An end of season service is important but it’s just one part of putting skis away for summer. It can be done at home with an investment in a few tools but most people will take their skis to a shop or specialist.
A post-season service will normally include an edge sharpening; filling scratches and scrapes; grinding to remove oxidation and repair base structure; a machine or hand wax. Some of these services might be available separately. It’s also an opportunity to have repairs done. The end of season service is an annual health check for skis but also helpful to do before storing skis for the summer.
Whether you have a service or not, there are other steps to take before putting skis away for summer and elements to consider in how to store them.
Wax the skis, but don’t scrape the wax off. Leaving wax on helps prevent rust, especially important for the edges. Give the skis a generous helping.
Think about where the skis will be stored. The room the skis will spend all those months in is important. It needs to be on the cooler side of room temperature and not changing too much. Attics, garages, and outhouses can get very warm in the summer and big temperature swings should be avoided.
Whether to store skis vertically or horizontally might prompt a debate but the differences are likely to be negligible. What’s more important is to avoid an unbalanced amount of pressure or tension on any point in the ski, such as propping them up on the floor where there is one main point taking all the weight and strain. This strain can warp and damage the skis. For extra insurance you can turn the skis periodically to even out the load.
Ski ties help secure skis for storage over the summer. Soft fabric bands won’t put extra stress on the skis but will stop them slipping and sliding. Even tiny movements can leave scratches and scuffs on the skis.
Loosening the bindings (DINs) and releasing that tension helps – as long as you remember to tighten them again next season!
The boots shouldn’t be forgotten either. Giving them the once over before storing is helpful. They should be clean and dry. To help them hold their shape close the clasps and fasten them as though they were being worn.
It doesn’t take long to store skis carefully for the summer. These simple tips mean skis will be in great condition come the winter and ready to hit the slopes.
Top Tips:
- Do a post-season service
- Leave wax on
- Choose the right area to store the skis
- Avoid strain and pressure in storage
- Secure with ski ties
- Loosen the bindings (DINs)
- Clean and dry boots
