity, and enthusiasm—we’ll make waxing simple, fun, and useful for every skier.

This Clinic Covers

  • Waxing for different ski types:
    • Classic skis — grip wax, kick zones, glide zones, and sidewall waxing for racing.
    • Skate skis — full-length glide waxing and sidewall waxing for racing.
    • Waxless skis — structure care, fish scale waxing, and skin ski treatments.
  • Goal-oriented waxing:
    • Universal Waxing — Improve hydrophobic qualities of ski bases using universal glide waxes in spray, liquid, or block (ironed-in) form for a wide range of snow conditions.
    • Performance Waxing — Temperature-specific waxing with block, liquid, and spray waxes to optimize glide.
    • High-Performance/Race Waxing — For racers: ironed-in block waxes, liquids, sprays, overlays, powders, and layering strategies.
  • Brushing & Base Prep:
    • Ski prep: cleaning, masking, and setting up a safe work area.
    • Wax application, scraping, and brushing sequences.
    • Hand brushes vs. roto brushes; brush types (nylon, horsehair, brass, steel) and recommended order.
  • Ski Transport & Storage Waxing:
    • Seasonal/storage coats to protect bases during transport and the off-season.
    • Hot-scrape cleaning for pre-season and pre-race preparation.
  • The Importance of Waxing:
    • Waxing improves speed, ease of skiing, and maneuverability, and increases overall ski longevity.
    • Proper waxing reduces base oxidation and wear while enhancing glide and grip.
  • Waxing Safety:
    • When to use respirators and ensure ventilation—especially when ironing block waxes or using liquids and sprays.
    • Overview of the race ban on fluorinated (fluoro) waxes and practical non-fluoro alternatives.
  • Choosing Waxes & Tools:
    • What to buy: universal, performance, and high-performance waxes; waxing iron, scrapers, and brushes.
    • Trusted manufacturers: Swix, Toko, Rode, Start, Rex, Holmenkol, Vauhti, Fischer, and others.
    • Where to buy: local REI, specialty ski shops, or direct from manufacturers.

What You’ll Learn

  • Step-by-step waxing for recreational skiers and racers.
  • How to match waxing strategies to your goals: touring, training, or competition.
  • Demonstrations of application, brushing techniques, and all-conditions ski care.
  • Home setup tips: tools, workflow, avoiding common mistakes, and health precautions.

Hands-On Practice

At the end of the clinic, you’ll have the chance to do hands-on waxing, scraping, and brushing with guidance. If you plan on waxing—or even handling freshly waxed skis—please wear garage/work clothes you don’t mind getting messy.

Who Should Attend

This clinic is for anyone who skis—beginners to experienced racers. Beginners learn the basics; seasoned skiers gain advanced insights and fine-tuning methods.

Reserve Your Spot! (Free)