Winter is knocking on the door and the runners are waiting impatiently in the basement? Before you hit the white trail, take a moment and prepare your skis to go easy. Whether you are a beginner, athlete or professional, the correct preparation of the runs is the key to the joy of driving and success in the race. In this article I will take you step by step as I do - from basic maintenance to waxing alchemy used by the best servicemen.
1. Basic preparation of runs before the season
Before you start deleting anything, Check the technical condition of the running:
❄️ Check the slide: whether it is dry, scratched or oxidized (matte grey).
🔩 Check the binding: Make sure the springs are holding, the levers are working and the screws are not allowed.
🧽 Clean the slide: use base cleaner or soft service brushto remove old waxes and impurities.
➡️ Practice tip: After the summer season, the slide is "hungry" - always before the first ride again Swallow with paraffin (e.g. Swix CH10 or Toko NF Yellow).
2. Types of running and various approaches to preparation
Today's classic runs are no longer just about "waxing or not waxing." There are several technologies that differ according to the style of driving, maintenance and snow.
Type of running | Description | Care / preparation | Experience from practice | Suitable conditions (° C / type of snow) |
Wax | Classic running with lubrication chamber for reflection wax. They offer the highest accuracy and performance. | Regular Waxing of the reflection zone by temperature + Wax on sliding parts. | The fastest option, ideal for racing. It requires experience and a feeling for the choice of wax. | -15 to 0 ° C, dry to slightly wet snow. Not suitable for wet company or glacier. |
Skins (strip) | In the retro-reflective part, there is: Mohair or synthetic beltwhich holds without lubrication. | No reflection waxes, just cleaning and impregnation Belt. | Universal, reliable even in variable weather. Sometimes "brakes" on hard snow. | Ideal for wet or variable snow. |
Microcontacts (micro skin / micro scale) | The combination of skin and scales - fine microstructure or short belt in the reflective part. | Occasionally cleaning a impregnation against sticking. | Excellent compromise between slide and reflection security. Great for sports runners and training. | -8 to + 2 ° C, coarse snow, frosted tracks, temperature changes. |
Spaulins (fishscale) | Mechanically crushed reflective part ("scales"). Classic for recreational runners. | Only Slide wax"The reflection is not possible. | Easy to maintain, reliable, but louder and slower. | ITEX -10 to + 3 ° C, soft to wet snow, recreational use. |
🧠 Summary for different levels of cross-country runners:
🟢 Beginner - scales or microcontacts (minimum maintenance, reflection security).
🔵 Sports runner - Skins or microcontacts (better slide, stable performance).
🔴 Racer / professional - wax runs (fastest but demanding).
3. How to delete the runways for the classic according to the terms
🌡️ Waxes based on temperature and snow
Wax type | Temperature range | Type of snow | Suitable for |
Modrava (e.g. Swix VR40) | 2 ° C to -8 ° C | Dry, fine grain | Beginners, sports trip |
Purple (e.g. VR45, Rod Viola) | 0 ° C to -2 ° C | Slightly wet snow | Sports, recreational |
Red (e.g. VR50-VR55) | + 1 ° C to -1 ° C | Wet snow, frosted | Sports, professional |
Cartons (e. g. Swix K22N, Rod Multigrip) | + 10 ° C to -3 ° C | Ice, wet snow, firm | Advanced and Racers |
➡️ Tip: If you're not sure, reach for universal wax - for example Swix V45 Violet SpecialIt holds surprisingly well within a wide range of conditions.
4. The procedure of waxing step by step (wax runs)
Clean the slide (base cleaner or brush).
Determine the lubrication chamber (approx. 45 cm under the shoe - see manufacturer).
Apply wax in thin layers - each layer ignite a polish with cork.
Apply 3-5 layers depending on temperature and snow.
Finally apply slip wax (e.g. Swix LF or Toko NF) on the tip and heel.
5. Preparation of the Skin Runs
Skins (track runners) are a great choice for comfortable running without lubricationBut beware - they require regular belt care:
Cleaning: After each 3-5 use, clean the skin special cleaner (e.g. Swix Skin Cleaner).
Impression: For dry skin nanes Skin Boostthat repels water and dirt.
Regeneration: If the belt stops holding, there are Refresh waxes - slightly increases friction for better reflection.
➡️ From practice: After a warm spring day, dry the skin with a towel - prevent hardening of the glue and glue with a wax from the snow.
6. Differences in approach by level of the runner
Level | Recommended type of running | Care | Waxes / maintenance |
Beginner | Of a thickness exceeding 0,15 mm but not exceeding 0,15 mm | Minimum maintenance, cleaning of slides | Simple paraffins (e.g. Toko Express) |
Sport rider | Wax runs | Regular waxing of slip and reflection | Wax by temperature, Swix / Toko NF |
Professional | Wax runners (multiple pairs) | Daily preparation, ironing, slide structuring | HF or fluoro-free wax race, Swix HS, Rod RXL |
7. Under what conditions the classic excels
Classic style is ideal for:
soft, fresh snow (Wax holding)
temperature -10 ° C to + 2 ° C
Sněžné humidity 60-90%
If frosted, icy snow, classic can go, but often a clister is required - which is not a fragrant experience for everyone.
8. Practical Tips
💡 Before the race: Put the last layer of wax on the dry side - without ironing, just cork. You'll get a better shot. In spring: it is worth combining red wax with a little bit of cluster. In a long trip: carry a cork roller and a hard wax - you can adjust the lubrication in the field.
Conclusion: Well prepared runners = more joy and speed
Whether you're going on a break to the Kvilda tracks or the Šumava marathon race, good preparation will guarantee that He'll be fine..The right wax, clean slide and good reflection = fun, performance and safety.