As someone who loves skiing, I’ve learned that taking care of your gear after the season is just as crucial as shredding fresh powder. Pulling out skis covered in rust or scratches is the worst — and it’s often preventable. With the right cleaning and storage routine, your skis can stay in top form and ready for many more epic runs.
I’ll walk you through the exact steps I follow to keep my skis happy during the off-season. These tips protect your investment and make sure your gear performs when the snow flies again. For a deep dive, you can always check out our full article, How to Clean & Store Skis for Off-Season. Let’s get started!
Start with a Thorough Cleaning of Your Skis
Cleaning your skis once the snow melts is non-negotiable. Think of it like leaving your car dirty for months—except here, stubborn dirt can lead to rust or scratches that mess with your rides later.
What to do:
- Wipe Down Your Skis and Bindings: Take a clean rag and wipe off every bit of dirt. Pay special attention to bindings—they catch grime like a sponge.
- Use a Soft Brush if Necessary: Got some mud or hardened snow stuck? A soft brush helps get it off without damaging your gear.
Why it’s important:
Removing grit stops those scratch marks and keeps your bindings working smoothly next season.
How to do it (tools/resources):
- Tools Needed: Clean rag, warm water, soft brush if needed.
- Method: Dampen your rag with warm water and wipe everything, including the edges—they’re prone to rust.
Common Mistakes or Pro Tips:
PRO TIP: After any slushy runs, I rinse my skis right away. Like John Thompson from Shaggy Skis says, “Cleaning them promptly keeps them safe from dryness and corrosion.”
Additional Tips
While cleaning, check your skis for dents or cracks. Catching problems early is way easier than fixing gear mid-season. Need help? Our guide on How to Repair Ski Base Damage has you covered.
Polish the Edges to Prevent Rust
Your skis are clean—great! Now, let’s give those edges some love. Sharp edges make all the difference on ice or hard-packed snow.
What to do:
- Polish Edges: Grab a gummy stone or some fine sandpaper and gently smooth out any rough spots.
Why it’s important:
Edges are your grip buddies on the mountain. Keeping them smooth means better control and longer-lasting performance.
How to do it (tools/resources):
- Tools Needed: Gummy stone or fine sandpaper.
- Method: Light, gentle strokes along the edges. Don’t overdo it—you’re smoothing, not sanding them down to nothing.
Common Mistakes or Pro Tips:
Be gentle. Rough scrubbing turns your edges from friends to enemies.
Apply Storage Wax to Hydrate and Protect
Now for the most pampering part: waxing. I know, it sounds fancy, but trust me—it’s worth it.
What to do:
- Apply a Thick Layer of Storage Wax: Storage wax is thicker than your usual wax and seals the base to stop it from drying out.
Why it’s important:
As John Thompson reminds us, “Keep your base hydrated all summer long.” Dry bases crack and suffer, which means more work for you next season.
How to do it (tools/resources):
- Tools Needed: Storage wax, waxing iron (or just a wax bar).
- Method: Warm your wax with the iron, then spread a generous layer over the base and edges.
Common Mistakes or Pro Tips:
PRO TIP: Not CONFIDENT waxing? No shame in kicking this to the pros. Thompson says, “It costs little and saves you a headache.”
Need More Waxing Knowledge?
Wondering about waxing basics? Our article How to Wax & Tune Skis: Why You Need Them is a great place to start.
Store Your Skis in a Climate-Controlled Area
Almost done! Now, where you stash your skis for summer really matters.
What to do:
- Identify the Right Spot: Find a cool, dry place that doesn’t swing wildly in temperature.
Why it’s important:
Extreme temp changes cause condensation, and condensation leads straight to rust. You don’t want that.
How to do it (tools/resources):
- Recommended Locations: Basement, closet, ski rack if it’s in a climate-controlled spot.
- Method: Store skis slightly apart with some padding or straps, so the camber doesn’t get crushed or sticks together.
Common Mistakes or Pro Tips:
Avoid garages or attics—they get too hot or humid. Toss in some silica gel packs to soak up any sneaky moisture.
Don’t Forget to Care for Other Gear
Your skis aren’t the only things that need TLC before the off-season. Other gear deserves some attention too.
Ski Boots:
- Wipe down with a damp cloth.
- Remove liners and air-dry completely. Loosely buckle them so they keep their shape.
Outerwear:
- Follow washing instructions on labels.
- Air dry to maintain waterproofing.
- Check pockets for forgotten snacks or lifelines!
Helmets:
- Remove liners if you can and wash as directed.
- Hang in a well-ventilated place to dry fully.
Other Gear:
- Goggles get a gentle wash and a protective case.
- Gloves? Wipe off dirt and air dry.
PRO TIP: While you’re at it, check boots for repairs—you’ll thank yourself next season.
Summary Table of Steps
| Task | Tools Needed | Importance | Common Pro Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean Skis | Rag, warm water, soft brush | Prevents scratches and corrosion | Rinse after warmer months |
| Polish Edges | Gummy stone/sandpaper | Maintains performance | Gentle touch is best |
| Apply Storage Wax | Waxing iron/bar of wax | Keeps bases hydrated | Consider professional waxing |
| Storage | Climate-controlled space | Prevents rust and deformation | Use silica packs for moisture control |
| Clean Other Equipment | Water, detergent | Extends gear lifespan | Air dry items completely |
FAQs
How often should I clean my skis?
After every use if you can, especially if you’re skiing in messy or slushy conditions.
What type of wax is best for ski storage?
Look for thick, specialized storage wax—that’s what really protects your skis over the summer.
Why is climate control essential for ski storage?
Temperature swings cause condensation, which leads to rust and damage. Keep that air stable!
Can I just leave my skis in the garage during summer?
Garages usually have too much temperature and humidity fluctuation, which isn’t great for your skis. Better to find somewhere more consistent.
How long do skis typically last?
With good care, several seasons. If you want tips on making them last even longer, check our article How Long Do Skis Last? and How to Extend Your Skis Lifespan.
By following these steps, your skis will be ready to hit the slopes as soon as winter shows up. Taking care of your gear during the off-season might seem like extra work, but it’ll pay off big time when you’re slicing through fresh powder. So, prep your skis now—you’ll thank yourself later. Happy skiing, and see you out there next season!
Enhance Your Learning
If you want some visual help, these videos break down ski care in a simple and fun way:
Add these to your ski care routine—they make it less of a chore and more of a skill!
