The best way to store skis in the UK is to hang them on a wall mounted ski rack. This saves space and allows air to circulate so they drip dry and stay dry. Some racks have space to hang ski poles too. The skis should be held together, at the contact points, with straps that also separate the skis with a thin layer of padding. It's a good idea to store them waxed if you have the equipment. The edges can be covered in wax too to stop them rusting. Don't remove the wax until the start of the next season.
In this article we are going to look at the best way to store skis when they are not being used. We'll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about ways to store skis.
Lets start with some general questions:
How do you store skis when not in use?
Skis should be clean and dry before you store them for an extended period. They should be stored somewhere cool and dry where the temperature doesn't fluctuate too much. In the UK a garage will be OK as long as its dry. Use ski straps to hold them together and hang them vertically on a ski rack if you have one.
Similar questions include:
How do you store snow skis in the summer?
You can store skis in the house, ski chalet, apartment or in a garage. Avoid places where temperature varies widely (like a boiler room or airing cupboard). A dry garage is ideal. Storing them vertically on a ski rack will allow them to drip dry, stay dry and make them easy to find and put away again.
How should snow skis be stored?
Snow skis are less likely to warp if they are stored vertically. Its a good idea to hang the skis on the wall so the tails are clear of the floor. Somewhere dry is essential to stop the edges rusting or the core getting damp.
Here's a more detailed answer:
Storing skis properly when they're not in use is essential for maintaining their performance and prolonging their lifespan. Here's what we recommend:
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Clean and dry them: Before storing, make sure to clean off any dirt, grime, or salt residue from the skis. Let them dry completely to prevent rusting.
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Bindings: Ensure that the bindings are properly adjusted and tightened. If you're storing them for an extended period, you might consider loosening the bindings to relieve tension on the springs - but remember the settings! Do not be tempted to spray them with lubricant or rust inhibitor as this will affect how they release.
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Store in a cool, dry place: Choose a storage location away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and moisture. A dry, well-ventilated area like on a ski storage rack in a garage is ideal. If you don't have a garage, under the bed or at the back of a wardrobe is OK but not ideal.
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Use ski straps or a ski bag: Keeping your skis together with ski straps or storing them in a ski bag helps prevent them from getting scratched or damaged. Make sure the skis are securely fastened together.
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Store them upright: Store skis vertically, with the bases against a wall or in a ski rack. Avoid leaning them against each other, as this can cause warping over time.
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Avoid hanging by the bindings: Skis should be hung by the tips, like you do at the end of the day in a hotel. Hanging skis by the bindings for an extended period can cause stress on the bindings and may lead to misalignment. If you do hang them, use a specially designed ski rack that supports the skis by their edges.
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Check periodically: Even when in storage, it's a good idea to check on your skis periodically to ensure they're in good condition. Look for any signs of damage or rust and address them promptly.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your skis remain in good condition and ready for use whenever the snow starts falling again.
Do I need to put storage wax on my skis?
Applying storage wax to your skis is not strictly necessary, but it can be beneficial for maintaining the bases and edges, especially if you're storing them for an extended period, such as over the summer. Special storage wax can be used but a normal wax can be applied at the start of the season but not scraped off until the start of the next. If you get plenty of wax on the edges it will stop them rusting.
If you don't have all the gear to wax your skis don't worry too much, they will be fine as long as you follow all the other hints here.
How do you wax skis for storage?
Not everyone can do this but if you can, its worth doing it at the end of the season rather than the start of the new season. Applying a coat of ski wax to the bases protects them from drying out and oxidizing during storage. It also stops the edges from rusting.
You will need a ski vice, hot iron, scrapers and brushes. Its a good idea to wax your skis at the end of the season rather than the start of the next season.
This article explains the process in detail:
How to Store Your Skis For Summer - Storage Wax - blog.jans.com
And this short video might help too:
How do you store skis so they don't rust?
If you apply wax to the edges of the skis, at the same time that you wax the bases, this will stop the edges rusting. If you don't have all the gear to wax your own skis then you can stop the edges rusting by rubbing them with a candle.
Should skis be stored horizontally or vertically?
Skis can be stored either horizontally or vertically, but the preferred method is typically vertical storage. Storing skis vertically, on a wall mounted ski rack, saves space, makes them easier to put away and get out again, and removes the risk of them warping.
Can you store skis laying down?
If you choose to store skis horizontally, make sure they're supported evenly along their length to prevent any unnecessary pressure points that could cause damage or deformation. In the UK, if you don't have a garage, keeping skis in a bag under the bed or in a wardrobe is a practical option. Just make sure they are properly dry first.
How do you store skis vertically?
The best way to store skis vertically is on a wall mounted rack. Just standing skis on the floor risks them sitting in water or getting knocked over. A wall mounted rack holds the skis securely and makes them easier to get out and put away.
The GearHooks ski rack for up to 6 pairs of skis has space for poles and helmets too.
Storing skis vertically, in a ski rack, is generally recommended for a few reasons:
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Space-saving: Vertical storage takes up less floor space compared to horizontal storage, which can be particularly beneficial if you have limited storage space available.
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Prevents warping: Storing skis horizontally for extended periods can sometimes cause them to warp, especially if they're stacked on top of each other. Vertical storage helps maintain the natural curvature of the skis and reduces the risk of warping.
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Easier to access: Storing skis vertically can make it easier to access them when you need them, especially if you're storing multiple pairs. You can quickly grab the pair you want without having to move other skis out of the way.
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Less stress on bindings: Storing skis vertically reduces the stress on the bindings compared to hanging them horizontally, which can help prolong the life of the bindings.
What is the best way to hang skis?
Skis should be hung as a pair by their tips rather than their bindings, just like you do at the end of the day in a hotel, lodge or chalet.
How do you hang skis on the wall?
The best way to hang skis on a wall is to use a specially designed wall mounted ski rack. This will comprise a long rail with hooks for each set of skis. The rail should be securely fixed to the wall using suitable wall fixings. A good quality rack will allow you to adjust the spacing between the skis so the bindings don't clash.
The GearHooks SBR6 will store 12 pairs of skis or 6 snowboards.
How do you store skis on a ski rack?
When storing skis on a ski rack for long term storage they should be strapped together and stored as a pair. On some ski racks there is space to store the ski poles and even a helmet on the same hooks.
When putting skis on racks do you put them together?
For long term storage the skis should be strapped together at tip and tail with a velcro strap that also divides the skis with a soft barrier. This allows the skis to maintain their natural shape during storage and reduces the risk of warping.
Can skis be stored in an unheated garage?
Skis can be stored in an unheated garage as long as the garage is dry and any temperature fluctuations are not to severe. Skis should be stored on a wall mounting rack so air can circulate and to save space. A wall mounting rack will also keep the tails off the floor, out of any water and away from pests and rodents.
GearHooks ski racks can be used in a garage
Can you store skis in garage in winter?
Skis can be stored in a garage over winter as long as the garage is dry. Avoid just leaning them in a corner as they will get in the way and and water will pool around the tails. You really need to store them vertically, off the floor and hanging by the ski tips.
Is it OK to leave skis in the cold?
Skis are designed for cold environments and can be left in the cold for prolonged periods. It is important that they are kept dry and that the temperature does not vary wildly.
How do I organise skis in my garage?
An easy way to organise skis in a garage is on a wall mounted rack. Some racks have space for ski poles and helmets and some can even accommodate ski boots and other ski gear.
How do you store skis in your house?
Skis can be stored anywhere in your house as long as it is dry and the temperature is stable. You shouldn't store skis in places like a boiler room or an airing cupboard. Under a bed or in a wardrobe would be OK.
How can I store all my ski gear in one place?
A wall mounted rack with a variety of hooks will allow you to store all your ski gear in one place so its easy to find and quick to put away.
GearHooks ski racks allow you to store all your ski gear in the same place so its all easy to find. This is how:
How to store ski poles?
Ski poles can be stored in a bag with your skis or hung with the skis on a wall mounted rack.
What is the best way to store ski boots?
Ski boots should be stored with the bindings loosely fastened to stop the boot warping and permanently changing shape. Some ski wall racks have special long hooks that allow ski boots to be stored on the rack as well as skis.
How do I store ski helmets?
Ski helmets can be stored along with the skis and poles on the GearHooks ski rack.
What else can I store on a ski rack?
