As the snow melts and resorts close for the season, many of us pack away our winter gear and start thinking about next winter. How you store your skis and snowboards over summer can really affect how they perform and how long they last. Good summer storage isn’t just about being tidy; it’s a key step in keeping your gear in great shape so it’s ready when the snow returns. Skipping this care can lead to rusty edges, dried-out bases, warping, and a shorter life for your equipment.
Think of it as a simple tune and clean before a long rest. You wouldn’t leave a car sitting for months without any care. Your skis and boards also need a bit of attention before the off-season. This guide walks you through the steps and habits that keep your gear ready and responsive when winter is back.
Why Summer Storage Improves the Lifespan of Skis and Snowboards
The off-season might seem like downtime for your gear, but without care, slow damage can creep in. Spending a little time to prepare your skis and boards for storage helps them last longer and stay quick and steady on snow. The goal is to protect them from heat, moisture, and light-things that can cause damage you can’t undo.
Putting your gear away the right way helps fight wear and tear. With a few simple steps now, your equipment will be ready to ride and can perform as well as, or even better than, last season.
What Risks Are Associated with Wrong Storage?
Poor storage can cause many problems. Rust on edges is common if moisture is left on the metal. Rust reduces grip and makes the ride feel dull. You’ll need extra sharpening next season, which also removes edge material.
Another big risk is a dry, brittle base. If you don’t wax or leave bases in harsh conditions, they can dry out and slow down. Heat and pressure can also cause warping or layers to separate, which can make skis and boards unsafe and sometimes not repairable. Bindings can stick or corrode if they’re dirty or wet. All of this shortens gear life and can force you to buy replacements sooner than you planned.
How Temperature, Humidity and Light Affect Gear Condition
Temperature swings make materials expand and contract. Over time, this stresses the core and can cause layers to separate. High heat can soften the glue that holds layers together and can lead to warping.
Humidity is another big issue. Damp air, especially with leftover moisture on your gear, leads to rust on edges and can cause mold or mildew on boots and bindings. Air that is too dry can make bases brittle and prone to tiny cracks that slow your glide. Direct sun can fade graphics, weaken plastics, and speed up base drying. Keeping heat, moisture, and UV off your gear helps it last longer and ride better.
What Maintenance Should Be Performed Before Summer Storage?
Before your skis and boards rest for summer, a bit of preventive care goes a long way. It’s more than a quick wipe. A simple check and a few small fixes protect your gear during the break and help it ride well next winter.
This pre-storage routine saves money and time later. It catches small issues before they grow and keeps your equipment in good condition.
Checking and Adjusting Ski and Snowboard Bindings
Bindings are the link between you and your gear, so their condition matters a lot for both safety and control. Before storage, rinse them with fresh water to remove dirt, dust, and salt. This helps stop corrosion and keeps parts moving freely.
For ski bindings, many riders turn the springs down for storage. Write down your current DIN settings, then turn the toe and heel to the lowest number. This takes stress off the springs and may help them last longer. Some brands, like Salomon, may advise against changing settings, so check your binding manual. For snowboard bindings, many people remove them from the board. This reduces pressure on inserts and makes cleaning and inspection easier. Check all screws, ladders, and buckles for wear and tightness on both ski and snowboard bindings.
Edge Sharpening, Base Repairs and Remounting Considerations
Fix base and edge damage before storage. Small base gouges can be filled with P-Tex so they don’t get worse. For bigger damage or if the base is pulling away from the edge, take your gear to a pro shop for a lasting repair.
A full edge sharpen isn’t required for storage, but clean edges and remove burrs. A light detune at the very tip and tail can reduce accidental cuts and minor rust. The main goal is to protect edges from rust, which we cover below. Remounting is only needed if you have new boots or damaged holes. A shop should handle that, and it’s not a normal summer task.
Best Practices for Preparing Skis and Snowboards for Summer Storage
Shifting from winter use to summer rest calls for a simple prep routine. It’s a careful process to protect your gear from heat, moisture, and time. Follow the steps below to keep your equipment ready for next season.
Each step-from cleaning to waxing-helps keep your skis and boards in good shape. Skipping any of them can speed up wear and hurt performance later.
Cleaning Skis, Snowboards and Bindings
Start with a full clean. During the season, gear picks up dirt, salt, and old wax. These can corrode metal and weaken plastics if left for months. Wipe the tops, bases, and sidewalls with a damp cloth. For stubborn grime, use a mild ski/snowboard cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Pay close attention to edges and bindings. Salt and moisture cause rust, so clean and dry these parts well. Rinse bindings with fresh water. After cleaning, let everything air dry for several days before doing anything else. Any leftover moisture can cause rust on edges or mould in boots. Be patient here to start your storage off right.
Inspecting for Damage and Making Minor Repairs
Once dry, inspect everything. Look for chips and cracks on top sheets and sidewalls. These small gaps can let water reach the wood core, which can rot and change flex and feel. Fill chips with epoxy (like Araldite) to seal them.
Mix the epoxy on a scrap card and press it into the damaged spots. Try not to smear it onto metal edges. Let it cure based on the product time (a few hours for fast epoxy or about 24 hours for standard). If glue hardens on the edges, carefully scrape it off with a knife or metal scraper. For larger chips or signs of layers separating, visit a ski tech who has the right tools to make a strong repair.
Waxing Bases Before Storage
Putting on a thick storage wax is one of the most important steps. This wax layer shields the base from air, which can dry it out, and it helps protect edges from rust.
Use an all-temperature wax and a ski wax iron on low heat so the wax melts without smoking. Drip wax on the base every few inches, then move the iron slowly to spread the wax evenly, right out to the edges. Keep the iron moving to avoid burning the base. Do not scrape. Leave the thick wax coat on all summer. It keeps bases from drying and helps keep edges clean until you scrape and brush before your first day back.
Detuning Edges and Protecting from Rust
After a season of use, your edges need protection more than a full sharpen. The storage wax you left on the base should cover the edges and act as a barrier. Some riders also lightly detune the very tip and tail to reduce accidental cuts and slow rust in those spots.
Store your gear in a dry place to fight rust. Even with wax, damp air can cause problems. If you are very careful or your storage spot is damp, you can wipe a thin coat of rust-preventive oil on the edges after waxing and then wipe off the extra. If you find some rust next winter, an early tune or a few runs will often remove it. Prevention is easier than repair.
Where Should You Store Skis and Snowboards?
The place you choose matters as much as the prep work. A good storage spot keeps your gear clean and stable. A bad one can undo your efforts and cause damage you didn’t expect.
Pick a spot that balances convenience with good conditions, away from heat, damp, and sun.
Ideal Temperature, Humidity and Ventilation
The best spot is cool, dry, and has some airflow-think a closet or spare room, not a garage or attic. Aim for a steady room temperature and avoid big swings. Heat can warp and separate layers. Cold is less of a problem, but steady and mild is better for long-term storage.
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 10-20°C (50-68°F) | High heat and big swings |
| Humidity | 30-50% | Damp rooms and trapped moisture |
| Light | Shade | Direct sunlight and strong UV |
Keep air moving. Avoid sealing gear in airtight boxes unless you add moisture-absorbing packets. A closet, spare room, or under a bed in a climate-controlled area are all good choices.
Avoiding Basements, Garages and Direct Sunlight
Basements are often too damp, which leads to rust and mold. Garages can swing from very hot to very cold, and may also be damp. These changes can cause warping, separation of layers, and faster wear.
Lofts get very hot in summer and can harm glue and plastics. Also avoid direct sunlight from windows or doors. UV fades graphics, weakens plastics, and dries bases. Choose a stable, shaded place instead to keep your gear in good shape.
Hanging, Racking, or Stacking: Pros and Cons
Once you pick the spot, choose how to store the gear. Common methods each have benefits and trade-offs.
- Hanging: Vertical wall racks save space and keep gear off the floor with good airflow. Use supports that spread the load so you don’t stress one point and risk warping.
- Racking: Horizontal racks (wall or free-standing) support skis or boards at several points, spread weight evenly, and allow good airflow.
- Stacking: Works in tight spaces but needs care. For skis, use ties and place bases together with a thin spacer (like cardboard) between them. For boards, store flat and avoid heavy weight on top. Store flat or on the side, not on the edges for long periods.
No matter the method, keep gear supported, avoid pressure points, and store in a clean, dry place.
Common Summer Storage Mistakes to Avoid
Even with good intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes that undo your work. Knowing what to avoid matters as much as knowing what to do. These slip-ups can lead to extra repairs and poor performance next winter.
If you watch for these mistakes, you can avoid problems and keep your gear ready to ride.
Leaving Skis and Boards Wet or Dirty
Putting gear away wet or dirty is one of the most damaging habits. Moisture plus dirt or salt speeds up rust on edges. Heavy rust needs lots of sharpening, which shortens edge life.
Damp gear can also grow mould in bindings and boot liners, causing bad smells and damage. Dirt and grit can scratch bases and tops. Always rinse with fresh water, wipe down, and let everything air dry fully for several days before storage. This simple step prevents many problems.
Storing With Tight Bindings or Compression
Leaving ski bindings at your winter DIN settings keeps springs under high tension for months. Many riders turn down the DIN to the lowest number for storage to reduce stress. Write down your settings so you can set them back next season.
For snowboards, leaving bindings mounted and tight can put pressure on inserts and add risk of small warps if the board is stored under load. It’s often best to remove the bindings, clean them, and store them separately. Don’t stack heavy items on skis or boards, and don’t store them in ways that press on the camber or rocker.
Ignoring Signs of Damage or Wear
The end of the season is a great time for a full check, but many riders skip it. Small cracks, chips, or signs of layers separating can let water into the core and cause rot, which hurts strength and ride feel.
Small base gouges left alone can widen and slow your glide. Bent or rusty edges also need attention. Fix small chips with epoxy or take bigger problems to a shop now, before they grow over summer. Doing this work early keeps your gear ready and safe.
FAQs on Summer Storage for Skis and Snowboards
Even after all this, some common questions still come up. Here are clear answers to help you protect your gear.
Should Skis Be Stored Vertically or Horizontally?
Both methods work if done right. The key is even support with no hard pressure points. For vertical storage, use a wall rack that holds skis straight without leaning on tips or tails. This saves space and lets air flow.
For horizontal storage, lay skis flat on a stable rack that supports several points. Don’t lean skis on their side for long periods, as this can create pressure points and lead to warping. Some very careful skiers like storing skis vertically and slightly apart. Choose the method that fits your space while keeping even support.
Is It Necessary to Loosen Ski and Snowboard Bindings for Storage?
For ski bindings, many people lower the DIN to the smallest setting for summer. This takes stress off the springs and may help them keep consistent release values. Write down your personal DIN before turning them down so you can set them back before you ski. Have a shop check your bindings each winter to confirm they work and are set for you.
For snowboard bindings, many riders remove them for storage. This lets you clean everything well and reduces pressure on inserts over months. If you leave them on, don’t overtighten and store the board flat so it isn’t under compression.
Can I Store Gear in Bags or Cases Over the Summer?
Bags and cases are great for travel and short-term protection, but be careful for long-term storage. If you use a bag, it’s very important that gear is fully dry and clean first. Trapped moisture in a bag creates a damp space that speeds up rust and can grow mold or mildew.
If you use a bag, leave the zippers slightly open for airflow to reduce moisture build-up. Padded bags protect from dings, which is a plus. For the best long-term storage, a climate-controlled space outside a sealed bag often works better, especially in humid areas. If your storage spot is dusty, a breathable fabric bag can protect without trapping moisture. For boots, dry them fully, reinsert liners, leave buckles relaxed, and place them in a cool, dry spot or a breathable boot bag.