As winter fades and the snow-capped peaks of the season become a distant memory, it’s time to think about storing your ski and snowboard equipment properly. Proper storage is crucial to ensure your gear remains in top condition for the next snowy adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned skier, an avid snowboarder, or a casual winter sports enthusiast, understanding how to store your equipment can extend its lifespan and maintain peak performance.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best practices for storing skis, snowboards, boots, and equipment, helping you avoid common mistakes and ensure your gear is ready for action when the snow falls again. Dive in to learn how to keep your winter equipment in pristine shape with our expert storage solutions!
Ski and Snowboard Storage
The biggest mistake people make when storing skis is after the final run of the season, tossing them in the garage to sit until next year. To ensure your skis and snowboard remain in top condition for years to come, follow these crucial maintenance steps before storing them for the season.
Thoroughly Wipe Down Your Skis and Snowboard
Properly drying your skis and snowboard is essential to prevent rust and damage. After your last use of the season, take a clean, dry rag and wipe down every surface of your skis and snowboard to remove all moisture. Moisture left on the equipment can lead to rust formation on the edges and hardware, which can affect performance and longevity. If rust does develop, use steel wool or a gummy stone to gently remove any buildup, ensuring your equipment stays in prime condition.
Apply Wax to Your Skis and Snowboard
Waxing your skis and snowboard before storing them is a critical step in maintenance. A fresh layer of wax helps to protect the base from drying out and reduces the risk of rust formation. When applying the wax, make sure to cover the entire base evenly. Avoid scraping off the wax until you are ready to use your equipment again for the next ski season. The wax layer acts as a protective barrier, preserving the integrity of your skis and snowboard and ensuring they are ready for optimal performance when you hit the slopes again.
Bindings
Skis– For ski bindings, loosen the din and put the heal lever down in the ski position. This will reduce tension on the bindings while they are stored.
Snowboards– It’s best to remove snowboard bindings. This will help in making sure they aren’t damaged and will relieve tension
It’s important to keep all components and hardware of your bindings dry and clean before long storage to reduce risk or rust and corrosion.
Boot Storage
- Remove the liners and insoles and clean them.
- Use water and soap to wipe down the shell of the boot.
- Buckle your boots up like you would if they were on your feet, this will ensure the boot will keep its shape in storage.
- Keep your boots out of hot or dry environments
- Cover your boots so no critters make a home in them.
- Wash your shell inside and out.
- Let them air-dry completely before storing.
- Lace them up so they keep their shape.
- Once again, cover your boots so no critters make a home in them.
Snow Gear Storage
Now you have all the boots and boards ready for the off season, it’s important to get everything else ready.
Helmets– Wash the inside pads of your helmet and wash the plastic with disinfectants.
Jackets and pants– Make sure you read and follow the labels on your gear to properly wash. You can air dry, or machine dry on colder temperatures.
Gloves– Hand-wash your gloves with warm water and a small amount of detergent. Let them air-dry hanging fingers pointing up.
Properly maintaining your ski and snowboard gear not only ensures they’re ready to ride for the next season but also extends their lifespan, keeping them in peak condition for years to come.
If you’re a college student and need to get your ski or snowboard gear moved to school, Collegeboxes provides a Ship to School service that gets them shipped and delivered directly to your room at school. And if you need to have them stored over the summer break, use Collegeboxes Storage & Shipping service.