When the snow melts and the lifts stop spinning, most skiers stash their gear and shift into summer mode. But how you store your skis, boots, and accessories during the off-season can make or break their lifespan. Improper summer storage leads to warped skis, rusted edges, and gear that underperforms when winter returns.

Whether you're a weekend warrior or a powder chaser, here’s what every skier should know about summer storage—and how to keep your gear in peak condition until the next snowfall.

Clean and Dry Everything Thoroughly

Before storing anything, make sure it’s clean and completely dry. Dirt, salt, moisture, and sweat can damage skis and boots over time.

Tips:

• Wipe down skis and poles with a damp cloth
  
  

• Clean boot liners and let them air dry completely
  
  

• Shake out bags and remove any leftover snacks, hand warmers, or gear
  
  

• Wash your goggles with a lens-safe cloth and store them in a case
  
  

Even small amounts of moisture can lead to mildew, corrosion, or base damage if left unchecked for months.

Wax Your Skis for Long-Term Protection

Applying a coat of storage wax before the off-season is one of the best things you can do for your skis. It protects the bases from drying out and guards the edges from rust.

Here’s how:

• Clean your skis thoroughly
  
  

• Apply a thick coat of hot wax to the entire base
  
  

• Don’t scrape it off—leave it on for storage
  
  

• Scrape and buff when the next season starts
  
  

This step alone can significantly extend the life of your skis and save you time on early-season tuning.

Store Skis Vertically or Horizontally—But Never on the Floor

Leaving skis leaned up in a corner or laid flat on a garage floor is a recipe for warping, base damage, or edge dulling. Instead, use a wall-mounted storage system that supports the skis without pressure points.

Wall mounts likeGravity Grabber are ideal because:

• They store skis upright or flat against the wall
  
  

• Padded arms prevent base and edge damage
  
  

• They free up valuable floor space
  
  

• They're easy to use all year round for different types of gear
  
  

Wall storage also helps keep your gear visible, accessible, and away from fluctuating temperatures or accidental dings.

Keep Gear in a Cool, Dry Place

Avoid storing gear in places with extreme heat, moisture, or direct sunlight. Attics, sheds, and garages can reach high temperatures that break down plastic, foam, and adhesives over time.

Better storage locations:

• Inside closets
  
  

• Climate-controlled garages or mudrooms
  
  

• Basements with stable humidity
  
  

• Utility rooms with ventilation
  
  

Consistency in temperature is key to preserving boot shells, bindings, goggle foam, and waterproof outerwear.

Organize Accessories Before You Forget

Nothing’s worse than gearing up in December only to realize your gloves are moldy, your beacon batteries are dead, and your helmet smells like last season. Take 15 minutes now to:

• Air out gloves and helmet liners
  
  

• Remove batteries from electronics
  
  

• Keep goggles stored in a case
  
  

• Bag up your avalanche gear and label it
  
  

Consider adding small bins or hooks next to your ski rack to keep everything in one place. The more organized you are now, the faster you’ll be on the snow when the flakes start to fall again.

Store Smarter, Ski Sooner

Off-season storage might not be the most exciting part of skiing, but it’s one of the most important. Clean, wax, and store your gear the right way, and you’ll start next season with confidence—no edge rust, no gear hunts, and no expensive surprises.

Whether you're storing skis, snowboards, poles, or boots, a wall-mounted storage solution likeGravity Grabber helps keep it all clean, protected, and ready for the return of winter.