How To Store Ski and Tennis Gear Like a Pro
The season’s winding down, and you’re probably wondering how to store your ski and tennis gear so it lasts. After all, you invested a lot in it.
Doing some ski tuning and maintenance and taking care of your equipment off-season is super important, no matter your skill level or how much time you spend on your chosen sport. Storing your gear the right way means no damage, saving money on repairs, and being ready to hit the slopes or court the second the opportunity strikes.
Want to know more? Check out our ultimate guide to ski equipment storage to keep your gear in tip-top shape all year long!
Clean and Dry Everything Thoroughly
Before you stash away your ski gear or tennis equipment, the absolute most important first step is to make sure everything is completely dry and as clean as possible. You might be surprised by how much moisture can hide in a tennis racquet or ski pole! Dirt, salt, and moisture are the biggest threats to your gear, as they can lead to rust, mildew, and generally break down the materials over time.
- Skis and Snowboards: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the topsheets, bases, and edges. For stubborn grime, a gentle, ski-specific cleaner works best. Let them air dry completely.
- Boots: Remove the liners and insoles. Wipe down the shells inside and out. Allow the liners, insoles, and shells to dry separately for at least 24-48 hours in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct heat sources like hair dryers or radiators, since they can warp the plastic and damage the liners.
- Apparel: Follow the care instructions on your ski jacket, pants, and base layers. Most technical apparel can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle with a specialized detergent designed for waterproof fabrics. Always make sure they are completely dry before storing.
Give Your Bases Some Love: A Fresh Coat of Wax
Want to get your skis ready for next season? A fresh coat of wax is your secret weapon.
The best way to maintain your skis and snowboard is to give them a good waxing before you pack them away. Those bases are porous, and without wax, they can dry out and get brittle over the summer.
- Apply Storage Wax: Iron on a generous layer of all-temperature wax. The goal isn’t a perfect, smooth finish. Instead, leave the thick layer on the bases. This seals them from the air and prevents oxidation.
- Don’t Scrape: Resist the urge to scrape the wax off until you’re ready to ski again next season. This protective layer is your best defense against base damage.
Don’t know where to begin or need help? Reach out to our team of experts at Boston Ski + Tennis. We’ll offer professional tuning services to get your skis prepped for storage.
Buckle Up Your Boots for Off-Season Gear Care
Don’t forget about your ski boots; they can get pretty damp if you don’t store them correctly. It’s easy to overlook boot and binding care when you’re putting things away for the season, but it’s important.
Once your liners are dry and back in their shells, buckle your boots loosely. This helps them keep their shape and prevents the plastic from getting warped over time. If you have boot trees, pop them in to help with shape and soak up any extra moisture.
Also, don’t forget the bindings! Give them a gentle wipe to get rid of any dirt. It’s a good idea to release the DIN settings (that’s the tension) on your bindings for long-term storage. Just be sure to write down your settings so a professional can readjust them before you hit the slopes again.
Find the Right Storage Spot
Now that your ski equipment is clean, dry, and properly buckled, it’s time to find a storage spot. Attics or garages aren’t always ideal due to extreme temperatures that can damage your gear. Also, remember to use a breathable bag; plastic bags don’t keep moisture out effectively and won’t suffice as a form of humidity control for gear. In addition, always make sure nothing puts pressure on your skis, whether stored upright or horizontally, to prevent warping or bending.
Don’t Forget About Your Tennis and Pickleball Gear!
No need to worry! We’ll also cover pickleball and tennis gear storage before we wrap up. Winter isn’t always ideal for these sports, so proper storage is key to make sure your equipment is ready when the weather warms up.
For your tennis racquet, make sure it still feels good and isn’t “dead.” The off-season is actually the perfect time to get your racquet restrung with fresh strings. Also, check the grip on both your tennis racquet and pickleball paddle. It may be worn out, so get it replaced or re-grip it yourself before you head back to the court.
Your Complete Off-Season Sports Equipment Checklist
Keeping your equipment in good shape during the off season takes just a few steps, as we covered above. Here’s a quick recap of all of the sports gear storage tips we discussed:
- Thoroughly clean and dry all ski gear (skis, boots, poles, apparel).
- Apply a storage wax layer to skis/snowboard bases.
- Loosely buckle ski boots to maintain shape.
- Check and clean bindings.
- Store all equipment in a cool, dry, temperature-stable place.
- Use breathable storage bags.
- Check tennis/pickleball racquet strings and grips.
As a general rule, all of these habits should be a part of your yearly routine on an as-needed basis. As soon as you notice any signs of wear and tear, it’s the perfect time to go into maintenance mode.
Wrapping Up
Don’t just toss your ski and tennis gear into the back of the closet until next season! Taking the time to store your equipment properly is more important than you might think.
By following these simple tips, you’ll protect your investment and be ready to hit the slopes or courts as soon as the season starts.
Need a little help getting your gear ready for its off-season break? Come on down to Boston Ski + Tennis for professional ski tuning, boot fitting, racquet stringing, and all the expert advice you could ever need to keep your equipment in top shape.