It’s the time of year when, unless you like ski mountaineering, snow is out of the picture. Before you enter summer mode completely, take a moment to clean and store your ski and snowboard gear. Many people don’t know how to store their ski gear properly. This end of ski season checklist can help avoid delaminating jackets, funky smells, rusty edges, and warped gear. Follow these 6 tips to make sure your planks and outwear stay in great condition and are ready to go when the lifts start to spin again.

End of ski season checklist:

1. Wash your outerwear

It is ok to wash waterproof jackets and pants. It really is! Your ski jacket and pants get dirty throughout the season: sweat from going big, grease from a nooner fry binge, rouge ketchup, and spilled Après beverages are all contributors. If left unwashed the sweat, dirt, bacteria, and beer stains fester and degrade the waterproofing and fabric of your outerwear.

  • For hardshells or synthetic insulated outwear, first clean with Tech Wash and then re-waterproof with TX.Direct.
  • For down-filled puffy items, Down Wash Direct will remove grime while protecting delicate feathers. Down Proof adds water-repellency. Place items in the dryer and tumble on air dry. Add two tennis balls (pre-Fido) to help fluff the items back up.

2. Love your gloves
Gloves and mittens take a beating on the hill, from abrasive snow to runny noses. These inhibit the water repellency and shorten the mitts’ lifespan.

3. Clean your base layers (And face masks too!)
Why store stinky things? Wash and deodorize your dirty layers and buffs before putting them away.

  • Use BaseWash to clean and deodorize your synthetic layers and face masks. Wool Wash will take care of your wool layers, ensuring they are ready to perform at their max come Opening Day.
  • TIP: If you use your base layers year round for running, hiking, and camping trips, use BaseWash with every load of synthetics to keep them performing and in great condition.

4. Wax your planks for storage
Applying storage wax is an often-overlooked step at the end of the ski season. Properly storing your skis and snowboards over the summer will increase their lifespan and then require minimal tuning when the snow starts to fall again.

  • Our buds over at BackCountry.com break down how to wax your skis for storage. 
  • TIP: Be sure to store your toys outside of a ski or board bag. Trapped moisture and extreme temperatures are not good for your equipment.

5. Care for your Skins
Uphill ski traffic has exploded in popularity! To get the maximum life from your skins be sure to dry them and fold them correctly after each tour.

6. Store boots buckled or laced. Important!

  • Store your boots in a dry, cool place with the buckles buckled and straps strapped to help the plastic shell or leather outer retain its shape. If stored unbuckled boots can warp and become (even more) uncomfortable.

Goodbye sweet ski season. Miss you already. But Hello Summer!

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