How to Store Your Skis For Summer (Step-By-Step Offseason Prep Guide)

HOW TO STORE YOUR SKIS FOR SUMMER: THE ARMADA GUIDE TO GEAR LONGEVITY

Summer’s here. Unless you’re chasing winter to the opposite hemisphere or lapping a glacier, there’s nothing left to do but wait for the snow. But don't just lean your sticks against a damp wall and forget them. Take a few minutes to prep your skis for the offseason with the steps below. Even your clapped-out rock skis will be running fast and fresh when winter returns.

How do I remove dirt, salt and road grime from ski bases?

At the end of the season, your skis are likely covered in a film of dirt, salt, and even road grime, especially if you’ve been using a roof rack. Leaving that to sit over the summer is the fastest way to corrode your edges and dry out your bases.

Keep it simple: Use a soft towel and warm water to wipe down the topsheet, sidewalls, and bindings.
The Base Wipe: Ensure the bases are free of any dirt or grease.
Gentle Solvent: If there’s stubborn buildup, use a small amount of gentle citrus solvent, then rinse well and dry.
Bone Dry: Moisture is the enemy. Ensure they are 100% dry before you even think about waxing.

Should I fix core shots and edge damage before summer storage?

Don't put off until November what you can do now. The beginning of the offseason is a great time for a full tune and base grind because ski shops aren’t slammed.

Seal the Core: If you have significant base damage, especially core shots, get them fixed now. Exposed wood can rot or swell if moisture seeps in over the summer.
Edge Work: Remove obvious burrs from edges with a gummy stone.
Functional First: At the very least, do the heavy lifting now so your skis are functional the second the first storm hits.

What is the best wax for ski storage and protection?

This is the "summer soak." You’re not waxing for speed; you’re waxing for survival.

The Selection: Apply a generous coating of an all-temperature hot wax.
Full Wrap: Ensure you cover the entire base and allow the wax to overlap onto the steel edges.
The Golden Rule: Don’t scrape it off. That thick, ugly layer is what’s protecting your gear from oxidation and rust. It acts as a vacuum seal for the polyethylene.

Is it safe to store skis in a garage, attic, or damp basement?

Where you store your skis is just as vital as how you wax them. Heat and humidity can degrade performance and structural integrity.

Climate Control: Store your skis in a cool, dry place.
The "No" List: Keep them out of the rain, away from direct sun, and far from sweltering attic temps.
Structural Safety: Avoid garages or sheds where extreme temperature cycles can make the epoxy resins in the ski’s layup become brittle over time.

Is it better to store skis standing up or lying flat?

The goal of storage positioning is to ensure the natural rocker and camber isn't stressed for six months straight.

Neutral Tension: Try not to hang them by the tips or keep them in any configuration where the profile is under pressure.
Vertical Storage: If you stand them up, keep the tails off bare concrete (use a mat or wood) to prevent moisture wicking.
Horizontal Storage: Lying them flat is great, just don't stack a mountain of heavy gear on top of them.

Should I back off my binding DIN settings for the offseason?

There’s a lot of old-school chatter about "saving the springs," but modern bindings are built to handle the tension.

The Reality: Most manufacturers say it’s unnecessary to turn down your DIN so we recommend leaving it set where you like to ski it.
The Risk: If you do choose to back off the tension, you must leave a physical note on the bindings. Forgetting to reset your DIN before your first run of the winter is a massive safety risk.

Why should I avoid using tight ski straps during summer storage?

Ski straps are great for the trek from the parking lot, but they’re not great for long-term storage.

Avoid Compression: Keeping straps cinched tightly around the waist can put "counter-tension" on the camber.
Stay Loose: If you want to keep your pair together, use straps loosely at the tip and tail contact points only, or better yet, let them breathe separately.

How do I get my skis ready for the first day of winter?

When the snow finally falls and it’s time to start planning your trips for the season, your skis will be ready.

The Scrape: Grab your plastic scraper and take off that thick layer of storage wax.
The Brush: Give them a vigorous brush with a nylon or horsehair brush to open up the base structure.
Final Check: Verify your DIN settings, watch a few ski movies to get the stoke up, and head for the lifts.