Taking care of your alpine gear not only makes it last longer — it also keeps you safer and improves your performance on the slopes. With a few simple habits, you can keep your skis, boots, and equipment in top shape all season long.

 

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1. Dry Everything After Each Ski Day

 

 

Moisture is the enemy of ski equipment. After skiing:

 

• Remove the liners from your boots and let them air-dry.

• Open buckles and straps so the boot shell can breathe.

• Wipe down skis and bindings to prevent rust.

• Hang gloves, jackets, and pants in a warm (but not hot) place.

 

 

Never dry boots on radiators — excessive heat can damage the plastic and liners.

 

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2. Store Your Skis Properly

 

 

Your skis will thank you for proper storage:

 

• Keep them in a cool, dry place — not in the car, basement, or near heaters.

• Make sure they’re dry before putting them away.

• Don’t use tight ski straps that compress the camber; soft straps are best.

 

 

For long-term storage (summer), coat the bases with a thick layer of storage wax.

 

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3. Keep Your Edges Sharp

 

 

Sharp edges help you stay in control on icy slopes. To maintain them:

 

• Dry your skis after every use to prevent rust.

• Use a diamond stone to gently remove small burrs.

• We have state of the art equipment from Winterstieger at Gausta. Talk to the ski rental for more info. 

 

 

If you ski a lot on hard-packed snow, you may need tuning more often.

 

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4. Wax Regularly

 

 

Waxing keeps your skis fast, smooth, and protected:

 

• Hot wax them every 4–6 ski days, or more often if conditions are very dry.

• Use an all-round wax unless you have specific temperature needs.

• If you don’t wax at home, most ski shops offer quick and affordable treatments.

 

 

A well-waxed base also makes your skis easier to turn — especially for beginners.

 

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5. Check Bindings for Safety

 

 

Bindings are crucial for injury prevention. Get them tested when:

 

• You buy new boots

• You change your skiing style or ability level

• You haven’t skied for a while

 

 

Have a ski technician check the DIN settings and ensure the release mechanism works properly.

 

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6. Take Care of Your Boots

 

 

Your boots are the most important piece of gear:

 

• Dry them thoroughly after every use.

• Keep buckles loosely fastened during storage to maintain their shape.

• Replace worn-out insoles for better comfort and control.

• Avoid walking long distances on hard surfaces — use boot covers or walk carefully.

 

 

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7. Protect Your Helmet & Goggles

 

 

Safety gear needs TLC too:

 

• Store your helmet somewhere dry and away from sunlight.

• Replace the helmet after a significant impact.

• Keep goggles in a soft bag so the lens doesn’t scratch.

• Never wipe the inside of the lens when it’s wet — let it air-dry to preserve the anti-fog coating.

 

 

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8. Transport Gear Safely

 

 

Damage often happens on the way to the mountains:

 

• Use padded ski bags for skis and poles.

• Use a boot bag to keep buckles and shells from cracking.

• Make sure skis are strapped together base-to-base, not edge-to-edge.

 

 

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9. End-of-Season Care

 

 

Before putting your gear away for the summer:

 

• Clean and dry everything thoroughly.

• Sharpen edges lightly.

• Apply a thick layer of storage wax to bases.

• Store boots buckled and skis in a cool, stable environment.

 

 

This ensures your equipment is ready to go next winter.