How to store ski touring equipment properly: keeping it in good condition

Professional care and storage of touring skis, skins and avalanche equipment ensure they remain in good working order and last longer over the summer.

Spring clean for your touring gear

The last runs on the firn are now a thing of the past; the ski touring season is over. Now it’s time to store your equipment properly. If you simply chuck your gear into the cellar, you risk some nasty surprises when the first snow falls. Rust on the edges, hardened skins or faulty avalanche transceivers could be the result. With the right care and storage, your equipment will remain in top condition over the summer and be ready for use straight away in the autumn.

Touring skis: protecting the edges and base

Before putting your skis away, they need a thorough clean. Remove dirt and salt residue from your touring skis, ideally using lukewarm water and a soft cloth. It is particularly important that the edges are dry, otherwise there is a risk of rust forming. Small patches of rust can be removed with fine-grit sandpaper. The base should be waxed before storage. The storage wax protects the base from drying out and prevents oxidation. Apply the wax thickly and do not brush it off – the wax layer remains on the ski throughout the summer and is only removed before the next season. Then tie the skis together with ski clips or Velcro straps and store them standing up or hanging, never under tension or with weight on them.

Skin: Store in a dry, clean place

Skin-skis are delicate and require special care. After your last outing, they must be left to dry completely – ideally at room temperature on a drying rack or hanger. Never dry them in direct sunlight or on a radiator, as this will damage the adhesive. Once the skins are dry, they should be cleaned. Remove coarse dirt with a soft brush; treat stubborn stains with a special skin cleaner. The adhesive should still be firmly bonded – if not, it can be refreshed with skin adhesive. Then fold the skins adhesive-to-adhesive or stick them onto the protective film and store them in the supplied bag in a cool, dry place. Important: Do not crease or fold them, otherwise the adhesive will crack.

Bindings: Checking and maintaining the mechanism

Ski touring bindings have been through a lot over the winter. Before storing them away, all moving parts should be checked to ensure they are working properly. Remove any dirt with a brush, using a little water if necessary. Check that all screws are tight – loose screws can continue to rust over the summer. Treat the binding mechanism with a drop of oil or silicone spray, but use it sparingly. Too much lubricant attracts dirt. Store the binding in the neutral position, i.e. under no tension in either walk or ski mode. If you use pin bindings, check the pins for wear – worn pins should be replaced.

Avalanche equipment: ensuring it works properly

An avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe can save lives – it is essential that they are in full working order. The avalanche transceiver should be tested before storage. Always remove the batteries, otherwise they may leak and damage the device. Store the avalanche transceiver in a dry place at room temperature; do not store it in a car or basement with high humidity. Clean the avalanche shovel and probe and check them for damage. Pay particular attention to cracks, especially on aluminium shovels. The probe should slide out and lock into place easily – if the mechanism is stiff, treat it with a little silicone spray. Airbag rucksacks require special maintenance depending on the system. Cartridge systems should be stored uncharged; electronic systems require charged batteries at around 50 per cent charge.

The right storage location makes all the difference

Where you store your equipment over the summer is crucial. The ideal place is a dry, cool room with a constant temperature – between 10 and 20 degrees, for example. Basements are often too damp, and attics too hot in summer. Direct sunlight damages plastic parts and causes colours to fade. The equipment should not be left directly on the floor, but placed on shelves or hung on hooks. This allows air to circulate and prevents damp from building up. Store skis and poles standing up or hanging, never lying flat with weight on them. Store boots with the buckles undone and the inner boot removed.

Well prepared for the coming season

If you look after and store your ski touring gear properly in the spring, you’ll save time and money. Your equipment will remain in good working order for longer, and your gear and safety equipment will be ready for use as soon as the first snow falls. A few hours’ effort in May means a stress-free preparation in November – and greater safety on the mountain. Investing in proper care pays off, as high-quality touring equipment will last for many seasons if treated correctly.