When the snow melts and the backcountry season winds down, it’s time to give your skis or snowboard a little TLC before putting them into hibernation. Proper summer storage ensures your gear stays in peak condition and is ready to rip when the snow flies again. Here’s how to do it right.
1. Clean Everything Thoroughly
Before stashing your setup for the season, make sure to remove any dirt, salt, or grime.
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Skis & Snowboards: Scrape off any excess wax or skin glue. Use warm water and mild soap to clean the base and edges, or a base cleaner (acetone or paint thinner can be a substitute) to wipe down the base. Dry everything completely to prevent rust.
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Bindings: Wipe them down and check for any damage. If your bindings are removable, consider taking them off to relieve stress on inserts.
2. Tune Your Gear Before Storage
A little maintenance now saves you headaches later.
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Edge Care: Sharpen your edges and remove burrs to prevent rust and corrosion. If there’s any surface rust, use a Scotch-Brite or S.O.S scrubbing pad to clean it off.
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Waxing: Apply a thick coat of all-temp or warm-weather wax (yellow or red works well). Do not scrape it - this acts as a protective seal, keeping the base moisturized over dry summer months.
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Fix Core Shots: If you have core shots, fill them with p-tex or epoxy before waxing to prevent further damage.
3. Store in the Right Environment
Avoid common storage mistakes by keeping your gear in the right spot.
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Cool, Dry Place: Avoid garages or basements prone to moisture. A temperature-stable area like a closet or under-bed storage works best. Attics should be avoided due to excessive heat.
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Positioning: Store skis and boards either lying flat or standing upright to avoid warping. Don’t band skis together too tightly, especially if they are cambered—let them relax.
4. Take Care of Your Boots & Accessories
Your boots, skins, and other accessories need love too.
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Boots: Dry thoroughly, buckle them loosely to maintain their shape, and store in a breathable bag. Heat can reverse custom molding, so avoid hot areas.
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Skins: Dry them completely and store them in a cool place with backing sheets or skin savers.
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Bindings: If you have a snowboard, remove the bindings to let the board relax. If you have ski bindings with DIN settings, consider lowering them to extend their lifespan.
5. Plan for Next Season
Before you call it a wrap, take note of any gear that needs replacing or upgrading. Now’s a great time to score deals on equipment for next season!
EXPLORE END OF SEASON DEALS
With these simple steps, you’ll be dialed in and ready to chase pow when winter returns. Until then, enjoy the off-season adventures - hiking, biking, and dreaming of deep turns ahead!
Got storage tips of your own? Drop them in the comments and share your wisdom with the Weston Crew!