Do waxless cross country skis really need no wax?
The term “waxless” in cross country skis is not entirely accurate. Waxless skis do not require kick wax and instead have a mechanical “fish scale” pattern cut into the base of the ski underneath the foot that provides kick and uphill grip. These skis still benefit from glide wax. Generally, a liquid or paste wax is applied to the entire bottom of the ski from tip to tail. This provides better glide and also keeps snow and ice from building up in the waxless pattern.
