Spring is here, which means there are some delightful days on the mountain ahead for skiers and snowboarders before summer sun dries up every last flake. When that happens, knowing how to store your skis for the off season will ensure they’re properly kept and ready to go when the snow falls again.
Scrub Up
The first step in how to store skis for the off season is to get them in tip top condition. Get a bucket of warm, soapy water and a sponge and really clean all surfaces of your skis. If there’s tough grime buildup, a little grease remover or similar substance can be used directly on the spots.
Assess Damages
Inspect the edges and base of your skis for any damage incurred during the season. The end of a ski season or sometime during the summer is an excellent time to take your skis in for a tune-up. Tune-ups typically run about $50 for the highest end (unless you need significant repairs), and will likely include sharpening edges, repairing the p-tex, checking the bindings, and a hot wax to seal all the fresh work in. If you take a more DIY approach, be sure to finish by waxing over the edges to protect them from rust.
Assemble Sets
Gather all the parts of your necessary ski gear and bundle them together with bungee cords or bands. This should include your skis (with bases pressed together), ski poles, and goggles. A ski bag can do much to protect your gear no matter where it’s stored, but if you are planning on keeping your skis in the garage or storage shed, you can lean or hang them on a wall, or lie them flat on the floor for safe storage. A place that keeps relatively cool temperatures and will not be exposed to direct sunlight is best. Keep your boots in the same place as your skis, and any outerwear can be stored in a gear bag or vaccuum bag.
If you learn how to store skis for the off season properly, you’ll never have to wait in long lines to have your gear serviced at the beginning of or during a busy season. Your gear will be ready on demand to take you down the first runs of the year because you did a little preventative maintenance.
Featured Image from henry perks/Unsplash
