How to Store Skis for the Summer

When summer rolls around, it is time to store your skis until the next winter. If stored properly your skis will be better off when you bring them out for the next ski season. Storing your skis correctly will help your treasured skis last longer and perform better. Ski storage doesn't take long and is a very easy process.

Things You'll Need

• Cloth
• Wax
• Waxing iron
• Screwdriver
• Ski straps
• Closet

Instructions

1. Clean your skis. Wipe dirt and grime off of them with a cloth. Dry them of any excess water so rust does not accumulate on the metal portions.

2. Dry your boots. You may need to remove the liner to dry any trapped moisture. This will help prevent mold and mildew from forming.

3. Hot wax your skis. Use a waxing iron and drip wax over the bases and be sure to cover the edges. Use a heavy coating of wax. Do not scrape.

4. Loosen the binding springs with a screwdriver. Do this on the toe and heel-piece for each binding. This gives the tension in the springs a break. Plus it is important to have your skis and bindings tested each year as a safety measure.

5. Once boots are dry, replace the liner and buckle the boots into a closed position.

6. Strap skis together with ski straps.

7. Find a dry place to leave your equipment. A closet or extra room is ideal because it will have a consistent temperature.

8. Leave skis standing upright.

Tips & Warnings

• Waxing your skis keeps your bases from drying out and your edges from rusting.

• A shop can hot wax your skis and loosen your binding springs if you do not think you can do this yourself.

• When the snow starts falling again, take your skis to a shop to check the bindings, scrape the wax, and get you ready for the new ski season.

• Never store skis leaning on the edges. Lean them upright. strapped together or against the base.