How to store your skis for the summer
Some people (lunatics) simply throw their skis in the garage for the summer and dig them out again when the first snow falls. But did you know that improper storage can damage and even ruin your skis? Not ideal, right? So, if you’re wondering how to store skis during off-season, you’ve come to the right place.
When spring rolls around and the snow melts away, the big question looms: how do you store your skis? There are a few simple dos and don’ts to think about. And these steps go a long way in making sure your skis come out of the closet ride-ready and in grade-A condition.
Follow along with our handy guide for a five-step, fool-proof method – guaranteed to have you ripping on opening day like you’ve never been away. Oh, and preservation is one thing, but treating yourself to something shiny and new is always fun too, right? The latest collection from MONTEC is sure to up your hill-cred this season.
Five steps to packing away your skis
Clean your base
Polish your edges
Apply a thick layer of wax
Loosen your DIN settings
Store in a dry place
FAQs
1. Clean your base
Before placing your skis into storage, the most important step is giving your bases a proper clean. Over the season, grime, old wax, and microscopic debris build up on the surface. Leave this buildup over summer, and it can dry out the base or even cause long-term damage. Eek. So, brush off any dirt with a nylon brush (or microfiber cloth). Then, use a specialist base cleaner to strip away old wax and residue. This opens up the pores of the base and makes it ready for fresh storage wax.
Avoid using household cleaners, though! These are often too harsh and can strip away the essential base structure. Instead, a purpose-made citrus-based cleaner works best. Wipe everything down with a soft cloth, let the skis dry thoroughly, and try not to handle the base with oily hands. Once the base is nice and clean, your skis are in prime condition for waxing. Plus, they won’t come out looking dry and patchy in the autumn. Winner.
2. Polish your edges
Sharp, clean edges are key to keeping your skis performing at their best for the first ride back. So, before storing them for the summer, it’s a good idea to give your edges a quick once-over. Just use a gummy stone to remove any small burrs or rust spots that may have developed. Why’s that? Well, burrs can trap moisture and encourage rust while your skis are in storage, so smoothing them out is an easy way to prevent edge damage.
Do your edges feel dull or show signs of wear? Sharpen them using a file or edge tool. Just be careful not to overdo it. You’re only restoring a good edge and protecting your skis rather than tuning for a race. Once your edges are clean and polished, your sticks will be in great shape and ready to rip as soon as the new season arrives.
3. Apply a thick layer of wax
Waxing your skis before summer storage is one of the most important steps for protecting them. Once the base is clean, apply a thick layer of all-season or storage-specific wax, but don’t scrape it off. This layer seals the base from oxygen and moisture, which helps prevent it from drying out, oxidizing, or becoming brittle over time.
The wax also protects your edges by keeping humidity at bay. This is a bonus as it reduces the chance of rust developing during storage. When the season rolls around again, simply scrape and brush the wax off, and your skis will be fresh, hydrated, and prepped to hit the snow. It’s a small step that can extend the life of your skis and save you from an expensive tune-up down the line!
4. Loosen your DIN settings
Before storing away your skis, it’s a good idea to loosen your binding DIN settings. Over time, leaving these settings cranked to your skiing level can place unnecessary stress on the internal springs, potentially causing them to lose tension or accuracy. This could affect how your bindings perform the next season and might even lead to safety issues if the release values change.
To prevent that, wind the DIN settings down to the lowest value. Just make a note of your usual settings (a sticky note usually works well!). That way, you can dial them back in when winter looms. This simple step helps preserve the lifespan of your bindings and ensures they remain consistent and reliable when you next clip in.
5. Store in a dry place
Are your skis prepped and ready for their long nap? Where you store them matters just as much as any other step. That’s because damp environments like basements or garages can cause your edges to rust and your bases to dry out or warp. So, it’s best to place your skis in a cool, dry place with stable temperatures and low humidity, such as a closet inside a house.
Avoid leaning your sticks against a wall with the tips touching the ground, as this can lead to camber loss over time. Instead, store them flat or hang them horizontally using ski racks. If they’re in a ski bag, make sure it’s dry and breathable. The goal is to swerve moisture buildup at all costs. Treat your planks well now, and they’ll be raring to ride as soon as the snow starts to fall.
FAQs
Can I store my skis standing up?
Yes, you can also store skis standing up, but only if they’re standing vertically on their tails and in a dry place! Avoid leaning them at an angle, as it can warp the camber or rocker profile over time.
Should you store skis together or separately?
You can store skis together, but don’t clamp them tightly. If they’re strapped together using a ski strap, make sure it’s secured loosely. This helps avoid pressure on the bases and edges during long-term storage.
Should skis be stored indoors?
Yes. Indoor storage is best because it offers stable temperatures and low humidity. Skip garages, unheated basements, or outdoor storage, which can become damp and damage your skis over time.
Wrapping up
That’s it! Now, you have a bookmark-worthy guide to storing your skis for summer and ensuring they come out rip-ready when the snow starts falling. Boom.
Love this guide, have more questions, or did we miss something obvious? Reach out to us at crew@montecwear.com. We’re always on hand to help out!
Related reading: