Updated July 31, 2025
Every ski setup feels sluggish without the right wax.
Seriously.
The right wax boosts your speed, helps you carve cleaner, and protects your bases from wear (and dreaded dry spots).
It’s a simple upgrade that pays off every time.
I’ve tested a bunch over the seasons. These are the ones that actually deliver.
🏆 Quick Pick
The best ski wax is undoubtedly Hertel Super HotSauce Ski Wax. Glides great, smells good, and won’t make your wallet cry. What more do you want?
Top 3 Roundup
Best Ski Wax Reviews
1. Super HotSauce Ski and Snowboard Wax
- RIDE LONGER, WAX LESS: Get up to three full days on the slopes with only an ounce of Hertel Wax Super HotSauce All Temperature Ski and Snowboard Wax. It delivers smooth rides across snowboards and skis, making it a convenient addition to any snowboard wax kit or hot wax routine.
- ULTIMATE CONTROL FOR SAFER RIDES: Hertel All Temperature Ski and Snowboard Wax prioritize control, helping reduce rider fatigue and improve stability on the slopes. Designed for snowboards and skis, it delivers consistent performance across all snow and weather conditions more safer.
- POWER THROUGH ANY SNOW: Hertel ski wax delivers a smooth glide and control by interacting with the snow’s structure, perfect for skiers and snowboarders. Adapt to changing conditions with consistent performance across a wide temperature range (6°F to 52°F).
- ADAPTABLE WAX FOR HEALTHIER RIDES: Hertel Wax Super HotSauce offers top-tier performance without harmful additives, letting you ride with confidence, knowing your wax prioritizes sustainability and health without compromising performance.
- A LEGACY OF INNOVATION AND AUTHENTICITY: Since 1972, Hertel has led the way in ski and snowboard wax innovation. From inventing the first All Temperature Wax to earning Olympic golds, Hertel delivers trusted, authentic performance backed by decades of expertise and commitment to excellence.
Hertel Super Hotsauce Ski Wax is an absolute all-temp classic… and for good reason.
Don’t let the old-school packaging fool you; this stuff earned its spot among the best.
I’ve used it countless times and always come away impressed by the rapid and reliable performance. It also holds up longer than most, even in icy or slushy conditions.
If you just want a great all-rounder at a great price, congrats, no need to read the rest of the article!
2. Swix Blue Freeride Speed Brick
- North waxes allow you to have a great experience on snow
- Environment friendly waxes melt on easily and scrape out buttery smooth enough wax for 20+ jobs
- 180 gram cold formula is best when the mercury drops below 21 degrees and in cold smoke powder
- Powered by Swix and trusted by the worlds best freeride ski and snowboarders
- Don't settle for cheep waxes making bold claims North is real wax and will keep you sliding fast and smooth
Swix has been a giant in the wax world for decades. Their sister brand, North, brings that same expertise to freeride-focused gear.
The North Blue Freeride Speed Brick is easily one of the best cold-weather waxes. It delivers fast, reliable performance in frigid temps. Just keep in mind that the block is a bit smaller than some of the competitors, though the quality makes up for it.
3. PURL – Ski & Snowboard Wax
- ANY TEMP WAX: Universal ski and snowboard wax ! Purl Wax Purple is our best selling wax with our broadest operating range, suitable for snow temps ranging from as low as 10°F up to 32°F. Take the guess work out of waxing, this wax provides a fast, superior glide and durability in almost all snow conditions! Designed to make your ride fast for as long as possible.
- ALL SNOWSPORTS: Provides optimal glide on all bases! Purl Wax is the perfect all-around option for Alpine, Nordic, and Cross-Country (XC) skiing and Snowboarding, Freeride, and Snowboard Cross (SBX).
- ECO FRIENDLY: Purl Purple wax is made with non-toxic, biodegradable wax blends that are free of harmful chemicals and absolutely NO Fluoros/PFOAs/PFCs. As a member of 1% for the Planet, 1% of all sales are donated to environmental conservation.
- HOW TO APPLY: Hot waxing application! Using a ski-waxing iron, hold the Purl wax block against the hot iron to melt the wax (approx. 240°-250°F*- always keep iron below smoking point). Use the drip on or crayon on method to apply.
- PURL WAX: Committed to performance and the environment! A Colorado Company, family-owned and operated since 1999, Purl Wax was founded to accelerate the transition to eco-friendly, fluoro-free ski and snowboard waxes. We proudly offer a full range of performance-driven ski and snowboard waxes hand-poured in the USA.
Easily one of the top ski waxes this season, the PURL Purple Brick delivers excellent value. You get a generous amount of wax for a very reasonable price. Mine lasted nearly an entire season (your mileage will vary based on how often you wax).
PURL is also a small, family-run company based in the USA, which makes them even more rewarding to support!
4. Demon Hyper Ski and Snowboard Wax
- Demon Hyper Wax -1.06 lb Big Block-Made in USA- NO PFAS
- Premium proprietary blend guarantees you to be the fastest on the mountain.
- Optimal use for any season and snow conditions.
- Original blend developed and made Southern California and still made there today!
- Premium scent, Premium blend, Premium speed- Guaranteed!
Demon United’s Hyper Wax Block is perfect for skiers who want high performance without breaking the bank. With a large-sized block at such great value, you’re all set for dozens of wax sessions.
Okay it doesn’t quite have the performance of HotSauce or PURL. But it does a very good job for this price point.
5. ZUMWax RUB On Snowboard Wax
- EASY APPLICATION: 1) Rub on then buff into base with attached cork 2) Push up container for easy on-hill application
- NO PTFE: Free from harmful PTFE chemicals, ensuring a safer and more eco-friendly performance without compromising speed.
- UNIVERSAL – ALL CONDITIONS
- BOOSTS PERFORMANCE SAFETY AND FUN: Enhances your ride in all conditions for a smoother, more enjoyable experience.
- MADE IN USA: Hand-poured with precision in the magnificent, rainy Washington State for superior performance, unmatched speed, and lasting durability in all conditions.
Now, it’s not a substitute for a full hot wax, but when you’re short on time – or just feeling lazy – it’s a real game changer.
Just a heads up: even if you use rub-on wax regularly, I still suggest doing a proper hot wax every few weeks to keep your skis in shape.
6. Demon United Ski & Snowboard Wax Bundle
- Includes Demon Orange Crush Warm Wax, Demon Blue Blur Cold Wax, Demon Snow Lightning Universal Snow Conditions Wax, Demon Modified HydroCarbon Universal Snow Conditions Wax and Demon Black Gold Graphite Universal Snow Conditions Wax. Each bar contains 133 grams of Pure Speed and good times. Premium Scent, Premium Blend, Premium Speed- Guaranteed! Made In USA.
- Demon United is headquartered in Utah, USA. Our focus and dedication at Demon United is to create great products that help KEEP YOU FROM AN EARLY GRAVE. Shred on!
Demon is back with a five-pack ski wax bundle.
This set includes top-quality waxes designed to handle nearly every temperature you’ll encounter. The only catch? You might use up the all-temp and universal waxes faster, leaving some cold-weather wax unused.
This bundle is perfect if you ski at different resorts, in various countries, or through changing seasons. If that’s not you, just get the HotSauce!
7. ONEBALL One Bacon Snowboard & Ski Wax 150g
- WHO SAYS WAXING CAN'T BE FUN? - Our Shape Shifter waxes combine our quality, all temp, hydrocarbon based wax with unique shapes and scents. An entertaining way to keep your snowboard or skis running fast.
- BACON WAX - Bacon scent. Who don't like smelling up the wax room!
- FORMULA - WAX TYPE: UNIVERSAL SNOW CONDITIONS WAX Performance Range: 28ºF to 21ºF (-2ºC to -6ºC) Excellent glide, acceleration, and fantastic top end speed in wide range of conditions.
- SNOW TYPE: Universal Conditions Speed - Elite speed, glide, and durability. Performance Range: 28ºF to 21ºF (-2ºC to -6ºC) Snow Temp Humidity 50%< (Not wet snow and the weather is not calling for an extra layer. The snow is also not very squeaky and you can still make a snowball. Normal/Cool type of conditions.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: Proven podium formula. Race Craft Fast! Durable, easy to apply and scrape. Tropical Scented.
Don’t let the fun branding fool you—ONEBALL is an established name in the wax game (rhyme intended).
Their wax delivers excellent quality, plus it comes with a quirky scent that’ll remind you of your favorite morning breakfast!
Ski Wax Buying Guide
I’ve stood exactly where you are. Staring down shelves (or tabs) full of wax and wondering, which one actually works?
So I made this simple breakdown to cut through the noise and help you find the right ski wax for your next trip .
1. Why Wax Your Skis?
Waxing reduces friction and keeps your skis gliding fast, especially in changing snow conditions. It also protects your bases from drying out or getting damaged. Even a basic wax job can make a huge difference in how your skis perform.
2. Match the Wax to the Snow Temp
Different waxes work better in different temperatures:
Cold Temp Wax – Ideal for frigid, powdery days (below 20°F / -6°C).
Warm Temp Wax – Designed for slushy spring snow (above 32°F / 0°C).
Universal/All Temp Wax – Perfect if you’re unsure of the weather or want something simple that covers most conditions.
3. Rub-On vs. Hot Wax
Rub-On Wax: Fast and easy—just rub it on and go. Great for quick fixes.
Hot Wax: Lasts longer, skis better. You’ll need an iron and some extra time, but it’s worth it.
Personally, I always go hot wax before a full ski trip and bring a rub-on bar for emergencies.
4. Eco-Friendly Options Matter
Look for biodegradable, fluoro-free waxes if you want performance and planet-friendly ingredients. Brands like PURL and MountainFLOW make great green alternatives.
5. Brand Tips
Big names like Swix, Toko, and Hertel make excellent waxes. But I’ve had great luck with some lesser-known eco brands too. Reviews and real-world feedback matter more than fancy packaging.
6. Applying Ski Wax the Right Way
If you’re new to hot waxing, there are plenty of beginner-friendly videos that walk you through it. Just remember: heat, drip, scrape, brush, and shred.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the world of ski wax can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
Pick one of the top-rated ski waxes above, give it a shot, and see how it feels on your home slopes. If it glides well and holds up through a full day, you’ve likely found your go-to.
Don’t overthink it unless you’re venturing into very specific snow or weather conditions.
Stick with what works – and enjoy every buttery smooth turn. Happy skiing!
