It’s the time of year when snow is out of the picture. Before you enter summer mode completely, take a moment to clean and store your ski and snowboard gear. Many people don’t know how to store their ski gear properly. This end of ski season checklist can help avoid delaminating jackets, funky smells, rusty edges, and warped gear. Follow these 5 tips to make sure your planks and outerwear stay in great condition and are ready to go when the lifts start to spin again.
End of ski season checklist:
1. Wash your outerwear
It is okay to wash waterproof jackets and trousers. It really is! Your ski jacket and salopettes get dirty throughout the season: sweat from going big, grease from a breakfast binge, ketchup stains, and spilled Après beverages are all contributors. If left unwashed the sweat, dirt, bacteria, and beer stains fester and degrade the waterproofing and fabric of your outerwear.
- For hardshells or synthetic insulated outwear, first clean with Tech Wash and then re-waterproof with TX.Direct.
- For down-filled puffy items, Down Wash Direct will remove grime while protecting delicate feathers, and add water-repellency. For jackets place items in the dryer and tumble on air dry. In three 20-minute intervals remove the jacket and massage the baffles to help fluff the items back up. For sleeping bags air dry and intermittently massage the baffles.
2. Love your gloves
Gloves and mittens take a beating on the hill, from abrasive snow to runny noses. These inhibit the water repellency and shorten their lifespan.
- First, clean your gloves as needed, then use Waterproofing Wax for Leather to waterproof leather gloves or Glove Proof for fabric, or fabric & leather combination gloves.
3. Clean your base layers
Why store stinky things? Wash and deodorise your dirty layers and buffs before putting them away.
- Use BaseWash to clean and deodorise your synthetic layers. Wool Wash will take care of your wool layers, ensuring they are ready to perform at their best next season.
- TIP: If you use your base layers year round for running, hiking, and camping trips, use BaseWash with every load of synthetics to keep them performing and in great condition.
4. Care for your Skins
Uphill ski traffic has exploded in popularity! To get the maximum life from your skins be sure to dry them and fold them correctly after each tour.
- Use Ski Skin Proof to maintain glide when things get sticky.
5. Store boots buckled or laced. Important!
- Store your boots in a dry, cool place with the buckles buckled and straps strapped to help the plastic shell or leather outer retain its shape. If stored unbuckled boots can warp and become (even more) uncomfortable.
Goodbye sweet ski season. We miss you already. But Hello Summer!