How to protect and store your ski equipment for the off-season
You may experience a moment of sadness to recognise the end of another brilliant ski season, but the proper cleaning and storage of all your ski and snowboarding equipment will preserve your stuff, and probably save you a headache when the snow returns next season.
For active snow sports enthusiasts, your investment in equipment is likely not a small amount, so protecting your equipment is very important. Proper ski storage for the warmer months is key. With some easy steps, when you get your gear out for that long-anticipated getaway to luxury ski chalets in France this winter, you will be glad you took the time to put your gear away in May.
Water damage, rust and oxidation can all be detrimental to boots, bindings, skis and snowboards. Helmets, poles, goggles, gloves and cold weather gear need to be taken care of as well. To help you get through the process easier – and guarantee a great first outing when the snow comes back – here are some simple steps to follow in the storage of your equipment for the summer:
Getting rid of last season
Chances are that the bag your carried your equipment in from your last ski trip has some moisture in it. Melted snow and ice have a way of changing the interior of even the best carrying bags, so do not plan on leaving your skis in the corner of the garage – in their bag – until next winter. When the skis are wet and wrapped together, rust and oxidation can quickly affect and eventually ruin your equipment.
For skis and edges, there is a fairly straightforward process to protect them. First be sure that your skis are dry. Water will lead to rust. All wax used on your skis in the previous season should be removed from all surfaces. Old wax could trap water and debris from that last trip to the slopes.
After cleaning the bases with a wax remover, make sure the edges are free from rust and debris. If comfortable with the process, you can also sharpen the edges as well. When completed, cover with an all-purpose wax – covering the freshly sharpened edges as well. This layer of wax will help seal and protect your skis while in storage over the warmer months.
Don’t skip out on this process and do not layer your equipment with alternative products. Do not apply petroleum jelly or grease on the ski edges. They can be absorbed into the skis and eventually damage them and make them harder to protect and clean in the future.
Summer storage
After your skis and snowboards have been cared for, proper storage is also important. Keeping your skis separated is the ideal way if possible. They should be stored in a location that has both a consistent temperature as well as low humidity to cut down on oxidation. If your skis and snowboards have been properly prepped for storage, you probably do not need to box them up – unless you would prefer to do so.
In the UK, wardrobes in bedrooms and even under the bed are great choices. If well insulated and dry, garages can be a good place to store your equipment as well. Be aware though – if you have a washing machine or tumble dryer in the garage, they can greatly change the humidity levels in the garage and could lead to some damage.
There is often temptation to throw your equipment up into the loft space, but many agree this could lead to complications. The loft is often susceptible to temperature and humidity changes. If the loft is climate controlled, it may be suitable for ski storage.
Keeping other equipment in top shape
When it comes to the rest of your gear, once again the enemy of your stuff is water. With your ski boots, put out the liners for the season. Leave the buckles in loose, but locked position. For poles and bindings, make sure they are dry, as well as free of dirt and debris.
Before putting your jacket, gloves and ski pants away, make sure they are properly cleaned. Regardless of how many times you hit the slopes, make sure they get a proper cleaning. Odours and damage can easily grab hold of your mishandled gear. After following the washing instructions for your clothing, make sure they are completely dry and free from moisture before you store them. Failing to do so could lead to mould and damage.
For most parts of your ski clothing wardrobe, a re-application of waterproofing agents will help you be ready for next year. Make sure that you use an approved waterproof garment cleaner so that you do not cause any damage. Our friends at Trespass offer a line of waterproof cleaners.
Like your skis, keeping your ski clothes in a location that is free from temperature extremes and humidity is key to them being ready for action when the first snows fall at the beginning of the winter ski and snowboarding season.
Image Credits: Barney Moss, Robert Tadlock, Christine Alder, meridican