summer care for skis

Question
Hello, I was just wondering if there is anything that should be done to downhill skis before storing them for the offseason???

Thanks a bunch,
Casey

Answer
Hey Casey,

A great question that many folks don't think to ask. Most people toss their gear into the garage or a closet and don't think about it until next season.

You should get a good tune up done on the edges. That way they are ready for the next season and any light surface rust will be removed. Also get any base repairs done if needed. Then get them to hot wax the skis but ask them to NOT scrape the wax off. Leaving a nice thick layer of wax on the bases does two things. It preserves the bases by keeping them from drying out. It also leaves a layer of wax on the edges which helps prevent surface rust from building up. When the new season arrives, take the skis in to have the wax scraped off and you are ready to SKI. You could also ask the ski technician to inspect your bindings and grease them if needed. This will ensure that you don't have any problems next season.

During the ski season it is a good idea to wipe down your skis with an old towel once you get home. This prevents surface rust from happening. Surface rust can cause pits in your edges which creates more work to keep them sharp.

As for your boots, pull the liners if they are removable and let them dry for a week. Make sure the shells are dry inside prior to putting the liners back in. If the liners don't come out, open the boots as much as you can and let them dry good. Store them in a cool, dry, dust free place for the summer. I recommend to most folks to invest in a boot dryer system. Drying your boots after each session will extend the life of your liners. They also work great for drying gloves. When you ski multiple days in a row, having dry gear each morning is great.

Have a great summer,
Windlover