We're not saying winter's over just yet. There's still plenty of fresh snow falling and spring corn to be had through the rest of the spring. But winter is drawing near its inevitable close, maybe sooner than you'd like. It's important to put your gear away for the season in the right way to ensure its longevity and quality for seasons to come.
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Clean your skis. Muddy, sticky spring snow can wreck havoc on your bases, so first clean those bases with a rag, wiping the edges of water to prevent rust. Then wax and scrape your skis.
A close-up of a ski base being cleaned and prepared for storage wax
- Remove the batteries from your beacon. Most avalanche beacon manufacturers recommend doing this during the summer to prevent battery leakage. Just remember to swap in brand new batteries next fall.
- Clean your backcountry pack. Remove crumbs, wrappers, and leftover containers. Wash all water bottles and coffee mugs in boiling water.
- Clean and waterproof your outerwear. Follow the care instructions on the tag or take them to a professional cleaner like Technical Equipment Cleaners or Rainy Pass Repair. After cleaning, apply a fresh layer of Nikwax waterproofing.
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Protect your goggles. Put your goggles in a lens cloth bag to prevent scratches during the off-season.
Ski goggles being placed into a protective microfiber lens cloth bag
- Repair cuts or holes in your down layers. Use Duct tape, Super Glue, or Tenacious Tape. For washing down, use Nikwax's Down Wash.
- Pack your climbing skins away right. Ensure they are thoroughly dried, use "Skin Savers" mesh, and store them in a cool, dry place.
- Test your ABS airbag. Airbag manufacturers recommend installing a new compressed air cartridge every year. Pull your ABS lever at your next BBQ to test it, then swap in a new cartridge at your local retailer.