When ski season wraps up, there’s one thing every skier should do: clean and store your skis properly. Trust me, pulling out neglected skis next winter is a total buzzkill. Taking good care of them now means they’ll be ready to shred the moment the snow flies again. I’m going to walk you through the cleaning, maintenance, and storage steps that keep your skis in tip-top shape. And hey, for even more details, check out our full article on How to Clean & Store Skis for Off-Season.

Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Tools and Prepare for Action

how to carve on skis

First off, don’t just dive into cleaning—get your gear ready. Having everything handy makes things smoother.

Here’s what I always grab:

  • Cleaning Supplies:
    • Soft rags or non-abrasive cloths to avoid scratching.
    • Warm water for a good rinse.
    • Ski-specific cleaners if you’ve got them.
  • Waxing Supplies:
    • Storage wax or hot wax for after the cleaning.
    • Waxing iron or rub wax bar—whatever you prefer.
  • Other Essentials:
    • Rubber bands or straps to secure your bindings.
    • Brushes or gummy stones for polishing edges.

Why bother? Cleaning stops dirt and grime from messing up your skis. Waxing keeps the bases hydrated and edges from turning into rusty troublespots. Nobody wants rusty skis, right?

Step 2: Clean and Polish the Base and Edges of Your Skis

Let’s get the dirt off and bring those edges back to life.

Here’s how I do it:

  1. Wipe Down Your Skis:
    • Use a damp rag to remove dust and dirt, especially around bindings and edges.
    • Pro tip from John Thompson at Shaggy Skis: “Squirt a little water on them—they’re built to handle it.”
  2. Clean the Base:
    • No scraping needed here. Lightly wipe the base. For stubborn bits, a nylon brush works wonders without scratching.
  3. Polish the Edges:
    • Use a gummy stone or fine sandpaper to smooth out rough patches. Like one YouTube expert says, “Go along those edges to kill the rough spots.”
  4. Dry Completely:
    • Let your skis dry fully. Think of it as giving them a little breather before the next step.

Step 3: Apply Storage Wax for Hydration and Protection

Waxing is where the magic happens for your skis over the summer.

Here’s how to nail it:

  1. Choose Your Wax:
  2. Apply It:
    • Melt storage wax with a waxing iron across bases and edges for a solid coat. No iron? Rub wax on thick.
    • John Thompson reminds us: “Put it on a little heavy since it’s going to sit all summer.”
  3. Let It Set:
    • Let the wax cool to room temp before scraping excess off. Too much wax will be a pain to clean next season.
  4. Pro Tip:
    • Really cover the edges to stop rust, especially in humid spots.

Step 4: Maintain Bindings for Safety and Performance

Your bindings might be quiet, but they’re vital.

Here’s how I care for mine:

  1. Release the Bindings:
    • Keeps tension off springs and prolongs their life.
  2. Loosen DIN Settings (If You Can):
    • If you know how, loosen the DIN settings. If not, better to leave it alone. Thompson’s advice: “If you don’t know what you’re doing, don’t touch your DINs.”
  3. Clean ‘Em Up:
    • A damp cloth cleans out dirt and sand trapped in bindings. Simple but effective to keep them working smoothly.

Step 5: Safe Ski Storage Practices

Now that your skis are sparkling, store them right.

Here’s what works best:

  1. Pick the Right Spot:
    • Avoid places with wild temperature swings like attics. Aim for somewhere cool, dry, and stable, like a basement or garage.
  2. Store Upright or With Space:
    • Keep your skis upright and leave some room between them. Avoid pressure on the camber so it can relax. As Hawk says, “I want the camber to be able to relax.”
  3. Cover Them Up:
    • Use a ski bag or breathable cover to block dust and moisture—your skis will thank you.

Step 6: Maintenance for Other Ski Gear

Skis aren’t the only things that need love.

Here’s how to care for your gear:

  1. Ski Boots:
    • Wipe and dry thoroughly. Pull out liners to air them out fully.
    • Buckle boots to the second-to-last hole so they keep their shape.
  2. Outerwear:
    • Follow washing tags (usually gentle washes). Air dry to hold waterproofness.
  3. Helmet:
    • Gentle clean with detergent, rinse, and air dry—not baked in the sun.
  4. Goggles & Gloves:
    • Let goggles dry thoroughly after every use; store safely.
    • Wash gloves and air dry—nobody wants to slip on funky-smelling gloves next season.
  5. Ski Backpack:
    • Empty it, clean with mild detergent, then hang to dry.

Common Ski Maintenance Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

  • Skipping Edge Care: Polish and wax edges or say hello to rust and rough riding.
  • Bad Storage Location: Heat and humidity warp skis fast. Don’t store them where temps go crazy.
  • Not Cleaning Gear: Dirt leads to smells and even mold—no thanks!

Want to dive deeper? Check out our guide on Common Ski Maintenance Mistakes & How to Avoid Them.

Final Thoughts: Prolong the Life of Your Skis

Putting in some care now pays off big time next season. Your skis will thank you when the snow arrives, ready to carve turns with you.

Good gear care boosts confidence and enjoyment on the mountain. Got base damage? We’ve got you covered with How to Repair Ski Base Damage.

For waxing and tuning tips, check out How to Wax & Tune Skis: Why You Need Them, and figure out the when and why in How Often to Tune Skis?.

Here’s to fresh powder and smooth runs — happy skiing!

For a visual walk-through, check out this helpful video on ski cleaning and maintenance:

And here’s a great one for prep before off-season storage:

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