Ski & Safety Tips

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STORING YOUR SKI/BOARD EQUIPMENT: You’re done for the year? The weather is getting warmer, flowers are blooming, and you sadly are retiring your ski and board equipment till next season. You want everything in good shape for next year but what do you do?  How do you put your wonderful boots and beloved skis and board equipment to bed so that they will be ready to go next winter?  Proper equipment storage will actually save you time and expense when the snow comes next year, and you are gearing up to go. It will even extend the life of your expensive equipment.

Here’s where to begin:

1. Make sure that your equipment is clean, and the edges are free of the nicks you got skiing over the rocks on that run that really could have used more snow. Rust may have formed from putting your skis away wet so you will want to file this away too. Check your bindings too. Dirt and water can affect how your bindings work.

2. Believe it or not now is a good time to add a thick layer of wax on your skis and boards. It will keep the bases hydrated and protected over the long hot summer.

3. Equipment should be stored in a vertical position. In a rack is the best but any upright position works. Never store in a bag as moisture accumulates and causes rust or warping on the edges and bases.

4. Boots are next. Make sure your linings and footbeds are dry when you are ready to put your boots away for the summer.  Lightly buckle your boots to keep the boot shape intact. Place them in an upright position and cover with a cloth to keep out dust. Don’t store them in your boot bag as most bags trap moisture and dirt that can damage your boots.

5.  Put your skis, boots, and even your poles in an area that is dry and doesn’t have huge temperature changes. A garage may not be the best place as drastic temperature changes can negatively affect the metal on your edges and can even cause base warping. A dry basement or closet is a good choice.

6. Wash your ski clothes by observing the manufacturer’s instructions, store away carefully.

7. Next season before your first outing, wear your boots around your house for about an hour. This will restore your foot shape and condition them after sitting all summer to make your first trip more comfortable.

8. If you have any tech equipment like go-pros or avalanche transceivers, be sure to remove the batteries as acid can leak and cause damage.

So that’s it. Now your most important and expensive equipment will be protected. You’ll be ready to go when the snow flies next season.      - Jackie, Skimeister 

1. What clothes do I need to ski? athletic under garments, base layer, ski socks, sweater, neck warmer, helmet, goggles, & ski gloves, (moisture wicking fabrics recommended) 

2. What are some tips to prepare for my ski season? about 6 weeks ahead of time check your ski equipment, does it need tuning? it’s always a good practice to have the bindings checked from season to season depending on usage. Do my boots fit? Do my clothes fit? Is my body ready for athletics & altitude? Having a regular fitness & Yoga regimen is key to feeling ready to hit the slopes. Remember rest & recovery is important too. 

3.  I am new to skiing, any tips? Yes, TAKE SOME LESSONS. It is imperative to know how to stop & get up properly from a fall. Ski with another person or let someone know where you plan on skiing. 

4. I lost my ski partner & I am concerned for their well-being.  Find a ski patrol person. Technology now allows for the RFID ski pass and this allows knowledge of which lift a person was last seen on and the time. 

5. Do I need to drink water when I am on the mountain? Hydration is an imperative ingredient in optimal athletic performance especially in the mountains.