A Guide To Safely Store Your Skiing Equipment
by Janie Jones
The most common ski injuries are reported to be the result of equipment that’s not been properly prepared. Not being able to properly check equipment compatibility, or forgetting to tune frequently-used skis can drastically affect one’s performance. In both cases, it proves it’s important to check on your skis before and after you use them, and ensure they’re in a good state. It’s part of the whole maintenance process.
It might be easy to just call it a day and put away your ski gear until the next season, but if you want your skis to be in the best possible condition for the next run, it’s worth taking the time to give it some constant maintenance even during off-seasons. Taking care of your gear involves processes like applying wax, fixing any nicks you see, and checking your boots and bindings. Still, while you can make any fixes to your equipment as needed, it also comes down to actually making sure that it remains in good condition when you store it.
Unsuitable storage locations
Locations like the garage, attic, shed, backyard, or basement aren’t suitable for storing your gear as it leaves your skis vulnerable to complications, such as rust. The combination of warm temperature and too much moisture in these areas can also encourage the growth of black mold, which not only affects the quality of your gear, but it can also have a negative effect on your health. Exposing them to areas that are too warm can also de-laminate your skis when the glue that binds the layers gets heated up. Knowing the best places to store your gear can give you peace of mind that your equipment will be kept in a safe place in preparation for your next ski trip.
The best spots to keep your gear
Recommended locations to store your skis indoors include the space under the bed, in your closet, on the wall, or basically any room that has regulated moisture and temperature. For those with a lot of skis, you can also make use of any spare space in your house by installing storage racks or shelves to place your skis in. When positioning your skis, you can choose to store them in any position you want. It’s acceptable for them to be positioned either standing up or lying flat on a surface. The important part is making sure they’re not covered up with any other equipment that can deform them or bend them out of their shape.
It takes a lot of effort to give your gear frequent maintenance, and doing it during off-seasons might be demotivating for some. However, being mindful of your ski equipment’s condition and caring for your gear allows you to enjoy the skiing experience, and ensures your safety as well.
