Understanding snow: The hidden key to speed

Behind every fast ski lies a quiet collaboration — between the Swix lab and the Norwegian national wax team. For multiple seasons, Tord Hegdahl and his crew in the Norwegian wax trailer have worked side by side with Swix, testing new fluoro-free products in every kind of winter condition.

What began as coded samples has now become the Swix World Cup Line — a complete series of top-level racing gliders tested at the highest level.

“We get new test products almost every week,” says Hegdahl. “It’s a short link from the lab to the snow. We test, give feedback, and within days, there’s a new version ready to try.”

The result is a line built not just for the elite, but for anyone chasing performance — crafted from real racing experience and tested in the toughest conditions on snow.

Snow type matters

What kind of snow lies under your skis? Fine, dry crystals. Coarse, transformed grains. Wet, heavy layers. Each behaves differently — and demands its own glide solution.

“Temperature and humidity are still important,” explains Heggdal.

“But the type of snow is just as crucial. Fine, new snow and coarse, wet snow don’t behave the same. Understanding that helps you find the right glide and kick.”

That’s why Swix introduced the PF and PC labels in the new World Cup line — clear guidance based not only on temperature, but also on snow structure.

“For me, that’s a big step forward,” says Hegdahl. “It’s easier to choose the right product when you stand in the shop and see what kind of snow each one is made for.”

PF stands for Powder Fine – powder for fine snow.
PC stands for Powder Coarse – powder for coarse snow.

Built on collaboration and curiosity

Innovation in ski wax doesn’t happen in isolation. It occurs on race mornings, in bad weather, and during long days of testing.

The new World Cup line carries that spirit forward: real-world tested, World Cup proven, and ready for anyone who loves the feeling of perfect glide.

“It’s not just about temperature anymore. It’s about knowing the snow.” — Tord Hegdahl, Chief Waxer, Norwegian National XC Team