Nordic Ski Structure

There is more to waxing
your nordic skis than one might think.

Take a minute to learn about the idea behind adding structure.

Nordic skiing has been great this year and it’s time to soak up every stride and glide moment left. Our in-house waxing guru, Tad Kirshner, who has 25 years of experience waxing skis recommends adding structure to your base to optimize ski glide and to maximize the fun.

Adding structure to your ski base essentially means to carve tiny groves into the smooth surfaces of your ski base. This technical aspect of ski tuning requires the use of a specific toolset but pays off in the long run. It's important to re-visit your ski base structure now more than ever since temperatures are warming and it's quite possible that your new skis have lost their structure leaving you stuck in a tired, slog-like glissade.

The more skiing, waxing and general usage wear that you have put on your skis, the more your ski structure grooves fall out of shape. The weather in Tahoe this month is looking to be warm. This creates hard snow in the mornings and high water content in the afternoon.

With this warm weather trend, treat yourself to this extra step at home or from our experts in the shop. You will smile as you feel some more efficiency in your glide out there for these bluebird springtime ski days. 

Kirshner says:

“if the weather stays warm and you put a certain pattern into your ski, it’s going to evacuate the water more quickly and create a more efficient ski.”

In warm, wet snow, the general idea behind adding base structure is to move the water away from the base and to reduce water suction. The water acts as a suction cup and we want to get the water out from under the ski as quick as possible. The right structured base will do just this leaving your travel light and fast.

Give us a call if you want to explore the options and keep your skis moving in the right direction as efficiently as possible. (530) 587-5561.