Weather forecasts indicate challenging conditions at the Birkebeinerrennet this weekend. Waxing experts warn about a mistake that could ruin the race for many and share their best tips for good skis.

Conditions at the Birkebeinerrennet this weekend could be tricky, with varying precipitation, wind, and snow conditions throughout the race.

According to waxing experts, it is not actually difficult to prepare skis for the forecast conditions. The biggest challenge will be physical effort: with wet, warm conditions at the start and winter conditions in the mountains, the first 10km from Rena to the mountains could be extremely demanding.

Now, waxing experts warn against a mistake that could make the race even harder.

“If you’re standing at the start and feel that the skis have slightly too little grip, keep calm and resist the temptation to apply softer wax,” says Per Wiik from the waxing and grinding workshop at Sport1 Lillehammer.

“If you apply too aggressive grip wax, it will ice up badly in the mountains. Up there is dry snow and winter conditions, and that’s where you will ski most of the race. You need good skis there, so you may have to accept slightly slippery skis at the start,” he says, adding:

“For many recreational skiers, skin skis will be the best choice on a day like this. They will provide better grip at the start and perform very well in the mountains too.”

The elite and an increasing number of ambitious recreational skiers double-pole the entire Birken, avoiding the challenge of kick waxing altogether. The same applies, of course, to those racing SkøyteBirken.

Regardless of whether you ski on skin skis, waxed skis, or double-poling skis, it is essential to ensure good glide.

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What should you apply under your skis?

“First, make sure you start with the right grind. Even if it’s warm and wet at the start, it’s cold, dry snow in the mountains, so most of the race will be on winter snow,” says Wiik.

He recommends a “blue grind”, meaning a medium cold grind that is not too coarse.

“In addition, you can add a straight 1–2mm rill at the back of the ski. That will provide better speed on the descents toward the finish,” he says.

When it comes to glide wax, the same principle applies: choose something colder than the conditions at the start might suggest.

“Keep it simple. Use standard glide wax in the range of around -2 to -10°C, such as P6 from Swix or violet RX42 from Rode. They will perform very well, and for most skiers that will be all they need,” says Wiik.

“For those who want something extra, they can consider applying a race-day powder on top. Exactly which powder is best will depend on the conditions closer to the race,” he says, adding:

“But glide wax can safely be applied already now, so that part is done.”

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What about kick wax?

“That will depend entirely on what happens with the weather. But based on the current forecast, it will likely be a violet-range hard wax with a solid base layer underneath. So, the base layer can be applied now, but I would wait with the top layers until we see exactly how conditions turn out,” says Wiik.

“People say a lot of strange things”

Simen Finjord from Team Aker Dæhlie’s waxing team, responsible for skis for both Ski Classics top athletes and World Cup stars, recently returned from the Olympics in Italy. He agrees with Wiik.

“Don’t overcomplicate waxing more than necessary. Many people are surprised at how simple we keep it, even at the highest level, despite having many resources. The most important thing is to be systematic,” Finjord tells Langrenn.com.

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His best advice is to trust yourself and not be overly influenced by all the waxing tips circulating before the race.

“People say a lot of strange things. Don’t do something you’ve never done before. Then you risk having a very heavy day,” says Finjord.

Is there anything that could keep you awake at night before Birken this year?

“Yes. If we get sleet and rain alternating on Friday, that could become really challenging. Then the differences between skis will become even bigger.”

At the moment, that is exactly what the forecast predicts for Friday. In addition, winds of up to 16 meters per second are expected.

You can follow the weather forecast for the entire Birkebeiner course from Rena to the finish at Birkebeineren Stadium in Lillehammer.

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