The season wraps up and unfortunately you have to store your skis. We know the feeling! Luckily skis can be kept in a variety of places including: under the bed, in the closet, on the wall or even in the attic. We’ll look at a few of the ways how to store skis at home once the season ends.
Ski storage racks are my favorite choice but there’s a few other ways you can store your skis too.
Where Should You Store Your Skis?
When it comes to storing your skis, you have a few options. You can keep them in your garage, in your basement, or even in your house. But where is the best place to store your skis?
The answer may surprise you. The best place to store your skis is actually in your attic. That’s right, in your attic. Attics are usually dark and cool, which is perfect for storing skis. Plus, they’re out of the way so you won’t have to worry about them taking up space in your house.
If you don’t have an attic, another great option is to keep your skis in a closet or wall mount rack. A wall mounted ski rack is a solid choice if you have some cool skis to show off. I have a wall mount in my garage for my indoor ski storage but I know some guys who keep their skis wall mounted near their front door or in their living room. It all just depends what their wives let them do.
Keep in mind you don’t want to put wet skis on a wall mount in the living room but near the front door isn’t as bad. That’s why I settle for the garage wall mount because it doesn’t matter if the floor gets wet.
How Do You Store Skis at Home
If you’re an avid skier, you know how important it is to take care of your equipment. That includes storing your skis properly when you’re not using them.
Here are a few tips on how to store skis at home so they stay in good condition:
The most important thing to remember when storing skis is to keep them away from heat and humidity. Heat and humidity can damage the skis.
Make sure your skis are dry before you store them. If they’re wet, they could develop rust or other damage. You should also wax them before storing them away for the season. This will help protect the bases from drying out and cracking.
I do what I call a storage wax. It’s my last hot wax of the season and frankly I feel better about putting my skis away after the season knowing they have a good coat of wax on them.
Once your skis are clean and dry, you can store them in a ski bag or on a ski rack. If you’re using a ski bag, make sure it’s big enough to fit all of your gear – including poles and boots. Indoor ski storage racks are the easiest way next to a ski bag. You can get the skis up and out of the way so they aren’t taking up any floor space.
Storing Skis in the Basement
If you’re lucky enough to have a basement, you can take advantage of the extra space by using it for storing your skis. Storing skis in the basement is a great way to keep them out of the way and protected from the elements.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when storing skis in your basement:
- Make sure the temperature and humidity are controlled. Skis are made of wood, plastic and metal, so they can be sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. If your basement is prone to extreme fluctuations, it’s best to find another storage spot for your skis.
- Keep them away from any potential sources of moisture. Again, because skis are made of wood and metal, they can be susceptible to damage from moisture. It may sound silly since the spend a lot of time on the slopes but sitting in moisture can bubble the finish, rust the edges and does nothing positive while the skis are in storage.
Storing Skis in the Garage
If you’re one of the many people who like to hit the slopes as soon as the snow starts falling, you need to have a plan for storing your skis in the off-season. Personally, I go with the garage method for indoor ski storage.
Here are a few of my tips for keeping your skis in tip-top shape while they’re stored in your garage. I do them all.
First, make sure that your skis are dry and free of any mud or debris before storing them away. This will help prevent rust and other damage. Like I said, I do a storage wax at the end of the season.
Next, if you have more than one pair of skis, store them on racks so that they’re not touching each other. This will help prevent scratches and scuffs. My kids’ skis do not touch mine. I don’t allow it!
Finally, make sure that your ski storage area is clean and free of dust and dirt. This will help keep your skis in good condition for next season. While it usually isn’t a problem, just keep it in mind.
Using a Vertical Wall Mount for Skis
If you’re tight on space in your home or garage, using a wall mount to store your skis is a great way to save some room. Plus, it’s a great way to keep your skis organized and out of the way.
Here’s how to do it:
- Start by finding a good spot on your wall where you can mount the rack. Make sure it’s in a place where it won’t be in the way or get in the way of any doors or windows.
- Once you’ve found the perfect spot, mark where you’ll need to drill holes for the screws. Drill pilot holes first, then screw in the screws until they’re tight.
- Hang the ski rack on the screws and make sure it’s level. If it’s not level, adjust the screws until it is.
Lastly, add your skis. Hopefully they are stylish and a showpiece. If so then put your wall mount in a more prominent area of your home to show them off. You can even do a ski wall if you are inclined enough and show off more of your ski gear than just your skis.
Taking Care of Skis for Storage
Before you tuck your skis away for the summer, it’s important to give them a little TLC to ensure they’ll be in top condition when you pull them out next season.
Follow my steps and your skis will be in peak condition come next ski season.
- Get a professional tune-up. This will ensure your skis are properly waxed and sharpened before they go into storage.
- Clean your skis thoroughly. Be sure to remove all dirt and grime from the tops, bottoms, and edges of your skis. A good cleaning will help prevent rust and corrosion while they’re in storage.
- Apply a fresh coat of wax. I can’t say it enough. Not enough people do this step before storing their skis away but you should!
How to Store Skis at Home – Final Thoughts
In conclusion, storing skis at home is simple if you have the right equipment. My go to is the vertical wall mount but any wall mounted ski rack will work. As long as you use indoor ski storage racks or ski bags then your skis should last for a long time!
With a few basic supplies, you can keep your skis in good condition and ready for the next season. I’ll see you out on the slopes!
Alec Wilson writes for Proper Peaks and lives near Claremont, VT. He hardly misses a weekend on the ski slopes in the winter. If there is snow, Alec’s skis are on for a go. Look out for his stickered-up helmet and you might just meet him on the trails.
