Ski Wax temperature chart: choose FFC, Elite & Psycho correctly
The right Ski Wax choice does not start with color, but with snow temperature, snow type and use case. This temperature chart helps you classify FFC, Elite and Psycho quickly – from recreational skiing to training and racing.
Important: snow temperature beats air temperature
Whenever possible, use snow temperature and snow character as your reference. New snow, old snow, artificial snow, dirt and water film can matter more than air temperature alone.
Overview by temperature and use case
This table is the fast starting point. For racing, also check snow age, moisture, dirt load and course profile.
| Temperature | Condition | Recreation | Training | Racing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 °C to -3 °C | wet / warm / spring snow | FFC 2 / P2 or universal warm wax | FFC 2 / P2 | Elite NS3 or OS3; Elite W if water film is strong |
| -3 °C to -7 °C | mixed, compact or changing snow | FFC 2 / P2 | FFC 2 / P2 or FFC 2B / P2B | Elite RR, NS3/NS2 or OS3/OS2 depending on snow age |
| -7 °C to -12 °C | cold, dry or aggressive snow | FFC 2B / P2B | FFC 2B / P2B or FFC 2C / P2C | Elite NS2/NS1 or OS2/OS1; Psycho if abrasion is dominant |
| -12 °C and colder | very cold, dry, sharp crystals | FFC 2C / P2C | FFC 2C / P2C | Elite NS1 or OS1; Psycho for aggressive snow |
| Temperature unclear | changing race conditions | Wax Advisor | Wax Advisor + test ski | Elite X or Elite RR as overlay; always test |
FFC temperature chart
FFC is the fluoro-free performance series for training, daily use and racing. FFC 1 is Base Prep and not a classic temperature finish wax.
| Product / Series | Temperature range | Snow / Situation | Use | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FFC 1 / Base Prep | Base Prep | Base cleaning, hot scrape, wax build-up | Recreation / Training / Racing | Preparation and base care, not a finish wax |
| FFC 2 / P2 | 0 °C to -7 °C | warm to universal snow | Recreation / Training / Racing | fluoro-free all-round race wax |
| FFC 2B / P2B | -4 °C to -12 °C | middle to cold snow | Training / Racing | cold/universal race range |
| FFC 2C / P2C | -7 °C and colder | cold to very cold snow | Training / Racing | cold, abrasive, dry conditions |
Elite temperature chart
Elite is the race-oriented series. NS stands for New Snow, OS for Old Snow. Selection starts with snow age and then temperature.
| Product / Series | Temperature range | Snow / Situation | Use | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elite NS3 | 0 °C to -5 °C | new snow, warm | Racing | warm new-snow race wax |
| Elite NS2 | -5 °C to -15 °C | new snow, universal | Racing | universal new-snow race wax |
| Elite NS1 | -12 °C and colder | new snow, very cold | Racing | very cold new-snow race wax |
| Elite OS3 | 0 °C to -5 °C | old snow, warm | Racing | warm old-snow race wax |
| Elite OS2 | -5 °C to -15 °C | old snow, universal | Racing | universal old-snow race wax |
| Elite OS1 | -12 °C and colder | old snow, very cold | Racing | very cold old-snow race wax |
| Elite W | 0 °C to very wet | wet snow, water film | Racing | wet-snow overlay/rub-on for water control |
| Elite RR | approx. -3 °C to -15 °C | race finish, mixed race conditions | Racing | race finish complement over NS/OS setup |
| Elite X | -10 °C and warmer | hard-to-read race conditions | Racing | premium race overlay when NS/OS choice is unclear |
Psycho temperature chart
Psycho is the specialist solution for aggressive, abrasive conditions. Here, temperature is not the only factor; the mechanical load of the snow is decisive.
| Product / Series | Temperature range | Snow / Situation | Use | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psycho New Snow | abrasive new snow | aggressive new snow, sharp crystals | Training / Racing | when abrasion matters more than temperature |
| Psycho Old Snow | abrasive old snow | aggressive transformed snow, artificial snow | Training / Racing | hard, dirty or abrasive old snow |
| Psycho variants | by snow character | aggressive snow, high abrasion | Training / Racing | specialist choice for durability and abrasion resistance |
Which series fits your use case?
Recreation
Simple, robust and fast enough for ski days without testing. FFC 2 / P2 is the universal starting point.
Training
Consistent performance, good durability and clear temperature choice. Use FFC as the main series, Psycho in aggressive snow.
Racing
Maximum performance through snow analysis, structure, finish and testing. Use Elite NS/OS, Elite RR, Elite X and Psycho precisely.
More knowledge for the right decision
When conditions are difficult, the Academy articles help classify snow friction, wet suction, wax technology and race strategy.
Frequently asked questions about the Ski Wax temperature chart
Which temperature matters more: air or snow?
For wax choice, snow temperature is usually more important than air temperature. Air values help, but they do not replace checking snow type, moisture and course.
What is the difference between FFC and Elite?
FFC is the fluoro-free performance series for broad use. Elite is more focused on race setups, snow age and finish decisions.
When should I use Psycho instead of FFC or Elite?
Psycho is useful when the snow is aggressive or abrasive and durability becomes more important than a pure temperature choice.
What should I do in changing conditions?
Use the table as a starting point, check snow age and moisture, and use the Wax Advisor or a test run. For racing, Elite RR or Elite X may be useful as a finish.
Is FFC 1 a temperature wax?
No. FFC 1 is Base Prep, a preparation and care wax. It is used for cleaning, hot scrape and wax build-up.
Unsure? Use the Dominator Wax Advisor
If temperature, snow type or use case are unclear, the Wax Advisor is the fastest way to a concrete recommendation.