Ski and Snowboarding Summer Storage Guidelines!

Storing Ski Boots and Snowboard Boots

If you want your boots to fit properly for next season, then proper summer storage is very important. When you use your boots, moisture is created inside them. If this moisture is left unattended, it can make your boots stink or worse, turn to mold.

1. Start by removing your liners from your boots.
2. Then clean the inside of your shells with a damp cloth. Mild soap and water can be used if necessary.
3. Remove the insoles from inside your liners. You can spray both with slightly warm water to get them damp.
4. Then with a sponge dipped in mild soap, wipe your insoles (top and bottom) and the inside of your liners to clean them.
5. Then with clean water, wipe everything clean of any soap. Try to avoid any repeated rubbing in one area on your insoles or liners as this can damage them. Never put your liners or insoles in the washer or dryer. If you have a smell that this cleaning doesn't remove, there are many products available in stores that can help remove it.
6. Let air dry for at least a day then put everything back together and buckle or lace your boots closed! If you fail to do this, the shell material will start to take a different shape. This will mean your boots will not fit as comfortable next season. Buckle or lace them snug enough to keep your boots in the proper shape. Do not over tighten as this can stretch the material of your boots over the summer.
7. Do not store your boots in the garage, in a crawl space, or attic. Any environment that is damp or has high heat will harm your boots. Your boots should be stored standing upright in cool dry area of the house like a closet or finished basement. It's a good idea to put a plastic grocery bag loosely over your boots to allow for air circulation and keep out any dust that may acquire over the summer. Do not store in your boot bag. Bags are usually dirty from your boots and can trap moisture in.

Ski Bindings

DO NOT adjust your binding tension! This was something that was recommended back in the 60's and 70's but manufactures now design bindings to have tension. If you release the tension, this causes the springs to expand and not release the same. Manufactures say all you need to do for storage is make sure they are clean.
Humidity and temperature changes can cause rust to develop on metal springs and part of the binding. So see the "How to store your skis" photos below.

Storing Skis and Snowboards

DO CLEAN YOUR GEAR Your equipment should be stored free of salt, dirt, grime with a fresh coat of wax. The best way to do this? Have your skis or boards tuned at the end of the season! You can have your shop do it or do it yourself. An end of season tune is the perfect way to store your equipment and they'll be ready to go the next season. You'll have fresh coat of wax on your bases which will protect the edges from rusting and will be absorbed into the bases over the summer making your bases more durable. If you are not tuning, apply a thin coat of wax on the edges which will protect the metal from any moisture and rust.

DO STORE IN DRY AREA Your skis and boards could be stored standing upright on the tails or on their sides in a damp free environment. A great storage place could be under your bed, or in the corner of an interior closest in the house.

DO NOT store in the garage, damp basement or attic. Dampness and heat harms your gear. The basement may work if it is dry. A great storage place could be under your bed, or in the corner of an interior closest in the house.

DO NOT STORE IN A BAG your equipment in a bag! Bags rarely get cleaned and trap moisture which will deteriorate your bases and edges. If you must store them in a bag, completely unzip the bag for air circulation.

NEXT SEASON Wear your boots around the house before about an hour before your first outing. This will help your liners come back to your foot shape after sitting all summer and help condition your lower leg. When the first snow falls next season you are ready to go.

Store Clothing Clean

Always store your clothing away for the summer clean! Read the care tags on your clothing before any cleaning. With very few exceptions, jackets and pants should never be dry cleaned or put into the laundry with regular detergent. Regular cloth detergent will harm the waterproofing. Use special detergent that won't harm your jacket and pants. Most shops will carry it for their customers. Also, never use liquid fabric softener with your base layers, socks, zip necks, or anything breathable. Liquid fabric softener will clog the pores that make the fabric breathable.

Washing with Tech Wash

• Pretreat any stains with undiluted Tech Wash before putting in washer
• Place garments in the washer
• After the machine has filled water put in 5 fl. oz undiluted Tech Wash
• Set to low water level, heavy and warm
• When the cycle is done then re treat with waterproofing.