From Slopes to Storage: How to Store Your Ski Gear for the Summer
From Slopes to Storage: How to Store Your Ski Gear for the Summer
Posted
by
Skis.com
on Monday, April 6, 2026
Ski season might be wrapping up, but don’t just toss your gear in a corner and call it a day. Taking some time to clean, inspect, and properly store your equipment will help extend its life and make next season’s first day that much smoother. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your ski gear ready for summer:
Wipe Down Your Gear
After each ski day, it’s good practice to wipe off your ski edges and shake off any dirt from your ski boots. If you travel with your skis in an open roof rack, be sure to give them a thorough wipe down when you get home to remove any road salt or grime you’ve accumulated on the way.
At the end of the season, take a few minutes with a damp cloth to give your skis a full wipe down. Season-long buildup can compromise your ski bases over time, so for a deeper clean, use a ski base cleaner and conditioner to draw out contaminants and hydrate the base.
Clean & Inspect Your Edges
Before letting your skis rest for the summer, inspect your ski edges for rust and burs. Even if rust isn’t visible, small scratches can collect moisture and lead to rust over time. Taking care of these now prevents further rust from developing and keeps your skis in good condition for next season.
Use a gummy stone and make a few passes along the edge to remove rust and minor imperfections. For deeper scrapes, a fine diamond stone will help smooth things over. If you’re unsure about this, your local ski shop can help.
Wax the Bases
Once your edges are smoothed out, it’s time to wax the bases. Start by using a base cleaner to remove old wax and dirt. Then, apply a generous layer of wax using a wax iron.
Pro tip: Run some wax over your ski edges too—this helps prevent rust during storage.
Leave the wax on all summer—it acts as a protective layer to keep your bases hydrated. In the fall, just scrape it off and you’re good to go. Not sure about waxing your own skis? Check out this guide to waxing your skis at home.
When you’re done, strap your skis together using padded ski straps. Place the foam spacer between the bases of your skis and wrap the velcro around the outside to secure your skis. The foam helps protect your bases and prevent moisture buildup.
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Buckle Up Your Boots
When they’re not on your feet, keep them neat! It’s a good habit to keep your boots buckled when you’re not using them. Leaving them unbuckled can cause the plastic shell to lose its shape over time, making them harder to put on later.
Make sure the tongue of the liner sits closest to the inside and not twisted in the boot. Then, loosely buckle up the boot. You don’t need to buckle them as tightly as you do when you’re skiing, just enough to help keep their shape.
Store Your Gear Somewhere Cool and Dry
Now that your gear is clean and ready for its summer hibernation, find a cool, dry spot for storage. Avoid places like the garage or a damp basement, which can have extreme temperature swings or humidity that can damage your gear. Instead, store everything in a cool, dry spot with stable temps, like a closet inside your home.
It’s a good idea to stash gear in a ski and boot bag for added extra protection and to keep things organized.
Check your Jackets, Bags, Pockets, and Batteries
Before officially calling it for the season, go through your backpacks, jacket pockets, and pants to clear out any trash, forgotten snacks, or passes left behind.
This is also a good time to wash and re-waterproof your outerwear gear. Use a tech wash to made specifically for waterproof outerwear. Don’t forget neck gaiters, gloves, and ski socks—they probably need a good clean too. Check out our step-by-step guide here.
Unpack any insulated items like down jackets and give them a shake to fluff them up. Store them hanging in a closet or stowed away in a bin uncompressed.
Lastly, take out any batteries from boot heaters, heated gloves, beacons, and other electronics to avoid battery leaks from damaging your equipment over the summer.
Taking time now to give your ski gear some end-of-season love makes a big difference when the next season rolls around. With clean edges, fresh wax, and neatly stored gear, you’ll be ready to hit the slopes as soon as the snow falls again.
Categories:
Skills & Advice
Tagged: How To, Gear Maintenance