Ski care for beginners – how to start and why it's important
Ski care is not just the privilege of professionals or competitors and athletes. With modern and easy-to-use products, every skier can care for their skis at home. Proper care improves glide, control and extends the life of the skis.
Why is ski care important?
- Ski care protects the base material and extends the durability of the skis;
- Well-prepared skis provide better control and stability;
- Treated and maintained skis guarantee optimal performance on the snow;
- Regular maintenance reduces the risk of damage;
TOKO – is a reliable partner in ski care
TOKO is one of the leading brands in ski and snowboard care. The products are designed in Switzerland, combining precision, sustainability and high performance. TOKO offers solutions for both professionals and enthusiasts of active recreation.
TOKO product range
Performance Wax
High-performance waxes for athletes and demanding skiers – hot waxes, liquid paraffins and powders for maximum glide in a variety of conditions.
Toko Express Wax
Quick and easy-to-use waxes without specific processing – ideal for everyday skiing, travel and beginners.
Tools and accessories
Essential accessories for preparing skis (scrapers, brushes, irons, sharpening irons, etc.)
When is it time to wax your skis?
Signs that your skis need waxing:
- The base of the ski looks grayish or dull;
- The surface is dry or rough to the touch;
- The skis glide noticeably worse.
Tip: Be sure to wax your skis before storing them for the summer – this will protect the ski base from drying out and oxidation. Before the start of the season – prepare your skis for use by removing the wax.
How to prepare your own skis at home
1. Ski cleaning
Before waxing, skis must be cleaned of dirt and old wax.
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Use TOKO cleaning agent.
- Toko Waxremover HC3 - for all types of surfaces;
- Toko Gel Clean Spray HC3 - suitable for cleaning the classic ski jump area;
- Toko Racing Waxremover - especially when working with Performance series waxes.
- Clean the base with a napkin or cloth (ideally, if you use a special Toko base tex or cloth for cleaning the base of skis);
- Allow the base to dry completely for at least 10 minutes and only then apply the wax.
A clean base ensures better wax absorption.
2. Hot waxing (best result)
- Choose TOKO Performance Hot Wax according to the snow temperature and conditions you plan to ski in (Performance, Base performance, High performance).
- Heat the iron according to the wax temperature (indicated on the selected wax packaging; (at home, a TOKO T8 or T14 iron will suffice).
- Drip the wax onto the base and smooth it evenly with an iron;
- Move the iron evenly without overheating the soleplate.
- Allow the wax to cool for 20–30 minutes.
3. Scraping and brushing
- Clean the ski groove with the TOKO Groove pin.
- Remove excess wax with a TOKO Plexi Blade 3mm scraper (use 5mm for alpine skis, 4mm for boards with the largest size);
- Scrape from the nose of the ski to the back (wax will fall off the ski when scraping, choose a suitable place to make it easier to clean afterwards);
- Brush with TOKO Brush (Oval) Steel Wire and finish with a nylon brush.
This step ensures good glide.
The quick alternative – Express waxes
If you don't have time for a full waxing:
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Use TOKO Express Rub-On, Paste or Liquid Wax;
- Liquid Wax - more information on this below. - Toko wax Express Pocket (100ml) - universal liquid wax.
- Toko Express Rub-on or paste - universal wax.
- Apply, let dry and buff.
The method of application may differ for each type chosen.
Ideal just before skiing or when travelling. Depending on how often and how much you ski, these types will require more frequent application.
Quick before driving – TOKO Base Liquid
TOKO Base Performance Liquid Paraffin is the perfect solution for beginners and everyday skiing. This product requires the Toko Polishing brush liquid paraffin .
Why choose:
- No iron needed;
- Quick application;
- Protects the base of the skis.
Color selection:
- Blue – big minuses,
- Red – for average conditions;
- Yellow – for warm, wet snow.
For training and everyday use, choose base and performance liquid parraffin.
Classic skis with notches/skin, already prepared foot area.
Classic skis with notches do not require a separate ski wax, but they still require maintenance.
How to proceed:
- Clean the base;
- Apply TOKO Express Glip / Glide all over the ski;
- Pour in with a cork.
The product improves glide while maintaining grip.
For classic skis with a skin foot area, wipe the foot area with a dry cloth daily and after skiing to remove snow, salt, and dirt, and dry at room temperature.
For deeper cleaning (when gliding is poor or the skin is icy)
TOKO Skin Clean - special cleaner for skin material
How to use:
- Apply to the skin area;
- Leave for 2-5 minutes;
- Wipe with a clean cloth and allow to dry completely.
Do not use regular ski cleaners or solvents - they will damage the fibers and glue.
Anti-icing & for better gliding
TOKO Skin Proof (Spray onto clean, dry skin (foot area) and allow to dry.
- Reduces snow adhesion;
- Improves sliding in wet snow.
Ski surface (without skin zone)
Handles like regular skis :
- Hot paraffin or liquid wax;
- Be careful not to get wax on the skin area.
Product instructions use TOKO WAX ACADEMY materials - https://www.toko.ch/en/wax-academy/video-tutorials/
