Spring Tech - Dealing with the Challenges of Spring Snow

Spring Skiing: Tips for Speed and Comfort in Wet Conditions

Spring skiing can be some of the best of the year, but the mix of sun, rain, and wet snow can also present unique challenges. Here are our top tips for keeping your skis fast and your body comfortable in unpredictable spring conditions.

Choosing the Right Skis

Wet snow requires specialized ski designs to maintain speed and glide efficiently. The right camber shape and stiffness are crucial for handling ice, slush, and fresh wet snow. Ski manufacturers design wet-snow skis with focused pressure zones that help push water away, reducing the "suction" effect that slows skis down. Some models even feature special wet-snow bases, which can make a remarkable difference. If you've ever raced in wet conditions against skiers with dedicated wet-snow skis, you’ve probably noticed how effortlessly they glide ahead.

• Skate Skis: The right camber shape and flex are essential for wet snow performance. A properly designed wet-snow skate ski will always outperform a universal or cold-snow ski.
• Classic Skis: Two types of wet-snow classic skis make a significant impact:
  • Klister Skis – These have a specialized glide zone shape to manage moisture and a high, stiff camber in the kick zone to hold the sticky klister off the snow while gliding. While some low-camber hard-wax skis can work with klister, they are not nearly as effective as a dedicated klister ski.
  • Zero (Hairy) Skis – These no-wax skis have a roughened kick zone that provides grip mechanically rather than relying on klister or grip wax. They excel in fresh, wet snow around freezing, especially when new snow is falling and melting in the tracks.

While klister and zero skis are the best options for racing, they require technical expertise. Klister waxing is an art, and fine-tuning hairies for optimal kick and glide can be tricky. For a more user-friendly alternative, skin skis offer reliable performance with minimal brain damage. While they may not be as fast as klister or zero skis, they work well in wet snow without the technical challenges, making them a great complement to waxable skis for unpredictable conditions.

If you want to maximize your performance in slushy conditions, investing in dedicated wet-snow skis is well worth it. We don't stock a ton of these skis as they are very specific, but talk to us in the spring and we can hand-pick skis for you during the summer. That way we get the exact ski you need to rock the wet.

Optimizing Ski Structure

Beyond ski selection, ski base structure plays a crucial role in handling moisture and snow crystals in wet snow. Ski bases typically feature two types of structure:

1. Stone Grinds – Permanent patterns cut into the ski base using a precision machine. The depth and design of the grind impact performance in different snow conditions. For wet snow, the right grind improves glide while preventing dirt buildup, which can slow skis down, especially in longer races.
2. Hand Structure – Additional patterns applied with hand tools over an existing stone grind. Lighter structures fade after a couple of waxings, while deeper structures create permanent changes on the base. Hand structures enhance stone grinds, particularly as conditions get wetter and moisture management becomes critical.

For more on hand structure and tools, check out the BNS Magazine.

Waxing for Wet Conditions

Waxing is the final piece of the puzzle for achieving fast skis. In the no-fluoro era, waxing for wet snow remains a challenge. We’ve found that applying a hard, highly hydrophobic base wax is key for speed, durability, and dirt resistance. On top of this, liquid waxes have proven to be the most effective in wet conditions, offering superior glide.

Some of our favorites waxes for wet snow:

• Rode Endurance - Hard universal wax that runs really well in all temps of snow, but especially fast in old, transformed snow.
• Rode WC RX52 New Snow - for warm, wet new snow.
• Rode WC RX62 Wet Snow - for really wet and transformed snow
• Rode Racing Liquid Wet - Inexpensive Liquid Racing Wax with a broad range
• Rode World Cup Racing Liquid Wet Special - Special Racing Liquid specifically for wet conditions

Check out Roger's wax review for an all-encompassing view of the wax world.

Dressing for Wet-Weather Skiing

Skiing in wet conditions can be uncomfortable without the right clothing. Here’s how to stay dry and warm:

• Layering Strategy: If it’s raining, bring dry clothes and multiple base layers. Wet conditions can increase the risk of hypothermia, especially during races. Warm up in one base layer, hat and gloves, then switch to a dry one before starting your race and then again after you finish.
• Gloves and Hats: Keep an extra pair of dry gloves and a hat handy.
• Rain Gear: A rain jacket can be invaluable, especially one with a velcro closure—keep it open for climbs and sealed for descents.
• Eyewear: Full-coverage ski glasses or shields help protect your vision from falling snow and rain.
• Boot Covers: Neoprene boot covers help keep your boots dry, reducing weight and keeping your feet warm.
• Towel(s): Bring something to help you dry off you and your gear as you change clothes.

With the right skis, structure, waxing, and clothing, you’ll be ready to take on spring skiing and enjoy fast, smooth glides—even in the slushiest conditions.