Photo of a large mudroom in the mountain style with a multicolored floor and brown walls.

Your gear isn’t just sitting in the dark; it’s slowly dying. Most riders in Crans-Montana treat the end of the season like a bad breakup, shoving their setup into a humid garage corner and hoping for the best. By the time the 2026 opening day hits, that neglect often turns into a CHF 150 repair bill for pitted edges and “ghost” bases that refuse to hold wax. Mastering a few essential ski storage…

How to Store Ski Gear in the Off Season

As we close out another ski season it’s nearing time to prepare and store ski gear for the off-season. Just as cars require the oil to be changed or a grill needs cleaning and covering for the winter, ski gear requires preventative maintenance and proper off-season storage. By following our simple guidelines for cleaning, preserving and storing gear together, you will prolong the life of your gear and be ready to go when the snow starts falling.

Skis The level of attention skis require depends upon how much or hard they’ve been used. The easiest way to prepare skis for the off-season is to bring them in for a tune-up. The pros at local ski shops have the tools, work space and knowledge to do the job right. However, for those DIY types, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the tips below.

Clean Skis – Rinse your skis with a hose or in the shower (be careful of the tile). Wipe off any remaining debris and water with a soft but durable cloth. Let the skis air dry.

Remove Rust – Carefully remove rust from your ski edges with a Gummy stone, Scotch brite pad, or fine-medium steel wool.

Remove Old Wax – Brush the base a few times with a brass, copper or  bronze brush, or with a plexiglass scraper. If needed, use a mild citric solution/base cleaner.

Apply Wax – Apply wax generously to base and edges to protect from moisture and rust. Hot waxing is best, but rub on waxes will suffice. Do not use liquid waxes for storage purposes.

Remember to scrape off the excess wax before you ski next season.