Ski care for beginners – how to start and why it's important
Ski care is not just a privilege for professionals or competitive athletes. With modern and easy-to-use products, any skier can maintain their skis at home. Proper care improves gliding, control, and extends the lifespan of the skis.
Why is ski care important?
- Ski care protects the base material and prolongs the skis' durability;
- Well-prepared skis provide better control and stability;
- Treated and maintained skis guarantee optimal performance on snow;
- Regular care reduces the risk of damage;
TOKO – a reliable partner in ski care
TOKO is one of the leading brands in ski and snowboard care. Products are developed in Switzerland, combining precision, sustainability, and high performance. TOKO offers solutions for both professionals and active recreation enthusiasts.
TOKO product range
Performance Wax
High-performance waxes for athletes and demanding skiers – hot waxes, liquid paraffins, and powders for maximum glide in various conditions.
Toko Express Wax
Quick and easy-to-use waxes without specific treatment – ideal for daily skiing, travel, and beginners.
Tools and accessories
Necessary accessories for ski preparation (scrapers, brushes, irons, edge sharpeners, etc.)
When is it time to wax skis?
Signs that skis need waxing:
- The ski base looks grayish or dull;
- The surface is dry or rough to the touch;
- The skis noticeably glide worse.
Tip: Be sure to wax your skis before summer storage – this will protect the ski base from drying out and oxidation. Before the start of the season – prepare the ski for use by removing the applied wax.
How to prepare skis at home yourself
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 bases;
- Toko Gel Clean Spray HC3 - suitable specifically for cleaning the classic ski kick zone;
- Toko Racing Waxremover - especially when working with Performance series waxes.
- Clean the base with a tissue, cloth (ideally, use a special Toko base tex or fabric for cleaning the ski base);
- Allow the base to dry completely for at least 10 minutes and only then apply wax.
A clean base ensures better wax absorption.
2. Hot waxing (best result)
- Choose TOKO Performance Hot Wax according to 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 packaging of the selected wax; (a TOKO T8 or T14 iron will suffice for home use).
- Drip wax onto the base and spread evenly with the iron;
- Move the iron evenly, without overheating the base.
- Allow the wax to cool for 20–30 minutes.
3. Scraping and brushing
- Clean the ski groove with TOKO Groove pin.
- Remove excess wax with the scraper TOKO Plexi Blade 3mm (use 5mm for alpine skis, 4mm with the larger size for snowboards);
- Scrape from the ski tip to the tail (when scraping, wax will fall from the ski, choose a suitable place for easier clean-up afterwards);
- Brush with TOKO Brush (Oval) Steel Wire and finish with a nylon brush.
This step ensures good glide.
Quick alternative – Express waxes
If there's no time for full waxing:
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Use TOKO Express Rub-On, Paste or Liquid Wax;
- Liquid Wax - more information about this below. - Toko Express Pocket Wax (100ml) - universal liquid wax.
- Toko Express Rub-on or paste - universal wax.
- Apply, let dry, and polish.
For each selected type – the application method may differ.
Ideally suited just before skiing or during travels. Depending on how often and how much you ski, these types will require more frequent application.
Quick before skiing – TOKO Base Liquid
TOKO Base Performance Liquid Paraffin is an ideal solution for beginners and daily skiing. This product will require a Toko Polishing brush liquid paraffin brush.
Why choose:
- No iron needed;
- Quick application;
- Protects the ski base.
Color selection:
- Blue – for strong negative temperatures,
- Red – for moderate conditions;
- Yellow – for warm, wet snow.
For training and daily use, choose - base and performance liquid paraffin.
Classic skis with fish scales / with skin, pre-prepared kick zone.
Classic skis with fish scales do not require a separate kick wax, but they still need care.
How to proceed:
- Clean the base;
- Apply TOKO Express Glip / Glide over the entire ski;
- Polish with a cork.
The product improves glide while maintaining grip.
For classic skis with a skin kick zone, wipe the kick zone with a dry cloth daily and after skiing to remove snow, salt, dirt, and dry at room temperature.
For deeper cleaning (when glide is poor or skin ices up)
TOKO Skin Clean - special cleaner for skin material
How to use:
- Spray onto the skin zone;
- Leave for 2-5 minutes;
- Wipe with a clean cloth and allow to dry completely.
Do not use regular ski cleaners or solvents — they damage the fibers and glue.
Anti-icing & for better glide
TOKO Skin Proof (Spray onto clean, dry skin (kick zone) and allow to dry.
- Reduces snow adhesion;
- Improves glide in wet snow.
Ski gliding surface (without skin zone)
Treat like regular skis:
- Hot paraffin or liquid wax;
- Be careful not to get wax on the skin zone.
For product usage instructions, use TOKO WAX ACADEMY materials - https://www.toko.ch/en/wax-academy/video-tutorials/
