the most challenging of fine arts

[SteveP]

Tough Job: Norway’s Ski Wax Chief Is Only Noticed When He Fails - The New York Times

many of you have Nordic skied. some of you have waxed skis.
waxing skis particularly when the temps are on the warm side is an art as well as a science. no doubt.
its been cold in Korea.. Norwegians rule. (who knew it was always cold in Norway?)
warm in Sochi ( never warm in Norway )

intricate for sure.
well waxed skis are a joy to use...it is like flying.
wax that is off is dreadful... riding a bike on flat tires bad, really.

[Too Tall]

You are taking me back to college days in MN and backcountry in West VA. Man-o man you said it. Properly waxed skis are the business.

I this is for a different sport however...we used to cross country ski from our primitive cabin for about 10 miles to a downhill resort. We'd scrape down and apply hard base than spend the day linking turns on the slopes...re-wax and go home. So much fun. We were also nuts.

[twowheels]

Waxing, an art for sure. I remember the first time I used klisters and got some on my fingers. Sometimes they still stick together.

I haven't used any of the new synthetic "waxes" that are fluorocarbon based, aren't they?

Heading to Bend later today to ski my waxless classic skis and perhaps also do some skating.

[SteveP]

yeah
skating simplified... no kicker wax.. just glide.

classical can be a beeetch.

[ericpmoss]

On my first attempt, whatever I did made one ski grip on the lunge forward. Hilarity ensued. I have since saved my cleverness for other hobbies.

[72gmc]

It's a mix of manmade and natural snow too, isn't it? Not a consistent crystal structure.

The US and Swedish ski techs have really done well with the women's skis at times this season. Passing on the downhills.

[Mark Kelly]

Re: only noticed when he fails:

I can't remember who is was, but in a recent world cup event one of the competitors in a multilap event skied though every interchange yelling "schiesse skis...SCHIESSE SKIS" at his coach, wax tech, and, well, everyone else.

If you want a job done properly, do it yourself.

[fmbp]

I'm skiing the 55K classic Birkie this weekend. I'll report back. 2 years ago, at the recommendation of a former Birkie champ, I bought skin skis. The skins were saturated a couple of Ks into the race and I had essentially no kick for the remainder of the race. It was a slog. Hoping for better kick on Saturday.

[SteveP]

I'm skiing the 55K classic Birkie this weekend. I'll report back. 2 years ago, at the recommendation of a former Birkie champ, I bought skin skis. The skins were saturated a couple of Ks into the race and I had essentially no kick for the remainder of the race. It was a slog. Hoping for better kick on Saturday.

good luck,. report back.
hope its 22 degrees and fresh snow... you can fly.
cant imagine skin skis...

[fmbp]

I had a good Birkie. This was my second. I shaved an hour and 17 minutes off of my time from 2 years ago! I'm still far from a talented skier, and my fitness remains mediocre. But, I had good skis, and paced myself well. Hopefully I'll move up a wave or 2 for ne

[SteveP]

nice job. you must have hit the wax.

[fmbp]

Oh, also, more importantly. My son did his first race ever - the 500m Barnebirkie. We skied together. Best part of the weekend.