The season’s winding down, the lifts are slowing to a stop, and it’s time to give your gear a well-earned break. But before you toss your skis or snowboard in the garage and call it a day, a little extra care now can save you time, money, and frustration when next winter rolls around.
Here are our go-to tips for how to properly store your ski gear in the off-season, so it’s ready to perform when the snow starts falling again.
How to Store Your Ski Gear and Snowboard
1. Start with a Clean Slate
Moisture, dirt, and road salt can do serious damage over time. Before you store your ski gear, wipe down your skis or snowboard, remove any grime from the bindings, and dry everything thoroughly. Pay special attention to the edges and the base. If you’ve been skiing in spring slush, this step is especially important, as wet snow can lead to rust if not properly cleaned off. Consider using a microfiber cloth to get into the nooks and crannies, keeping everything pristine for the next season.
2. Give Your Bases Some Love
A fresh coat of wax isn’t just for speed, it’s for protection. Apply a generous layer of storage wax to the bases and edges of your skis or snowboard. This will help prevent the edges from rusting and the base from drying out or cracking over time. Don’t worry about scraping it off right away; just leave it on until next season. When you’re ready to hit the slopes again, simply scrape it off and buff it up for a smooth, fast ride. Pro tip: If you’re going to store your ski gear for months, it’s better to apply too much wax than not enough.
3. Loosen Up
Release the tension – your bindings need it. If you have alpine skis, dial back the DIN settings on your bindings to reduce pressure on the springs. Just make a note of your current settings so you can readjust next season.
4. Choose the Right Spot
Where you store your ski gear matters more than you think. Avoid damp basements or overly hot attics. The ideal location? A cool, dry, temperature-stable place like a closet or interior room. Store skis and boards either lying flat or upright, but never leaning with pressure on the tips or tails.
5. Don’t Forget the Accessories
Learning how to store your ski gear goes far beyond just your skis or board. Helmets, goggles, gloves, and boots deserve some care, too. Make sure everything is clean and dry before storing. Remove liners from boots to air out, and buckle them loosely to help maintain their shape. Store goggles in a soft bag to protect the lenses from scratches and dust.
6. Keep It Together
If your gear’s in storage for months, it’s easy to forget what went where. Group your equipment together – as in boots with boots, poles with skis – and keep everything in one place so it’s easy to find next season. A labeled bin or gear bag can help.
7. Ship It to Storage
If you’re short on space or wrapping up a destination trip, ShipSkis can help. We’ll deliver your gear straight to your doorstep, or wherever you plan to store it, so you don’t have to fly home with bulky bags or worry about airport mishandling. Whether you’re sending it home for the off-season or to a second home or storage facility, we make it easy to get your gear exactly where it needs to be, safely and on time.
Bonus Tip: Set a Reminder for Fall
When the temps start dropping, it’s time to scrape that wax, check your edges, and maybe schedule a tune-up. Add a simple reminder to your calendar for a week or two before the season kicks off so you’re not scrambling last minute. Taking care of your gear early means you can hit the slopes without any delays or worries. After all, nothing beats that first run, especially when your gear is primed and ready to go from day one.