Rain at the start, sleet and fresh snow in the mountains, and temperatures on both sides of zero: the forecast for Birken is as bad as it can get.

There are reports of heavy rain and precipitation in the days leading up to Birken, overnight into Birken, and Saturday morning. Temperatures above and below zero degrees mean a combination of rain, sleet, and fresh snow. What does this mean for ski preparation? Here are the waxing expert’s tips for grip, glide, and structure.

“It’s going to be challenging. What’s currently forecasted is about as bad as it can get,” says Thomas Strøm, who waxes skis for the Ski Classics Pro Team, Team Kaffebryggeriet, and works at NRP Sport in Brumunddal.

A significant difference from Vasaloppet and a factor that can make it more complicated to succeed with skis in Birken are the differences in altitude in the course. From 296 meters above sea level in Rena to almost 1000 meters above sea level at the highest points in the course. This means there are much more significant differences in snow conditions in different parts of the Birkebeinerrennet course than in Vasaloppet.

The race starts in Rena at 296 meters above sea level. It goes up to 916 meters on Raudfjellet, then down to Kvarstad at 670 meters, then up Midtfjellet to over 900 meters again, over Sjusjøen, and down to the finish at Birkebeinerrennet Stadium at 490 meters. That’s where the challenge lies.

“If you have too much grip wax, you’re in trouble because you’ll get stuck where there’s fresh snow. And if you don’t have enough grip wax, you’re in trouble as well,” warns Strøm, adding, “And if it snows heavily, the wax needs to be well covered.”

How to get both grip and glide from Rena to Lillehammer 

Strøm is out testing in the course daily. Based on that, long experience, and the prevailing weather forecast, he is clear that grip wax is the way to go.

“It’s risky to say for sure that it will be pure grip wax conditions, but that’s what I think it will be, based on the current outlook. Then, I would go for some universal grip wax, preferably something with tar or gold in it. Start Wide, Vauhti LDR, or Swix Nero 33, all are good options,” he says, continuing, “One thing is which products are recommended. It’s just as important how they are applied. There’s a big difference between applying wax with the palm of your hand and doing it professionally with a roller. You’re almost guaranteed to get icing and clumping if the wax is uneven and clumps.”

“If you want to be completely sure of having a good grip and decent glide all the way, then it’s skin skis that apply. But that being said, waxable classic skis almost always have better glide,” says Strøm.

There’s no harm in outsourcing the job if you need clarification on products or applications.

“But time is running out. Many shops have Wednesday or Thursday as the deadline for ski submission,” says Strøm.

The article continues below.

Grinding and structure 

Strøm recommends a flexible, medium grind, but not too coarse (it becomes too aggressive and heavy to ski on in the fresh snow at altitude).

“The safest option is to choose a grind slightly colder than the thermometer says. We recommend a grind of the ‘white, fine’ type. It’s a universal grind that works very well on wet snow but also performs well below freezing,” says Strøm.

In addition to the correct grind, a manual structure will enhance glide. The groove helps drain water away from the base and reduces ‘suction’ in the snow, especially in the downhill sections towards the finish, where it’s warmer and wetter.

“Put a straight structure on the back ski; I recommend 2 millimeters set with a roller,” advises Strøm.

Tips: The Meteorological Institute has created a separate weather forecast for the Birkebeiner course on Yr.no. 

Here are all the main checkpoints on the course: The start at Tingstadjordet (296 meters above sea level), Skramstadsætra (645 meters), Dambua (760 meters), Raudfjellet (916 meters), Kvastadsætra (670 meters), Midtfjellet (910 meters), Sjusjøen (930 meters), and the finish at Birkebeineren Ski Stadium (490 meters). 

Here, you can find all types of forecasts, temperature and precipitation graphs, history and forecasts, and web cameras from several locations on the course.

Also Read – Skiing through history: The saga of Birkebeinerrennet