How to Store Skis and Snowboards
That time of the year has come to tuck away your skiing and snowboarding gear for the off-season. After you take your last trip down the slopes at Tordrillo Mountain Lodge, knowing how to property clean, organize, and store your gear is essential to maintain equipment for next season. But what are the best ways to store skis, snowboards, and all of your accessories?
Improper storage of ski and snowboarding equipment can lead to lasting damage. It’s especially important to keep your gear safely stored during the hot summer months. To help with that, we would like to introduce guest blogger Duane Allen from The Ski Bum to share some tips for proper ski and snowboard storage.
Clean Your Skis and Snowboards
After a season of using your gear for Kings and Corn or other skiing excursions, you will want to clean your skis and snowboards to ensure it’s all in optimal conditions prior to storing it for the summer. Check the integrity of the board or skis, and sharpen the edges to clean up any rust or other damage that may have occurred throughout the winter. Ensure the surfaces of the board are smooth before applying any wax.
Wax On, Wax Off
Once your board has been sanded and sharpened, wipe off any excess dust, dirt, and debris. Then, lather on a thick coat of wax. This will help to keep the board protected throughout the summer, preventing it from drying out, and start your ski and snowboard season with a fresh and durable board.
Wrap Your Gear
After a full season of tearing up Alaskan snow conditions, it’s best practice to wrap your gear to prevent rust or dust buildup. Humidity is your winter gear’s biggest enemy and promotes the growth of rust. Wrap your gear in plastic or the board bag it was sold in to keep it dry and prevent rust from developing while in storage.
Buff Up Your Boots
Cleaning and preparing your boots for storage is something many people neglect when packing their gear up for the summer. Moisture settles inside of boots each time they are worn. If this moisture is ignored, it could develop into mold. It is important to remove the liners of your boots and wipe the shell of the boot with a damp cloth. Hand-wash the liners and insoles with water and a mild cleanser, and dry them completely before placing them back into the boots for storage. Ensure that the boots are tied or buckled so that they retain their shape.
Keep Your Bindings In Tact
Contrary to popular belief, you should not relax the tension in your binding springs. While it was once a necessary part of preparing your gear for storage, it is not the case anymore. Relaxing the bindings can cause the boots to lose their shape and pose a problem when the winter season rolls around. If you are set in your ways and want to loosen your bindings, just remember that you did so you can tighten them up come ski and snowboard season.
The Best Place to Store Your Skis and Snowboards
Wherever you decide you are going to be storing your board, make sure the area is cool and dry. It is best to store your gear standing up, as opposed to laying it on a flat surface. Storing your gear upright helps to preserve the camber, or shape, of the snowboard. Avoid placing your gear on a hard surface. Carpeted surfaces work best, but if you don’t have carpeted floors, you can rest your gear on old towels or Styrofoam blocks.
Remember these easy ski and snowboard storage tips when packing your winter sports gear until you book your next visit to Tordrillo Mountain Lodge. These simple practices can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. For more information, contact the professionals at The Ski Bum.
