What are the minimum tools and waxes needed for someone just starting out?

Cork, scraper
light green wax (below 12 degrees)
green wax (12-low 20s)
Blue wax (low 20s to 30)
Violet wax (above 30) all temps are approximate, I will look for something more accurate and post when I find it.

This is going to cover most conditions. You can add "special" waxes to cover unique, more specific conditions in the future. I skied for the first 20 years with the basic waxes I listed above. Wax can be stripped from skis using charcol lighter fluid. When unsure of what wax to be using, always start with the harder (colder conditions) wax as you can put softer wax over it, but you can't put harder wax over softer.
If you have any more questions, just ask.

waxing basics more info

Merlin
I relied on my spouse for years for all my waxing needs. Last winter, on the verge of separation, I gained some independence by learning how to wax my skies and getting my own basic wax kit. But the best thing I did was get a lesson about waxing from a guy at Finsusu ski shop in MPLS. Not sure where you are located, but if you can spend fifteen to half an hour with someone who knows their waxes, it's well worth it. I am still a wax-newbie, but I know enough to feel moderately competent. Besides, it's a try as you go sort of thing too. Often times you adjust the wax as you get a feel for the conditions. As GM says, begin with colder condition wax.

didn't mean to wax on and on.

have fun!

Thanks for the advice.
What can you tell me about glide wax?

I don't spend a lot of time worrying about it. Get something to put on (even just paraffin) to keep your base material covered (keeps the plastic from oxidizing), but I skied for years with nothing other than kick wax.

So, with a new set of skis, if I take them to a ski shop and have them prepped with hot wax/glide wax, I’d be ok with just an assortment of kick waxes?

That's what I'd do. If you are going to race, that's a different story. But for trail skiing it's pretty basic.

I have a complete waxing station in my basement in St Louis Park.

I invite anybody who is interested to stop by for a beer and a free ski waxing.

Greg

Of course, I'll have to screen you over the phone first. LOL

A word of warning- once you ski on boards with the appropriate glide wax it is impossible to go back and soon you will be surveying your living space for an area that can be dedicated to dripping molten wax.

Greg- have you tried Fast Wax- made in Minnesota, the "sport wax" shop bars are a bargain and the cold weather waxes (Teal and Blue) very fast. The base prep is also excellent. Fast Wax

I'll be trying it next week, it's already on my skis.

I'd be out today, but I have to work a stretch of nights, this weekend is a work/sleep repeat thing for me.

Maybe you and I can get put this year.

I'm heading to Duluth next Tue or Wed,