After enjoying another great winter on the slopes, you might be wondering what to do with your skis now that the snow has melted. Simply tossing your skis in the garage and forgetting about them won’t keep them in good shape. Storing your skis the right way helps them last longer and work better next season. You can think of this as giving your skis a comfortable rest until the next snowfall.
If you don’t store your skis the right way, you could end up with problems like rusty edges, dry and slow bases, or even bent skis that don’t work well. Taking a bit of time now helps prevent costly repairs and lets you start next season with skis that are ready to go.
Why storing your skis correctly matters
Leaving your skis in the wrong place for months is like leaving a nice car outside in bad weather. It might still work, but not as well, and it probably won’t last as long. Storing your skis the right way keeps them in better shape and helps them perform well year after year.
Skis are made from several materials, including wood or synthetic cores, metal edges, plastic bases, and binding parts. These materials can be damaged by things like changing temperatures, humidity, sunshine, and even dust. Knowing about these risks is the first step in keeping your skis safe until winter returns.
What can go wrong with improper ski storage?
Not storing your skis the right way can lead to all sorts of problems. Rust is a big enemy. The sharp metal edges that help you carve turns can rust if they get wet or if temperatures go up and down often. Rusty edges make it harder to control your skis.
Dry bases are another issue. Ski bases can dry out when left in dry air, making them crack and lose speed. This is sometimes called “base burn.” Too much heat can also warp a ski or damage its core.
Ski bindings-which are full of springs and tiny parts-can be harmed, too. Changes in temperature or humidity can make metal parts rust or lose tension. Dust and dirt can get into the mechanisms and make them work less smoothly.
How does storage affect your skis’ life and performance?
Storing your skis the right way is like giving regular checkups to your gear. You help stop rust, dry spots, and binding problems before they start. Well-kept skis last for many years and keep working like you want them to.
A good storage routine also means your skis will be quick and ready when the snow comes back. Bases that haven’t dried out will slide faster, and rust-free edges give better control. Clean bindings can work properly, holding tight or releasing as needed. Skipping these steps means you might need more repairs later and probably won’t enjoy skiing as much.
How to get your skis ready for storage
Getting your skis ready for their summer break isn’t difficult, but there are some important steps. These steps keep your skis in the best shape over the months they’re not being used. A few minutes now saves work later.
The main steps are: cleaning, drying, taking care of the edges, waxing, and dealing with the bindings. Each step protects a different part of your skis.
Clean your skis and remove dirt
The first step is a good cleanup. Skis pick up dirt, salt, melted snow, and leaves through the season. This stuff can trap moisture and cause rust or damage if left on the skis.
Use a hose and towel to wash away most of the dirt from your skis and bindings. Avoid strong cleaners or degreasers, especially on the bindings, because these can remove important lubricants. For cleaning the bases, a citrus cleaner works well. Wipe down your skis with a clean cloth, first after every day of skiing, and especially before storing them for the summer.
Dry your skis completely
Once you’ve cleaned your skis, make sure they dry fully. Any leftover water can cause the metal edges to rust-sometimes in just a few days.
Let the skis air-dry in a ventilated space. After they’re at room temperature, wipe the edges again to remove any moisture or condensation.
Smooth and protect the edges
Having sharp edges is important for turning. Before you put your skis away, check the edges for any rust spots or rough patches. Use a gummy stone on all the edges to clear away rust and burrs.
If the stone can’t remove all burrs, use a fine diamond file with a guide to avoid damaging your ski’s shape. If you’re not tuning the edges, you can coat them with wax, which helps keep moisture away and prevents rust.
Add a thick layer of storage wax
This step is especially important. Use a thick coating of wax on the bases before putting your skis away for the summer. Storage wax keeps the base from drying out and protects it from air and moisture.
Use any ski wax except those with fluorocarbon (which is bad for the environment). Apply a heavy coat and don’t scrape it off until you’re ready to ski again. It’s the thick wax layer that keeps your bases from getting damaged over the warm months. Some people also like to use a conditioner first for extra hydration.
Lower your binding DIN setting (if you know how)
If you’re familiar with DIN settings, you can turn them down as low as they go for storage. This takes pressure off the springs inside the bindings.
Only do this if you know how to reset them safely. If you don’t know about DIN settings, or aren’t sure, just leave them as they are. Before using your skis again, always check (and if needed, reset) the bindings. If you have doubts, ask a ski shop for help.
Where should you store your skis?
Once your skis are prepared, it’s time to pick a good storage spot. Where you keep your skis makes a big difference in how well they stay protected during the months off the mountain.
The best place is somewhere safe from big temperature changes, high humidity, and direct sunlight. These are the biggest threats to your skis during storage.
What temperature and humidity should you aim for?
Ski storage works best somewhere with stable temperatures and low humidity. Big swings between hot and cold, or too much dampness, are both bad for skis.
High humidity causes rust on edges and bindings, while very dry air can dry out the bases. A cool, dry place indoors-like a closet or insulated basement-is ideal. Garages are common, but often get too hot, cold, or damp. If possible, keep your skis inside where temperature and humidity change less.
Should skis be upright or laid flat?
Some people argue about whether to store skis vertically or horizontally. Either way works as long as the skis are evenly supported and not under pressure.
- If upright, keep them on the tails or sides, and secure them so they can’t fall over. A rack helps.
- If flat, don’t set anything heavy on top and don’t bend them against a wall or corner.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical | User-friendly, saves space, avoids accidental items on top | Needs something to hold them up |
| Horizontal | Easy to check for warping, simple if no rack | Don’t stack heavy items on top |
Keep skis away from sunlight and heat
Never store skis in direct sunshine or near heat sources. UV rays can damage plastic or glue on the skis, and heat can dry out the bases or even affect how the skis are held together.
Pick a spot away from windows, heaters, or hot attics. A dark closet or an indoor room that stays cool works much better than a hot or bright garage.
Protect from dust and bumps
Even in areas that look clean, dust can build up on your skis, and bumps can cause scratches or dents. To protect your skis:
- Use padded ski straps (preferably one at the tip and one at the tail) to hold the pair together and protect the edges.
- Place your skis in a bag to block dust and reduce the risk of dings, but make sure the bag is clean and allows some airflow (don’t use a fully waterproof bag that can trap in moisture).
- If you skip the bag, a plastic grocery bag loosely wrapped over your skis helps keep dust off while letting air move.
Mistakes to avoid when storing skis
There are some common errors that can cause big problems for ski storage. Knowing about these helps you avoid trouble later.
These mistakes often happen out of convenience or by not realizing how much storage place and method matter.
Don’t leave skis in your car’s roof box
Storing your skis long-term in a rooftop box is one of the worst things you can do, especially in warm weather. The inside of the box gets very hot, which dries out the bases and can bend or damage the skis. The mix of heat, sun, and no airflow also encourages rust and even mold. Once your trip is over, always take your skis out of the car right away.
Never store wet or dirty skis
If you put your skis away while wet or dirty, you’re likely to get rust, binding problems, or even mold. Make sure you always clean and dry your skis before storage, even if you’re in a hurry.
Poor stacking or too much weight leads to bending
If you put things on top of your skis, or stack them badly, that weight can bend or warp them. Always store your skis so their full length is supported and nothing heavy is pressing down on them.
- If upright, use a rack or secure spot.
- If flat, keep them on a sturdy shelf, nothing pressing down on the camber or rocker.
Check your skis before using them next season
When winter comes back, don’t just grab your skis and head to the mountain. Take some time to give them a careful look-over. This helps catch any issues that may have popped up while stored.
This is also your opportunity to undo your storage steps and get your skis ready to use again.
What should you check?
- Look at the bases for cracks, dryness, or damage.
- Check the edges for any rust. Remove any that has formed.
- Inspect bindings for rust, loose screws, or broken parts. Test their movement.
- Reset DIN settings if you changed them for storage.
- If you see any problems you’re not sure about, take your skis to a shop for a professional check.
Get rid of storage wax before your first day back
If you used storage wax, you’ll need to scrape and brush it off before your first runs. Use a plastic scraper to remove the wax from base to tip, then finish with a brush. This gets your bases ready for a fresh hot wax for the snow you’ll be skiing on. Your skis should now look smooth and feel slick.
Final thoughts
Storing your skis properly protects your gear and helps make sure they’re ready for action when winter comes back. Cleaning, drying, waxing, and careful storage all make a big difference. This can help you get more good years out of your skis and avoid problems down the road. Don’t forget to do simple care for your other equipment, too: dry out and close up your boots, take out batteries from electronics, and wash your clothes before storing them. A little work at the end of the season helps keep all your gear in great shape for next time.