Dirt absorption on the ski running surface — quantification and influence on the gliding ability

Abstract

We propose a thesis that minimising dirt on the running surface of skis improves the surface glide. Waxing usually improves the gliding ability of skis in the short term. But how does waxing affect pollution absorption in the long term? In this study a number of skis with a transparent base and a white background were treated by steel scraping and with different glide waxes. The gliding ability of waxed and unwaxed skis, the sliding surface whiteness and the hydrophobicity were tested and documented. Tests were performed before and after the skis had been used for different distances. It was observed that all the waxed skis (regardless of the wax used) absorbed more dirt than unwaxed, and as a result all waxed skis lose their glide ability sooner than unwaxed (freshly scraped) skis in wet snow conditions.