As the ski season winds down and the snow melts away, it’s time to give your gear the care it deserves before tucking it away for the warmer months.
Proper storage means your skis stay in top condition, ready to hit the slopes again next winter.
Here’s how to keep your skis, boots, and gear in peak shape until the next snowfall.
Prepping Your Skis for Storage
Before stashing your skis away, a little TLC goes a long way in maintaining their performance. Follow these steps:
1. Clean Your Skis Thoroughly
Your skis accumulate plenty of dirt, grime, and salt throughout the season, which can lead to damage over time.
Give them a good rinse using water or a citrus-based solvent. Steer clear of degreasers or detergents, which can interfere with the binding lubricant. Be mindful not to force water into the bindings.
2. Sharpen the Edges
Check your skis for any base or edge damage and repair minor issues before storage.
Sharpening the edges will prevent rusting and make sure your skis are slope-ready when winter returns.
3. Wax the Bases
Coat your skis with a generous layer of hot wax to keep the bases and edges protected from oxidation and rust. There’s no such thing as too much wax!
Leave it on throughout the summer – it acts as a shield against environmental factors. You can scrape it off when you’re ready to ski again.
How to Store Your Skis Properly
Once your skis are prepped, storing them the right way is key to maintaining their shape and integrity.
- Strap them loosely together, base to base.
- Choose a neutral storage position: they can lie flat, be stored on their side, or hung vertically by the tips. Avoid leaning them against each other, as this could lead to warping.
- Protect their shape by ensuring there’s no pressure on the brakes, rocker, or camber. Don’t store them under heavy objects or in positions that could bend them over time.
- Use a ski bag to shield them from dust, sunlight, and scratches. If opting for a bag, make sure it doesn’t trap moisture inside, as this can lead to rust.
Don’t Forget About Your Ski Boots
Your boots also need proper care before storage:
- Clean and dry them thoroughly.
- Store them with the buckles loosely fastened to maintain their shape.
- Check the heels and toes for damage, and inspect laces for wear and tear – replacing them now saves a headache later.
Where to Store Your Skis Over Summer
The environment where you store your skis makes all the difference in keeping them in top condition:
- Find a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity.
- Avoid garages or basements that may retain moisture, as this could cause rusting and deterioration.
- Consider external storage solutions if space is limited at home.
The Easy Storage Solution
If you’re tight on space, outsourcing your ski storage could be the solution you need. Services like The Box Co. offer by-the-box storage, where you only pay for the space your skis take up.
With collection, storage, and delivery starting at just £3.56 per month, you can have your skis picked up from your doorstep and returned when the slopes start calling again. Their services cover the whole of the UK including storage in London.
Ready for Next Winter
Taking the right steps to clean, prepare, and store your skis properly means they will stay in peak condition for next season.
Whether you store them at home or use a dedicated storage service, a little preparation now will save you time and stress when winter rolls around again. Happy skiing!
