How to store your ski equipment

Wondering how best to store your ski gear over the summer? Read our quick guide to find out…

When you return from your ski holiday and unpack your damp ski stuff, here’s what to do with your ski boots, skis, jackets, pants, gloves and helmet.

Give your skis some love before storing

“If your skis were put away damp, they might have accumulated some rust on the edges. You can wipe this off with a cloth, and then consider applying a base conditioner to the skis before a generous wax (but don’t use fluorocarbon wax which is harmful to the environment)”, says Jack, Ski Magic’s ski technician.

Lots of specialist outdoor and ski shops will be able to give your skis a service and summer wax if you don’t have the equipment or knowledge to do this yourself.

Storing ski boots: what you need to know

The most important thing to do with your ski boots is to make sure they are completely dry before you put them into storage. To do this, remove the liner from the outer shell and also remove the footbed.

“To remove the liner of your ski boot, make sure all the boot buckles are open, then put your whole hand and forearm inside,” explains Tom from Meribel ski boot specialists, The Boot Lab, “Then rather than trying to pull the liner upwards, push down the shin edge as if you are trying to take it parallel to the floor. This will open the the front of the boot so you can bring the heel of the liner up and out.” 

With the liner out, you can remove the footbed too. Leave these things to air dry separately for a few days, but not on a direct heat source, especially if you have custom fitted boots.

Once they are dry, you can put the footbed back into the liner, and the liner back into the boot. “To get the liner back into the boot, push the toe into position first, then push the heel down,” advises Tom, “It’s not easy, you will have to push quite hard! Then buckle up the boot so that it retains its shape and lasts longer.”

You can pack your ski boots into a boot bag, suitcase or box for storage, but whatever you do, avoid storing your ski boots anywhere damp, too warm or cold, or where mice might fancy snuggling up in them – you definitely don’t want any unpleasant surprises when you pack for your next ski holiday!

How to store other ski equipment

• Take out the batteries from your avalanche transceiver in case it erodes, and treat yourself to new batteries at the start of next winter.
• To wash ski clothing, zip up all the pockets etc, then wash on a low setting using a specialist cleaning product. Don’t overload the machine or put in any other items.
• Check the clothing labels to see whether they should be hung out to dry or can/should be tumble dried.
• If you have leather ski gloves, apply a nourishing leather balm.
• Check over your helmet for any damage.

And that’s it! Give yourself a pat on the back – your ski gear is all ready for your next winter holiday!

• Not booked yet?! You can check our availability for ski chalets here on our booking page…
• Prefer to hire your skis, helmet or ski boots? Our ski hire team will bring your equipment to the chalet…

Not sure what to expect on your catered ski chalet holiday? Find out what a catered Ski Magic holiday is truly like.