The snow's gone, the lifts have closed, and your gear is sitting in the garage. A few simple steps now will keep your skis, snowboards, boots, and outerwear in good shape for next season — and save you from dried-out bases, mouldy liners, and rusty edges when the snow returns.
Skis and snowboards
Wax before you store
The most important step. Apply a thick coat of wax to the base and don't scrape it off. This "storage wax" seals the pores and prevents the base from drying out over the summer. A dry base turns chalky white and becomes brittle — it can crack and permanently damage the ski or board.
How to do it: Drip wax on the base, iron it in until it's fully absorbed, then let it cool. Leave the excess wax on. When next season arrives, scrape and brush as normal before your first run.
Clean and dry
Before waxing, wipe down the bases and edges to remove dirt, salt, and moisture. Let everything dry completely. Moisture left on edges can cause rust; moisture in the core can cause delamination over time.
Edges
A light coat of wax on the edges (or at least the parts that aren't rusted) helps prevent corrosion. If you have rust, a gummy stone or fine steel wool can remove light surface rust before storage. Heavy rust may need a professional tune next season.
Store flat and cool
Store skis and boards flat — on a rack, in a bag, or leaning against a wall with even support. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or in a hot car or attic. Heat can affect the base material and adhesives. A cool, dry place (garage, closet, under the bed) is ideal.
Loosen the bindings
For skis, some people loosen the binding screws slightly to relieve pressure on the core over the summer. It's optional — modern skis handle it fine either way — but it doesn't hurt. For snowboards, no need to remove the bindings unless you're selling the board.
Boots (ski and snowboard)
Dry them out
Boots absorb moisture from sweat and snow. If you store them damp, you'll get mould, smell, and degraded liners.
What to do: Remove the liners if possible and let both shell and liner air dry for a few days. Stuff the shells with newspaper to absorb moisture and help them hold their shape. Avoid heat — a radiator or hot car can warp the plastic.
Don't buckle them shut
Store boots with buckles undone. Buckling them closed can compress the liner and shell into an unnatural shape over time.
Keep them cool and dry
Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid damp basements or hot attics. A boot bag in a closet works fine.
Outerwear (jackets, pants, gloves)
Wash before storing
Dirt, sweat, and salt can degrade fabrics and waterproof coatings over time. Wash according to the care label — usually a gentle cycle with tech wash (not regular detergent, which can damage DWR). Reapply a DWR treatment if the jacket or pants no longer beads water.
Dry completely
Make sure everything is fully dry before packing away. Damp fabric leads to mould and smell.
Store loosely
Don't cram jackets and pants into tight spaces. Hang them or fold loosely in a breathable bag or drawer. Avoid plastic bags — they trap moisture.
Gloves and mitts
Same as outerwear — clean, dry, store loosely. Some people stuff gloves with newspaper to help them hold their shape.
Goggles and helmets
Goggles
Wipe the lenses clean and store in the soft bag they came with. Avoid scratching. Keep them in a cool, dry place — heat can affect the lens coating and frame.
Helmets
Wipe down the interior and exterior. Let it air dry. Store in a cool place — heat can degrade the foam. If the helmet has taken a significant impact, replace it before next season; foam doesn't recover.
Poles, probes, shovels
Wipe down and dry. Check for bent sections or damaged baskets. Store in a dry place. If you have avalanche gear, make sure it's clean and the probe and shovel are in working order.
When to sell instead of store
If you're upgrading, downsizing, or just not using gear anymore, end-of-season is a good time to sell. Buyers are hunting for deals, and a well-maintained board or pair of skis will move. List on Boardom — zero selling fees, and you'll free up space for next season's setup.
Quick checklist
- Wax skis/board (don't scrape)
- Clean and dry bases and edges
- Store skis/board flat, cool, and dry
- Dry boots (remove liners, stuff with newspaper)
- Store boots unbuckled
- Wash and dry outerwear
- Store outerwear loosely
- Clean and store goggles and helmet
A little effort now means your gear will be ready to go when the first snow falls. And when you're ready to upgrade, browse Boardom for used skis, snowboards, boots, and more from the community.