Ski Wax for old snow
Old snow is snow that has already transformed, rounded, compacted or collected dirt. This page shows which Dominator Ski Wax makes sense for old snow – with focus on Elite OS, FFC and Psycho.
Quick recommendation for old snow
When snow is no longer fresh but rounded, compact, skied-on or dirty, you are in the Old-Snow logic. For race setups, Elite OS is the main series.
0 °C to -5 °C
Warm, moist or slightly dirty old snow: Elite OS3 for race setups, FFC P2 as robust choice.
View Elite series-5 °C to -15 °C
The key old-snow range: Elite OS2 for racing, FFC P2B for training and broad use.
Classify Elite OS-12 °C and colder
Very cold, hard or compact old snow: Elite OS1, FFC P2C or Psycho when abrasion is strong.
View Psycho seriesWhy old snow is different from new snow
Old snow has already been changed by temperature cycles, sun, wind, grooming or many skiers. The crystals are usually rounder, denser, more compact and often more loaded with dirt particles.
For wax choice, the focus is not snow freshness, but snow age, dirt, moisture, abrasion and compactness. This is exactly why the Dominator Elite OS logic matters.
Rule of thumb
In Dominator Elite, OS stands for Old Snow. When snow is transformed, compact or rounded by traffic, Elite OS is the race-oriented main series.
Choose old-snow wax by temperature
Old snow can change strongly during the day. In the morning it may be hard and cold; in the afternoon moist, dirty or slushy. Always check snow temperature and surface.
| Snow temperature | Recreation | Training | Racing | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 °C to -5 °C | FFC P2 | FFC P2 | Elite OS3; add Elite W if water film is strong | Watch moisture, dirt and wet suction. |
| -5 °C to -10 °C | FFC P2 or P2B | FFC P2B | Elite OS2, possibly Elite RR as finish | Common range for compact, skied-on pistes. |
| -10 °C to -15 °C | FFC P2B or P2C | FFC P2C | Elite OS2 or OS1 depending on hardness and dryness | Hardness and abrasion become more important. |
| -12 °C and colder | FFC P2C | FFC P2C or Psycho | Elite OS1, Psycho in aggressive snow | Check dry friction, abrasion and electrostatics. |
Recommendation by use case
Recreation
You need a simple and durable choice. FFC is often the best foundation because old snow can vary strongly.
View FFC seriesTraining
For many runs, changing pistes and repeatable performance, FFC P2B/P2C by temperature is very useful.
Open FFC collectionRacing
For race setups, Elite OS is the main series. On old, compact snow, OS3, OS2 or OS1 are selected by temperature.
Open Elite collectionWhich Dominator series fits old snow?
Elite OS
Race series for old, transformed and skied-on snow. OS3 warm, OS2 universal, OS1 very cold.
View Elite collectionFFC
Fluoro-free performance series for training, recreation and broad temperature ranges on skied-on snow.
View FFC collectionPsycho
Specialist series for aggressive, hard or abrasive old snow when durability and abrasion resistance are decisive.
View Psycho collectionDirect advisory and series links
For individual OS product links, this page deliberately uses the Elite Collection so the page remains stable if product handles change.
Elite OS series
The key race series for old snow, transformed snow and skied-on pistes.
View Elite OSPsycho series
For aggressive, hard and abrasive conditions on old snow or artificial snow.
View PsychoTypical mistakes in old snow
Treating old snow like new snow
Old, transformed snow needs a different setup than fresh snow.
Underestimating dirt
Old snow often contains more particles. Wax that is too soft or a wrong finish can slow down faster.
Ignoring temperature changes
Old snow can be hard in the morning and moist or slushy in the afternoon.
Choosing only one product
For racing, base, finish, structure and test runs all work together.
Relevant Academy knowledge
Related pages
Ski Wax by snow type
The central overview for new snow, old snow, artificial snow, spring snow, dry snow and indoor skiing.
Open snow-type hubSki Wax for new snow
When snow is fresh, loose or little transformed, the New-Snow logic is more suitable.
Open new snowSki Wax for artificial snow
When snow is very hard, aggressive or technically produced, check the artificial snow page.
Open artificial snowSki Wax temperature chart
Compare FFC, Elite and Psycho by temperature and use case.
Open temperature chartFrequently asked questions about Ski Wax for old snow
What is old snow?
Old snow is snow that has already transformed, been skied on, compacted or contaminated. The crystals are usually rounder and more compact than in new snow.
Which Dominator series matters most for old snow?
For race setups, Elite OS is the key series. FFC is the robust choice for training and broad use. Psycho becomes interesting when old snow is hard or abrasive.
What does OS mean in Elite OS?
OS stands for Old Snow. The series is designed for old, transformed or skied-on snow.
When should I use Elite OS2?
Elite OS2 is the central choice for old snow in the broad middle temperature range around -5 °C to -15 °C.
When is Elite OS3 useful?
Elite OS3 fits warmer old snow, typically 0 °C to -5 °C, when snow is already transformed or more moist.
When do I need Elite OS1?
Elite OS1 is useful for very cold old snow, especially when the snow is hard, dry or strongly compacted.
When does Psycho become relevant in old snow?
Psycho makes sense when old snow is aggressive, hard, influenced by artificial snow or strongly abrasive and durability becomes more important.
What is the difference between old snow and spring snow?
Spring snow is often warm, wet, dirty or slushy. It is a special case of old, strongly changing snow and is treated on its own page.
Unsure in old snow?
Use the Dominator Wax Advisor or compare old snow directly with new snow, artificial snow and the temperature chart.