The last day to drop off skis at Gear West is Sunday, February 15th before 4:00 p.m
Get your skis race-ready without the stress. Our World Cup–tested race wax service gives you professional glide prep, daily structure selection, and race-week testing so you can focus on skiing fast.
What’s Included
- Full race glide prep using tested race wax systems
- Daily wax selection based on weather and snow
- Hand structure testing and application
- Classic skis receive kick binder only
- Kick recommendations + application support race morning
- Benches and wax available at pickup area for classic
The service is available for both classic and skate skis. Please note, that for classic skis we apply only a kick base binder wax to the kick pocket. We will provide recommendations for kick and an area to apply wax at ski pick-up, but due to the wide variance in the amount of kick preferred,WE DO NOT APPLY KICK WAX
Skis must be scraped, brushed, ready for race wax application at drop off. The kick zones must be cleaned, sanded, and marked.
Important Details:
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Early Registration:
- Skate - $100.00
- Classic - $115.00
- Online Registration ends February 15th at 12 p.m.
- The last day to drop off skis at Gear West is Sunday, February 15th before 4:00 p.m.
Drop Off — What You Need To Know
In-Store Drop Off — Nordic Counter
- Last day: Sunday, Feb 15 by 4:00 pm
- Online registration closes Feb 15 at Noon
Hayward Drop Off — Gear West Mobile Van outside of the Expo
- Kortelopet: Thursday before 3:00 pm
- Birkie: Thursday (10 am - 8 pm) or Friday before Noon
- Note: Early sign-ups (before February 13) may drop off at the Expo until 3:00 pm on Friday
Shipping Skis
- Ship to Gear West store address
- Must arrive by Wednesday, Feb 11
Ski Prep Requirements
- Skis must be wax-free (glide + kick removed)
- Kick zones cleaned and sanded
- Classic skis clearly Sharpie marked (.2 / .4 / .6 preferred)
- $15 cleaning fee if wax removal is needed
- No labeling needed — we tag skis at intake
Race Morning Pickup
- Pickup is at your race start line only
- We are set up very early — skis will be ready
- Kick wax recommendations posted
- Staff, benches, and wax available on site
- Grab skis, check the board, go race.
Pricing
-
In-Store Drop Off (Base Price)
- Skate — $100
- Classic — $115
-
Hayward Drop Off
- Skate — $115
- Classic — $130
- If registration is open online, space is available. No waitlist.
FAQ — Gear West Birkie & Korte Race Wax Service
- Where do I drop off skis at Gear West? At the Nordic front counter.
- What is the last in-store drop off day? Sunday, February 15 before 4:00 p.m.
- When does online registration close? February 15 at Noon for in-store and Hayward drop off.
- Do I need to label my skis? No — we print and attach labels at intake.
- How should my skis be prepped? Clean and wax-free. Glide and kick wax must be removed. Kick zones cleaned and sanded. Classic skis should be clearly Sharpie marked.
- What if my skis still have wax on them? We will clean them and add a $15 cleaning fee.
- Do you apply kick wax? No. We apply binder only. Kick recommendations are posted at pickup and staff will be there to help.
- Will kick wax recommendations be available race morning? Yes — posted on a board at pickup, with benches, wax, and staff support available.
- Is structure included? Yes. Structure testing and application are included in the service price.
- Can I opt out of structure or specific wax layers? No — this is a full service race prep.
- Do you stone grind or repair bases? No — that is not part of this service.
- Is there a waitlist? No. If you can register online, space is still available.
- Are refunds or cancellations allowed? No refunds or cancellations, but we will work with racers if situations come up.
- When should shipped skis arrive? Before Wednesday, February 11.
- When can I pick up race morning? Very early — your skis will be ready well before racers begin arriving.
