How to Store Snow Skis

When the ski season ends, don't be tempted to abandon your skis in the garage without preparing them for storage. Good preparation is the easiest way to keep your ski equipment performing well for many seasons to come. When winter comes around again and you want to get out in the fresh powder, you don't want to be faced with rusty edges and whitened bases in need of attention.

Things You'll Need

  • Workbench or 2 garden chairs
  • Waxing iron
  • Universal ski wax
  • 2 Velcro straps
  • Cloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get your ski edges tuned by a qualified professional (unless you are experienced and have the appropriate equipment). This will involve the removal of rust and burrs, and the setting and sharpening of the edges. Well-tuned edges are essential to carving ski turns, and most rental shops will do this for a reasonable price.

    • 2

      Wipe the skis with a cloth to ensure they are dry. Place ski boots in the ski bindings to raise the brakes of the skis. Then place the skis base up between the garden chairs, or clamp them onto the workbench.

    • 3

      Coat the bases and edges of the skis with wax. Use a waxing iron to melt a liberal amount of wax (any quality universal wax will do) onto the base of the skis from tip to tail. Work the wax into the base with the iron as if waxing normally, but allow it to cover the edges also. This helps to prevent rusting in storage. Allow the skis to cool for at least an hour.

    • 4

      Remove boots from the bindings and place both skis together with the bases touching. Tie Velcro straps (or whatever you usually use to keep skis together) around the tips and tails, where the skis touch naturally. This ensures that the shape of the ski is maintained, with the bases around the binding area left to separate naturally.

    • 5

      Leave your bindings as they are. It is not essential to loosen the binding settings. Modern bindings are more than capable of being stored without the springs wearing out.

    • 6

      Find an area in your home or garage that maintains a constant temperature, and store your skis there. Room temperature is fine, but if too hot the bases will dry out, and cold areas can sometimes mean damp. Do not store your skis on concrete as this damages the laminate, and If possible keep them off the ground.