Is there a difference between snowboard wax and ski wax? Aren't the base materials (obviously with some differences between various models) and reasons for waxing essentially the same?(OK, I admit it. I'm a skier looking for an excuse to get the sticker that comes with this item)

From an ex-racer who used lots of high-end waxes, for recreational use there is absolutely no difference. If you are very, very critical, some waxes will last longer, work at a wider range of temperatures, offer slightly better performance, but if what you want to to protect your base and offer a slightly silky smooth performance, any wax will do the job. Of course, Swix, Star, Dakine, and Toko will all sputter at this answer... but I happily use the cheap stuff now that a team isn't paying for my wax anymore. Do I notice the difference, slightly, but that's with years of high fluoro experience- Do I care... not at all.