How to store your skis and snowboard for the summer
We’re going to tell you exactly how to store skis during off-season. Which means you’ll keep your skis in the best condition for longer and be ready to hit the ground running (and riding) next season. Let’s go!
Unless you’re lucky enough to chase snow 365 days a year, most of us have to tuck our skis and boards away for their summer hibernation. But you shouldn’t be carelessly tossing your gear in your garage. Nope, there’s more of an art to it than that. So, follow our six vital steps and properly store your hardware for the off-season.
Correct ski and snowboard storage helps protect your precious equipment so it lasts longer. It also minimizes any wasted time when the first snow falls, as you’re set up to grab and go (well, apart from a quick wax scraping!). And speaking of setup, why not refresh your new season look from head to toe? Check out our fresh range of stylish, slope-ready outerwear, base layers, and accessories below.
Off-season storage for next-season riding
Inspect and tune the edges
Clean the base
Apply a thick layer of wax
Loosen the bindings
Store in a cool, dry place
Remember to store your boots
FAQs
Inspect and tune the edges
Inspect your ski or snowboard edges before storing them away for summer. Your edges might have accumulated a few nicks, burrs, and rust is also a likely passenger if your gear has been sitting in your car for a few days post-shred.
Spot a few culprits? Gently run a gummy stone over the edges in short, overlapping strokes to remove any rust and burrs. For super stubborn burrs, use a diamond file. But make sure you know how to use one first.
Top tip: Confronted with some gnarly damage to your edges? Your local service shop can often repair any serious chips or gouges, so your stuff is in tip-top condition next season.
Clean the base
Clean your base with a damp cloth or rag to help keep it dirt-free and more likely to hold wax. Cruised spring snow on a late-season trip? Your skis or board might have picked up more dirt and debris than usual.
Want to be extra thorough before your kit takes its summer nap? Apply a base conditioner before wiping. A good conditioner hydrates your base and draws out any nasty contaminants from the pores. Think of it like giving your skis a well-earned spa after an awesome season!
Top tip: Give your bindings a quick wipe. That way, you make sure they’re free of dirt or road salt, too.
Apply a thick layer of wax
Storage wax is a fresh coat of wax applied before packing away your gear. What separates it from your regular waxing, though, is that you avoid scraping it off once cooled. Storage wax acts as a protective shield over summer, keeping the bases and edges hydrated and rust-free.
It really doesn’t matter what type of wax you apply for off-season storage. Some riders use summer wax, however, universal wax (for all temperatures and snow conditions) also works well. Just avoid fluoro wax as it’s pretty nasty for the environment and our beloved mountains.
Top tip: Aim for roughly 2-4 times more wax on your base than your usual amount. This should help stop any rust buildup over the warmer months.
Loosen the bindings
Ski bindings
Some skiers like to release the tension on their bindings so they’re not compressed all summer long. This isn’t a huge necessity, but if you want to do it, simply turn down your DIN settings on the toe and heel pieces.
It’s a hot debate as to whether you should store alpine bindings ‘open’ or ‘closed’. However, some skiers swear by stashing their bindings with the heel piece up and in ‘ski’ mode (the ‘closed’ position). This is thought to help maintain the tension and springiness over time.
Snowboard bindings
Some boarders completely remove their bindings, while others only loosen the screws. The choice is yours. But both options are pretty quick and easy to do, reduce stress on the inserts, and prevent any base dimpling or warping. Oh, and remember to fasten the binding straps as well. This helps them keep their structure and shape.
Plan to remove your bindings completely? Use a pen to mark their position so you don’t forget over summer. Then, tape the binding screws to your board so they don’t go walkabout.
Top tip: Remember to reset your ski DIN settings at the start of next season! Grab a marker pen, write the original number on a piece of masking tape, and stick it to your skis to adjust them next winter and avoid injury.
Store in a cool, dry place
Now it’s time to put your skis or snowboard away for their nap. Choose a cool, dry, well-ventilated storage spot in your house. For example, lean your planks or board against the back of your wardrobe or under the bed. Areas like these protect your skis and snowboard against rust buildup and warping.
Some riders store their gear in the garage or attic over the summer. However, these places often experience big temperature changes, which can lead to rusty ski or snowboard edges. Along with temp changes, try to avoid spots with:
- Too much moisture or damp, such as a basement
- Direct sunlight
- No or little ventilation
Remember to store your boots
Store your ski or snowboard boots correctly, and you’ll be ready to fly out the door on the first shred day of the season. Follow these simple steps:
- 1Remove your footbeds and liners, and let them air dry for 24 to 48 hours pre-storage.
- 2Insert the liners and lightly buckle or lace your boots (without over-tightening) to maintain their shape.
- 3Place your boots in a zippered boot bag or with your skis or snowboard in the same board or ski bag. This stops any critters or dust from joining them.
- 4Store the boot/board/ski bag in a cool, dry spot to help protect against rust.
Top tip: Check your boots’ heel and toe plates alongside the buckles or laces for any serious wear and tear. Try to repair or replace whatever parts you can. However, if things are looking super worn down, it might be time for an upgrade ahead of next winter…
FAQs
Is it better to store skis vertically or horizontally?
Store skis flat or upright–the choice is yours! Whichever one you choose, though, make sure your planks have zero pressure or weight on the rocker or camber, such as a too-tight ski strap.
An easy fix is to separate the skis during storage. This also stops you from locking the ski brakes together, which can flatten the camber.
Should you store skis inside or outside?
Inside! Storing skis outside exposes them to too many temperature variances or direct sunlight–and both are a big no-no for your skis and the materials.
However, even though they’re inside, avoid stashing skis in basements, sheds, attics, or garages. These spots are also at risk of too many temp changes alongside moisture buildup and damp walls or floors. Instead, opt for a cool, dry internal storage space, such as your bedroom, hall closet, or study. Alternatively, hang your skis in pride of place in your living room! Just don’t let them taunt you too much…
Wrapping up
What’s left? Wait for snow! Yep, preparing your kit for off-season storage only takes around an hour. Yet, somehow, counting down the days until next winter seems like an eternity!
Like what you read here or want to kill some time in the off-season? Join our Dope Snow Community Facebook Group and discuss must-hit locations, discover insider tips, and watch out for exclusive comps, giveaways, and meetups. We’ll see ya in there!
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