The Best Ski & Snowboard Wax of 2023
By: Jen Streby: Senior Buyer | January 19, 2023
Don’t get stuck in the flats or come to a crawling halt while going down the slopes. Waxing your skis or snowboard is vital for achieving optimal performance and glide on the mountain. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. There are a few key things to consider before making your purchase, including the temperature range you will be skiing or snowboarding in and the type of snow you will be on. For example, some waxes work better on icy or wet snow, while others are better suited for dry powder.
New This Year:
One of the recent trends in ski and snowboard wax is eco-friendly and sustainable options. mountainFLOW is a leading brand in the space that achieves this through plant-based, biodegradable ingredients. Or, while lower performing than melt-in wax, some riders prefer the ease of liquid wax that can be applied in seconds, like the Swix F4 Glidewax Liquid. So whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, we've curated a list of the best ski and snowboard waxes on the market based on their effectiveness, versatility, and overall value.
This Year's Best Ski & Snowboard Wax:
SWIX F4-180 Glidewax 180g
This 180-gram bar of SWIX F4-180 Glidewax 180g is enough to keep you and your family sliding fast and turning effortlessly for the whole season. F4 solid wax is designed to be ironed on, scraped thin, and brushed for best results.
| Temperature Range | Original Price |
| All Temperatures | $29.95 |
SWIX PS06 Blue -6°C/-12°C 180g Wax
For cold weather days and racing your friends on the groomers, turn to the SWIX PS06 Blue -6°C/-12°C 180g Wax. A versatile cold weather wax, it can be used on every kind of terrain from powder to race courses.
| Temperature Range | Original Price |
| 21°F to 10° F / -6°C to -12°C | $36.95 |
North Glidewax Universal 180g
North Glidewax Universal 180g is an all temperature hard wax designed to be ironed on, scraped and brushed. Long lasting with excellent glide, North waxes are a new line from the masters at SWIX aimed at backcountry and freeride skiers and snowboarders.
| Temperature Range | Original Price |
| All Temperatures | $15.95 |
SWIX F4-60W-N Glidewax Warm with Cork 60g
Calling all skiers and riders in the warmer Northwest conditions, this is your jam. Rub it on the base(s) of your skis or snowboards, cork it in with the included cork (on the back) and glide across the flats with ease thanks to the SWIX F4-60W-N Glidewax Warm with Cork 60g. Perfect for skiers or snowboarders, this all-temp rub-on wax fits in a pocket but offers big time, day-saving performance.
| Temperature Range | Original Price |
| Warm: 25˚F (-4˚C) & Warmer | $22.95 |
SWIX F4-100US Glidewax Liquid 100ml
The SWIX F4-100US Glidewax Liquid 100ml has saved many a day in the mountains, and it could save yours too. The beauty of this liquid wax is that you can keep it in your pocket for on-the-go application when you're feeling sluggish and your friends are flying past you on the cat track. Just let your bases dry, rub this on, wait five minutes, polish it off, and you'll be back to warp speed.
| Temperature Range | Original Price |
| All Temperatures | $16.95 |
One Ball Biogreen Base Cleaner
Yes this isn't a ski wax like the rest of this list, but plays a big role in the process of keeping you fast on the slopes. So you just looked at your board and remembered that last season's spring sessions consisted of a healthy dose of dirt-boarding and shrub-sending? Then you probably need the One Ball Jay Biogreen Base Cleaner. A fully biodegradable formula, this citrus oil base cleaner clears away dirt and grime quickly and easily so you're snowboard can actually hold onto a coat of wax again.
| Temperature Range | Original Price |
| - | $19.95 |
SWIX F4-100NWUS Glidewax Liquid Warm 100ml
A special formula F4 for the Northwest United States, SWIX F4-100NWUS Glidewax Liquid Warm is designed for temps above 4˚C (25˚F). Just apply the liquid to dry bases with the built-in applicator, let dry, and polish.
| Temperature Range | Original Price |
| Warm | $24.95 |
mountainFLOW eco-wax Warm Hot Wax
Tune up your gear with the eco-friendly mountainFLOW eco-wax Warm Hot Wax. This plant-based wax is biodegradable and performs just as well as conventional petroleum based offerings.
| Temperature Range | Original Price |
| Warm – 20 - 36F | $19.95 |
Learn More With Our Other Accessories Guides:
- Sunglasses - How to Choose
- Sunglasses - Style & Face Shape
- Goggles - How to Choose
- Goggles - How to Wear Goggles with Glasses
- Goggles - How to Prevent Fogging
- Helmets - How to Choose & Fit Guide
- Helmets - MIPS Technology
- Gloves & Mittens - How to Choose
- Hats - Types, Styles, & Materials
- Socks - How to Choose Ski & Snowboard Socks
Discover Our Favorite Accessories:
- The Warmest Mittens
- The Best Face Masks, Neck Tubes & Balaclavas
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Mittens
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Helmets
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Helmets
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Socks
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Gloves
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Gloves
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Goggles
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Goggles
- The Best Value Ski & Snowboard Goggles
- The Best Ski Bags
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Boot Bags
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Backpacks
- The Best Snowboard Bags
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Wax
- The Best Snowboard Stomp Pads
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Glove Liners
- The Best Snowboard Wrist Guards & Protective Gear
- The Best Heated Ski Socks & Ski Boot Heaters
The Selection Process:
Our snow accessories buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things snow accessory related stemming from years of experience in the outdoor industry in tandem with their countless hours spent outside in all conditions around the world. From hot to cold, snow, rain, wind, and even sunshine, they know what accessories will keep you comfortable and really up your experience outside. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Jen Streby
Hi! My name is Jen and while growing up in the very cold Midwest, I didn’t have much experience in the snow apart from sledding and building your classic snowman. Eventually, after college, I migrated my way out to Utah. There I stepped on the snow on skis for the first time at the young age of 27. The first experience being at Alta, doing a complete yard sale under the Collins lift on my first run. Stubborn me didn’t give up. I soon after got a job at Snowbird where I grew to love the sport and learned to love the mountains in the wintertime as much as I do in the summer.
My winter passion didn’t change upon moving to the PNW where I call Seattle my home. I started with evo 6 years ago and have been a buyer for several categories, one of which currently includes the snow accessories category. Come to me if you want to talk about helmets, goggles, gloves, and more.