Brown Snow Conditions (Dirty Snow, Any Temperature)

The overall friction will match that of the corresponding colour condition. Almost always brown conditions will be coarse, transformed, old snow. Your main consideration will be to choose glide waxes that have dirt-repelling ingredients (such as graphite and molybdenum) that will resist the buildup of dirt on the ski.

Brown conditions are almost always klister due to the nature of old, coarse snow. Some brown conditions will allow for hardwaxes. Choosing a wax that matches the colour condition will usually be good, though a few brands offer dirty snow specific waxes pre-mixed with dirt-repelling ingredients for best results.

For dirty snow, you want a clear/red/white base ski! These bases are super hard and designed for maximum repulsion of dirt. Ski's flex characteristics and structure should match the condition of snow. A classic ski should have a high enough camber for klister. If you have to use black base skis, make sure they get a real good cleaning after your ski to ensure dirt doesn't get ironed into your base. If you aren't a racer, you'll want to use a rock ski for these conditions to avoid damaging the bases of your favourite skis.