End-of-Season Checklist: How to Store Your Skis Like a Pro

Taking care of your ski gear shouldn’t be a once-a-season thing. Regular maintenance—especially small monthly inspections—can significantly extend the life of your skis. Checking the condition of your ski base, edges, and potential damage helps maintain peak performance. No matter what kind of skier you are, a bit of regular attention goes a long way. One thing is clear: before storing your gear for the summer, take a few minutes to follow these essential steps.

Inspecting Your Skis: What to Look For

Certain components deserve special attention. Start with the base. A healthy ski base should look smooth and shiny. If you spot dry, white, or grey patches, it's time for a fresh coat of wax.

Next up: the edges. Do they feel dull? Run your fingers gently along the edges. If they feel rough, a quick tune-up might be in order. To test sharpness, drag the back of a fingernail across the edge—if it shaves off a fine sliver, you're still in good shape.

Finally, look for structural damage. Pay close attention to the junction between the edge and sidewall. Over time, glue can start to fail, creating tiny gaps that allow moisture to seep in—not ideal. While this kind of damage is rare, catching it early makes it easier to repair.

Some issues can be hard to spot with the naked eye, so don’t hesitate to visit a professional ski shop if you’re unsure. It’s also a good time to check your bindings: make sure all hardware is intact and that boot contact points are clean and free of debris.

Storing Your Skis for the Summer

Once your skis are inspected and adjusted, you’re ready to store them for the off-season. Pro tip: clean them thoroughly and apply a generous layer of wax—including the edges. Don’t scrape it off. Leave the wax on all summer to keep the base hydrated and protect it from dust.

Store your skis in a cool, dry place. Avoid strapping them too tightly—you don’t want to apply prolonged pressure. You can also loosen the bindings to release tension from the springs.

Quick Tips to Extend the Life of Your Gear

• Skip the edge-to-ski knock: Many skiers knock skis together to remove snow, but hitting the edge against the top sheet can lead to damage—especially common on chairlifts.

• Handle with care: Be mindful when placing or transporting your skis. A hit against concrete steps, metal railings, or ceilings can easily chip or crack them.

• Clean after transport: If you carry your skis on a car rack, wipe them down afterward to remove salt and road grime.

• Dry them out: Always bring your skis inside post-session to dry them properly—this prevents rust on the edges.

• Store your climbing skins in a cool place, away from heat and direct sunlight.

• Check your first-aid kit: Now’s the perfect time to review and restock your ski touring essentials.

• Store telescopic poles fully extended to prevent the locking mechanism from sticking.

• Clean and re-waterproof your jackets before storing them away. Proper care goes a long way in maintaining the performance of your technical outerwear.