How To Properly Store Your Ski & Snowboard Gear
Published 14th Jul 2025
As the last of the snow disappears, it’s time to pack away your ski and snowboard gear. But before you stash everything in the closet or garage, giving your setup a bit of end-of-season care can make a big difference. Proper storage and a quick tune can help preserve your investment (gear) and give you a serious head start when the snow returns in the fall. We look after our equipment all season long—why stop when the lifts close?
HOW TO PROPERLY STORE YOUR SKI & SNOWBOARD GEAR
Published 14th July 2025
Keep Your Winter Gear in Peak Condition Until Next Season
As the last of the snow disappears, it’s time to pack away your ski and snowboard gear. But before you stash everything in the closet or garage, giving your setup a bit of end-of-season care can make a big difference. Proper storage and a quick tune can help preserve your investment (gear) and give you a serious head start when the snow returns in the fall. We look after our equipment all season long—why stop when the lifts close?
We’ve put together a simple 4-step method to help you store your gear the right way—so when the snow returns, you’re all set to get back to shredding from day one.
Step 1: Clean Everything
Why? Because we clean ourselves, our homes, our clothes—our gear deserves the same love.
Seriously though, after a long season, your setup is likely covered in dirt, salt, sweat, and moisture. Left unchecked, all of that grime can wear down materials over time. The first step? A solid clean.
Here’s a checklist of what to clean and how to do it right—so you can knock out Step 1: Clean Everything!
Gear Checklist:
Ski Equipment
Skis – Wipe down your skis with a damp cloth, making sure to remove any mud or salt—especially around the bindings. Dry them completely, then check for any loose screws or damage in the bindings.
Skins – After peeling your skins off, let them dry in a cool, well-ventilated area. Once fully dry, remove any dirt or residue, then fold them glue-to-glue. Store them in their skin bag until next season.
Ski Boots – Take out the liners and footbeds and let them air dry in a cool, dry space. While those are drying, wipe down the shells. Once everything’s dry, reassemble your boots and lightly buckle them up, including the power strap if you have one.
Poles – Give your poles a wipe-down and inspect the tips and baskets for any wear or damage.
Snowboard Equipment
Snowboard – Start by removing the bindings and setting them aside. Wipe down the board with a damp cloth, making sure to clear off any mud, salt, or grime. Once clean, dry it thoroughly.
Bindings – With the bindings off, give them a full wipe-down as well. Check that all screws are accounted for and inspect straps and ratchets to make sure everything is still in good condition.
Boots – Just like with ski boots, remove the liners and footbeds and let them air out in a cool, ventilated space. Once dry, place them back in the boots and do up your BOA system or laces.
Everything Else
Goggles – Gently wipe the lenses with a microfiber cloth, then store them safely in their sleeve or case to prevent scratches.
Hats & Gloves – Make sure everything is fully dried out. Spot clean or hand wash if needed, especially around high-wear areas.
Outerwear – Use a technical detergent designed for waterproof gear, and run everything through a gentle machine wash. Afterward, hang to dry or tumble dry on low—just be sure to follow the care instructions on the label.
Base Layers & Socks – Yep, there’s special wash for these too! Use a detergent made for performance fabrics and follow the garment-specific instructions. Then give everything a good clean so it's fresh and ready for next season.
Step 2: Tune Your Gear
A Little Extra Love for Your Skis and Snowboard
After a full season of pow slashes, icy traverses, glade runs, park laps, steeps, moguls, backcountry missions, and groomer carves—your skis and snowboard have earned a bit of TLC. Think of it as a well-deserved spa day for your gear.
credit: Toko | Wax Academy
Here’s a simple three-step guide to help you give your setup the end-of-season love it deserves:
1. Edge Maintenance
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Lightly sharpen the edges with a diamond stone or file to smooth out burrs.
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For deeper nicks or major edge work, drop them off at your local tune shop.
2. Base Cleaning & Waxing
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Clean the base using a base cleaner or hot scrape method.
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Apply a thick coat of warm (soft) wax.
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Leave the wax on—this protects the base during storage. You’ll scrape it off next season.
3. Inspect for Damage
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Check for any signs of delamination, core shots, or edge separation.
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Handle minor repairs now, or make a note to bring them in for service come fall.
Recommended Tools & Products:
Step 3: Dry & Store Everything Properly
Ski & Snowboard Boots
To help maintain their shape and absorb moisture, place some newspaper inside the liners before storing the boots. Store them in a boot bag in a cool, dry location, such as a closet or storage area.
Helmet & Goggles
Store helmets and goggles in their original bags or cases to protect them from damage. Keep them together with boots in the same cool, dry storage space.
Skis & Snowboards
After applying storage wax and inspecting the equipment, place skis or snowboards into their designated bags. Store the bags in a dry, temperature-stable area such as under a bed or in a closet. If bags aren’t available, any cool, dry space will suffice.
Clothing & Accessories
Vacuum seal bags are an effective way to store outerwear, hats, gloves, and socks, reducing volume and protecting from moisture. Store these bags alongside other gear in a suitable dry place.
While storage methods vary, the most important factor is to keep all gear in a cool, dry environment to prevent damage during the off-season. Options include storage totes, closets with moisture absorbers or cedar blocks, and well-ventilated garages or sheds.
Step 4: Final Tips for Storing Your Gear
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Store all equipment in a climate-controlled area—avoid attics, basements, or garages with extreme temperature fluctuations.
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Keep skis and snowboards stored either vertically or horizontally, ensuring no pressure is placed on the camber or rocker.
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Never hang skis by their tips.
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Avoid storing skis or snowboards with straps tightly fastened.
Final Storage Checklist
Have you completed everything? Check off the list below—if it’s all done, you’ve earned a pat on the back (and maybe a cold glass of lemonade, because it’s summer!).
✔ Skis and snowboards cleaned
✔ Storage wax applied
✔ Boots dried and buckled loosely
✔ Outerwear cleaned and packed
✔ Accessories sorted and organized
✔ All gear stored in a dry, ventilated space
Check Before The Next Season
After its summer hibernation, remember to examine your gear before skiing or riding again.
1. Scrape Off Storage Wax
If you applied a thick coat of storage wax at the end of last season, now’s the time to scrape it off. Use a plastic scraper and brush to reveal a clean, smooth base.
2. Check Edges
Inspect your edges for rust, burrs, or dull spots. Use a diamond stone for light touch-ups, or take your gear in for a professional tune if it needs more work.
3. Inspect the Base
Look for any dry spots, deformations, scratches, or core shots. A fresh coat of wax and some base repair may be needed to restore glide and performance.
4. Adjust and Test Bindings
Make sure your bindings are properly adjusted to your current boot size and DIN settings. Test for responsiveness, and consider a shop check to ensure everything is safe and functioning.
5. Flex Test Your Boots
Reinsert your liners and footbeds if you removed them. Check the shell for cracks or damage, and flex the boots to see if anything feels off or overly stiff.
6. Clean and Check Accessories
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Goggles: Wipe the lenses and check for scratches or delamination.
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Helmet: Check the foam liner and straps for wear or cracks. Replace if there’s visible damage.
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Poles: Inspect tips and baskets—tighten or replace if needed.
7. Freshen Up Outerwear & Layers
If it’s been stored vacuum-sealed or packed away, give your outerwear and base layers a quick wash (following care instructions) to freshen them up before heading out.
8. Re-Label and Reorganize
This is a great time to label gear bags, wax kits, or tuning tools so everything’s easy to find mid-season.
Pro Tip: Book your tune-up early—shops can get backed up once the season starts! (Our tune shop gets very busy come December). Corbetts Pro Shop Services
And of course, check out Corbetts.com for any upgrades, fresh gear, or replacements you need to kick off the season right.