There are many different methods and procedures you can do with your skis when your ski season has come to an end. Let’s look at three options.

Method One: “The Lazy Time Saver”

     The first method is to not worry about storing your skis properly at all and save time by stashing them anywhere with little storage preparation. An outdoor shed or the backyard under a tarp will do (tarp optional). This is a time saver as all you need to do is buy new skis and bindings every year. If you don’t have unlimited funds or are not comfortable unnecessarily filling the landfills with rusted skis every year then maybe method one is not for you.

Method Two: “ The Endless Winter”

     Method two is to alternate hemispheres. If you spend half the year on the other side of the globe you can live the endless winter. Places like Portillo (Chile), Queenstown (NZ), Perisher (AU), or Las Lenas (Argentina) will make it possible to ski all year and never have to store your skis away. If the idea of never seeing a summer doesn’t appeal to you, this also may not be for you.

Method three: “A Little Effort Now for a Great Season Later”

    Let’s assume you don’t want to purchase new skis and bindings every year and you kind of like the idea of having a summer then this storage procedure may be your best option. Let’s look at a few simple things you can do to ensure the condition and life of your equipment is maintained.

Tune your skis:

    If you didn’t wait too long, there may be a reputable ski tuning shop still operating. If you are an even slightly technically proficient person, it's not a bad idea to own some basic tuning and waxing gear. Putting your skis away with the edges sharp and any base gouges or holes filled will save you time come next winter.

Wipe your ski dry

    Make sure you give your skis and bindings a good wipe down to not only to clear any dirt, salt, or spilled beer from your last sun-pit session but also to inspect them for damage.

     Not that you would ever cross your tips, but look for any hand cutting burs from top sheet damage. Carefully removing them could save you some swearing when you grab your ski out of the storage next year.

Storage Wax

     Storage wax is one of the best things you can do for your bases and should take very little time for you or your local shop. This is simply a hot wax layer of basic and usually inexpensive wax on your skis base that does not get scraped or brushed until the skis are pulled out of storage next year. This layer preserves and protects your skis’ base.

Binding spring de-tension

     There may be differing opinions on the importance of this, but most bindings will be better stored with less spring tension. Have your local ski shop “Turn Down” your DIN settings. This will release the tension off of the springs and preserve accuracy of the springs over the bindings lifetime. Always write down your original DIN settings before this is done.

    Store your skis and bindings in a dry environment

    Your ski’s edges are most likely made of carbon steel for its durability and its ability to flex. This also means it can rust if it is exposed to long term moisture. Store your skis in a moisture free environment.
Proactively following the routine each spring will help maximize the performance and lifespan of your equipment, ultimately making you a better skier, maybe a better person, and maybe even help save the planet…
Just, maybe.