You might have just had the deepest winter of your life, but inevitably there comes a time for all of us to clean up the skis and put them away for the off-season. Did you spend the last month skiing spring slush? Are your skis currently sitting in the garage with a layer of mud and grass on them? We're here to help out and remind you that it's worth the extra effort to take care of your skis and store them properly. Here are the answers:
Answer: If you follow all the advice and steps below there's no real reason to bring them to a shop for a full professional tune just yet. That being said, ski shops are obviously slower in the summer and it's better to deal with problems now rather than when you're panicking on opening day. If you have edge damage or need some serious P-Tex work, go for it and get it done. The whole purpose of this blog is really to make sure you're dialed in and ready to go for when the snow falls again.
Answer: We recommend going as simple as a hose and towel in the backyard here. Stay away from degreasers or detergents, and try not to use water with too high of pressure on the bindings. Make sure you take the time to get your skis as dry as possible, this is key for preventing rust on the edges.
Answer: Cleaning, de-burring, and storage are key here. Start by cleaning and getting all the moisture off the edges. Once your edges are cleaned, we recommend removing any irregularities or burrs using a diamond stone (SWIX makes the classic). Rub the diamond stone along the edge a few times until it feels nice and smooth. We like to use a file guide to make sure you stay flat on the edge, that way you remove the chances of rounding your edge by accident. Next step is wax.
Answer: We suggest you wax your bases before storage. The real tip here is to leave the wax on (don't scrape) before you put it away. Be generous with the amount of wax you put on and even get some covering the edges, this will act as a protective layer during storage. We teamed up with Mountain Flow this season to make 4FRNT All Temp Wax. It's plant-based and biodegradable and works like a charm. Petroleum-based waxes transport particles into the snowpack and eventually into the watershed, so we recommend you avoid them.
Answer: If you can, avoid the garage, sheds, tents, or anywhere outside. You're after a dry space with cool temps, preferably somewhere inside your house. A neutral position for the profile or shape of the ski is also key, meaning you don't want anything that compromises the camber or rocker of the ski. We recommend removing any ski straps and un-linking the brakes from each other when storing them.
Answer: Too much heat can negatively affect the epoxy and residues that hold your ski together. Avoid Thule boxes or enclosed containers that don't allow for airflow. Fluctuating temperatures can also cause condensation and moisture which lead to rust on the edges. A cool dry environment with good airflow is key.
