How to Properly Store Your Skis and Gear in the Off-Season

5 July 2025

When the snow starts melting away and those bluebird days turn into sunny spring afternoons, it's time to pack up the ski gear. But hold up—you don’t want to just toss your skis into a dark corner of the garage and forget them until the flakes fly again. That’s the fast track to rusty edges, musty boots, and warped boards.

Think of your ski gear as a high-performance vehicle. You wouldn’t park a sports car for months without a little TLC, right? Well, your skis deserve the same kind of attention. So if you're wondering how to properly store your skis and gear in the off-season, here's the ultimate guide to doing it the right way.

Why Off-Season Storage Even Matters

Alright, let’s start with the basics. Why should you care about how you store your ski gear?

Storing your equipment properly isn’t just about keeping it clean and untangled—it’s about extending the life of your gear and saving money in the long run. When you stash your skis and gear the right way, you:

- Protect the edges from rust
- Prevent moisture damage and mildew
- Maintain boot integrity
- Save yourself a headache come next season

Neglect can lead to warped skis, moldy gloves, cracked plastic, and even destroyed liners. Not exactly the kind of reunion you want when the mountain calls next winter.

Clean Everything—Yes, Everything

Before you stick your stuff in storage, give it the VIP treatment. Think of it like a spa day for your gear.

Skis and Snowboards

Start by scrubbing off all the dirt, salt, and gunk. Here’s a quick checklist:

- Use a damp cloth to wipe down the top sheet
- Scrape off any stuck-on mud or grime
- Use a brass brush to clean out base structure and remove old wax
- Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth

Don’t forget to check the edges. If there’s any rust, gently remove it with a gummy stone or sandpaper. You want to store your gear clean and dry to prevent future damage.

Boots

Boots can turn into funky-smelling caves if you don’t clean them out. Take these steps:

- Remove the liners and let them air dry
- Wipe down the outside shell with a damp cloth
- Clean buckles and latches so they don’t seize up
- Sprinkle a little baking soda in liners to absorb odors (optional but clutch)

Also, fasten the buckles lightly to maintain shape but not so tight that it stresses the plastic.

Poles, Helmets, Goggles, and Gloves

- Poles: Wipe them down and check the straps
- Helmet: Remove the liner (if possible) and clean it. Let it dry before storing
- Goggles: Use a microfiber cloth to gently clean the lens. Don’t use harsh cleaners—just warm water if necessary
- Gloves: Air them out, especially if they’ve been soaked. No one wants to deal with mildew gloves

Cleaning your gear may seem like a hassle, but trust me—it’ll save you from pricey replacements next winter.

Wax On, Wax Off—Well, Mostly On

Here’s a little pro tip that often gets overlooked: wax your skis before storing them.

But here’s the kicker—you’re not scraping the wax off. This is called a “storage wax” or “summer wax.” Basically, you apply a thick coat of warm wax to the base and let it sit there. Don’t even think about scraping it.

Why? This wax acts like a protective coating, kind of like a cozy blanket for your bases and edges. It prevents the base from drying out (known as oxidation) and blocks moisture from rusting the edges.

When winter rolls around again, just scrape it off, give ‘em a tune-up, and you’re good to go.

Don’t Just Toss Everything in a Pile

What’s worse than rusty skis? Warped ones.

Once your gear is cleaned and waxed, storing it right makes all the difference. Tossing it in the basement or attic with no thought leads to damage from temperature swings, moisture, and poor ventilation.

Here’s how to do it right:

Choose the Right Location

Where you store your gear matters more than you think. Avoid spots that are:

- Too hot (like attics)
- Too damp (like basements)
- In direct sunlight

Instead, aim for a cool, dry place with steady temps. Think closets, spare bedrooms, or a finished basement. Ski gear likes the same environment we do—not too hot, not too cold, and low humidity.

Storing Skis and Snowboards

Now that your bases are waxed and your edges are smooth, it’s time to store your skis properly:

- Store them standing up or lying flat (not leaning at an angle)
- Don’t strap them too tightly together—this can mess with the camber
- Avoid stacking heavy stuff on top of them

If possible, use a dedicated ski rack or wall mount. It keeps them secure and out of the way.

Storing Boots

Boots are like the glass slippers of skiing. Treat them right, and they’ll treat your feet kindly when you need them.

- Keep them buckled loosely to retain shape
- Stuff the liners with newspaper or boot dryers to wick moisture
- Store in a boot bag or breathable container (no plastic tubs)

Pro tip: Avoid storing them on cold concrete floors; moisture can seep upwards. Place them on a shelf or mat instead.

Helmets, Goggles, and Accessories

- Helmet: Place it in a helmet bag or wrap it in a soft cloth
- Goggles: Keep them in a goggle bag, stored inside the helmet to protect the lens
- Gloves, Socks, Base Layers: Store them clean, dry, and folded in a bin or drawer. Don’t leave them in your boot bag where they can pick up moisture and stink

Label It or Lose It

Ever had that awkward moment at the start of the season when you’re scrambling to find one glove or wondering where your skins went? Yeah, labeling and organizing now saves future you a world of pain.

- Use clear bins or labeled bags
- Separate gear by category (boots, apparel, tools, etc.)
- Make a quick checklist of what you have and what needs replacement

Consider it your gear inventory—it speeds up your preseason prep and helps you spot what’s missing.

Don’t Forget the Safety Gear

Avalanche beacons, probes, and shovels need some love too.

- Beacons: Remove the batteries to prevent corrosion
- Probes/Shovels: Clean and dry before storing
- Store all safety gear in one accessible spot

That way, you’re not searching for lifesaving tools when the first big storm hits.

Maintenance Prep for Next Season

Okay, now that everything’s tucked away nicely, it’s a great time to think ahead. Off-season is the perfect time to:

- Get skis professionally tuned: Less rush in summer, and shops are usually cheaper
- Check gear for wear and tear: Might be time to replace old bindings or frayed gloves
- Shop for deals: Off-season means discounts on last season’s models

Use this downtime to give your entire setup a quick audit. You don’t want to find cracked boot shells or delaminated skis a week before your trip to Jackson Hole.

A Bonus Tip: Keep a Gear Journal

This might sound over the top, but hear me out—keeping a small gear journal or digital log can be super handy.

Jot down stuff like:

- Last time you waxed or tuned your skis
- Any gear you lent out to friends
- Dates of boot fitting or liner replacement
- Notes on what worked well or what you’d improve

When next season starts, you’ll thank yourself for the record-keeping.

Wrapping It Up (Like a Good Base Layer)

Storing your ski gear properly during the off-season isn’t exactly glamorous, but it’s one of those behind-the-scenes moves that keeps your mountain days running smoothly.

Treat your gear with care now, and you’ll be sliding into opening day like a pro. Don’t leave next season up to chance—protect your investment, save yourself stress, and make sure everything is ready to rock when winter makes its return.

So go ahead—clean it, wax it, store it right, and enjoy the peace of mind knowing you’re one step ahead.