As the springtime sun rolls in and snow melts, unfortunately, snow skiing season must come to an end. Except those lucky few who live near year-round skiing, there comes a time to hang the skis in our gear closets until the next snow flurries fall.

In order to keep your gear in top shape for next season, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your equipment will last you for years to come.

Soft Goods

Soft goods are anything made out of soft material, like your jacket, gloves, socks, and base layers.

Socks, Base Layers, and Neck Gaiters

Socks, neck gaiters, and layers like long underwear can be washed and dried like you would after any typical day skiing.

Jackets, Gloves, and Insulation Layers

When we start talking about technical soft goods, cleaning can get a little more complicated. First, air out all gear to help dry the accumulated sweat. Next, check the care tag of your items as some have very specific cleaning instructions.

That being said, most items can be washed in a conventional washing machine with a technical washing soap that helps protect the gear’s waterproofing and durability. I always wash my jacket with a detergent called Nikwax Tech Wash that is made specifically for outdoor gear. If some of your layers are made with down feathers Nikwax’s Down Wash.Direct should do the trick. In addition to these washes, Nikwax has many different products to help the waterproofing and breathability of your soft goods, each tailored to specific garment types. Check out their entire product lineup here. As for drying, hang these items to air dry instead of putting them in the dryer.

Soft Good Summer Storage

When storing soft goods for the summer find a cool dry spot away from sunlight to protect your gear. Jackets are best hung up and then covered to avoid dust buildup. Gloves, hats, buffs, and other layers can be folded and put into a bin but be careful not to stuff the bin so full that all your items are squished and do not have room to breathe.

Hard Goods

Hard goods are most of your ski-specific gear including skis, boots, helmet, and goggles.

Skis

Skis take a huge beating out on the snow. Not only is it important to do some upkeep throughout the ski season, but end-of-season tune-ups are crucial as well.

Check the bottom of your skis, if there is a gouge out of the bottom take it to your local ski shop for repair. This is especially important if gouge is deep enough for the ski’s wood core to be exposed and the wood could begin to rot.

If you want to be preemptive for the next season, get your skis waxed and edges sharpened at your local ski shop now so you are ready to go as soon as next seasons snow falls!

When you store the skis away, make sure they are completely dry before putting them in a ski bag as storing wet skis can rust the metal edges.

Ski Boots

Ski boots are some of your most essential pieces of gear, connecting you to your skis and to the snow. After your last ski day of the season, undo all the buckles and open the boots all the way up to let them air out. Ski boot liners get very sweaty, so letting them breath before storage will help keep the stink down. After the boots have thoroughly dried, loosely buckle them up to help them maintain their shape. Then place your boots in a boot bag that is stored in a cool, dry place.

Ski Helmet

Helmets, like ski boots, can get a lot of sweat built up over the ski season. Before you put yours away, air it out with your ski boots. Next, inspect your helmet for any dents, cracks, or missing padding that may indicate the helmet needs to be replaced. Check the helmet’s manufacturing date as many ski helmets are considered unsafe for use after five years. Consult with your helmet’s manufacturer for details about your specific gear.

Ski Goggles

Ski goggles can be stored in the case provided by the manufacture when you purchased them, just make sure to give the lenses a good wipe and let them air dry before putting them away.

As the season comes to an end, take care of your gear so when the first snow falls you are ready to get back out on the slopes!

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