Your skis don't care about your to-do list (but we do): Summer storage tips for your skis and snowboards.
Let me guess—it's June, you've finally taken your skis out of your car (or let's be honest, they're still there), and now you're supposed to do something with them before the worst season of the year hits full swing. Meanwhile, you'd rather be planning weekend hikes, taking that camping trip you've been promising yourself, or doing any one of the other 47 other things that sound way more fun than ski maintenance.
I could give you the technical spiel about oxidation and base porosity, but here's what really matters: Next November, when the first snow hits and everyone's scrambling to get their gear tuned, you'll be the one who can grab your skis and go. No waiting in line at the shop, no discovering your edges are trashed, no paying rush fees because you procrastinated.
Your time is valuable. Your gear is an investment. And honestly? There's something deeply satisfying about being prepared when everyone else is panicking.
So let's talk about how to take care of your skis and snowboards this summer without adding another overwhelming task to your already packed life. Because at Coalition, we know you've got places to be and space to take up, and we want your gear to be ready when winter comes calling again.
The Real Talk About Summer Storage
Your skis and snowboards aren't going to spontaneously combust if you don't follow a 47-step maintenance ritual. But here's what will happen: they'll slowly deteriorate in ways that cost you money and compromise your time on the mountain next season. Rust on your edges, dried-out bases that won't glide, bindings that don't release properly—these aren't just performance issues, they're safety issues.
The good news? Proper summer storage takes about 30 minutes and can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs and replacements. It's like flossing or walking at night with keys in your hand—annoying to do, but way less annoying than dealing with the consequences of not doing it.
Your 30-Minute Summer Ski Prep (No Overwhelm Required)
First, the bare minimum (because sometimes that's all we've got):
- Clean them: Wipe down your skis with a damp cloth to remove dirt, salt, and grime. If they're really gross, use mild soap and water.
- Dry completely: This is non-negotiable. Wet gear equals rust, and rust equals expensive problems.
- Find them a good home: Store somewhere cool and dry—not your hot garage or damp basement.
If you've got 15 more minutes and want to be a ski care rockstar:
- Apply storage wax: Get your skis waxed with a thick coat and don't scrape it off. This "summer coat" keeps your bases from drying out. Most ski shops will do this for $20-30 if you don't want to DIY it.
- Loosen your bindings: Back off the DIN settings to relieve spring tension (write down your current settings first—trust me on this one).
- Check for damage: Look for any gouges, edge damage, or loose screws that need professional attention before next season.
The extra credit moves (for when you're feeling ambitious):
- Use a ski bag: Protects from dust and dings while allowing airflow.
- Store them properly: Standing upright or lying flat—never balanced on tips or tails.
- Keep edges apart: If storing multiple pairs, don't let the metal edges touch each other.
The "I Don't Have Time for This" Reality Check
Here's what I tell anyone who says they don't have time for ski maintenance: You don't have time not to do it. Spending 30 minutes now saves you hours of frustration and potentially hundreds of dollars later.
And if you really, truly cannot find 30 minutes between now and July? Take your skis to a shop and pay them to do it. It's worth the $50-75 to have professionals handle the storage prep while you're out living your best summer life.
The choice is yours. Thirty minutes now, or dealing with the consequences when snow starts flying. I know which one I'd choose.