How to Store Your Snow Gear Properly (and Stop Your Skis & Snowboard From Rusting!)

Rusty Edges?

Have you ever pulled out your snowboard or skis, ready to start packing for your trip to the snow… only to find the edges covered in rust and the base dry as a bone?

We see it all the time in the workshop (and honestly, it breaks our hearts).

The good news? We can usually fix rusted gear, but it often needs a full tune, including a base grind, to remove the damage. So do your future self a favour and store your gear correctly the moment the season ends.

Below are our PROSKI workshop Pro Tips to keep your skis, snowboard and accessories in great condition all year round.

Why Ski and Snowboard Edges Rust?

Let’s start with the simple science: why do snowboard and ski edges rust in the first place? The answer is straightforward, they’re metal.

Modern skis and snowboards use steel edges because they’re durable, grippy and reliable. But steel is ferrous, meaning it contains iron. And when iron gets wet, it rusts.

Now think about how often your gear comes into contact with water: snow, slush, condensation, wet car rides, melting ice in your bag…

It’s no surprise that rusty edges are one of the most common issues we see. And here’s the part that catches most people out, rust can set in fast.

One of the biggest culprits? Packing your gear away while it’s still wet.

We often see people throw their skis or snowboard straight into their bag after a day on the hill or at the end of their trip, snow still stuck to the base. Once zipped up, that moisture becomes trapped. Inside a warm bag, your edges can begin corroding within 24 hours.

PROSKI PRO-TIP:

Before packing, use an old towel to fully dry off your skis or snowboard, then leave the towel in the bottom of your bag for a bit of extra edge protection while travelling.

This small hack can save your edges, your base, and your wallet.

1. Choose the Right Storage Location (This Applies to ALL Gear!)

Where you store your snow gear matters more than most people realise.

Your skis, snowboard, boots, goggles, helmets and clothing are built for the cold — not the intense heat and humidity of the Australian summer. Storing them in the wrong place can cause:

  • Rust: moisture + metal edges = corrosion
  • Delamination: heat can cause skis and boards to separate
  • Damage to foam and adhesives: goggle foam and boot soles can peel away
  • Warping: heat and humidity can warp boards and skis
  • Mould and smell: especially in boots and clothing

Avoid these storage spots:

  • The roof/attic
  • The garage
  • Under the house
  • Damp sheds
  • Anywhere exposed to heat, humidity or salty coastal air

These areas trap moisture and get way hotter than you think!

Best places to store your snow gear:

  • Inside your wardrobe
  • A spare bedroom
  • Under your bed
  • Any cool, dry, well-ventilated space

If you live near the coast, this step is even more important. Salt in the air accelerates corrosion dramatically.

2. Apply a Storage Wax (Also Known as a Summer Wax)

This is your gear’s off-season armour.

A storage wax is a thick coat applied to both the base and edges, protecting your edges from moisture and your base from drying out. It seals everything up for the summer.

When you’re ready to ride again:

  • Scrape it off yourself, or
  • Bring your gear in for a fresh wax (recommended if it’s been stored for 4+ months or the base feels dry)

The Bottom Line

A few minutes of care at the end of the season can save you from rusted edges, dry bases, peeling foam and costly repairs.

Proper storage = longer gear life + better performance + fewer workshop visits.

And if you ever discover rust or damage when you pull your gear out again, bring it into the workshop — we’ll get it tuned up and ready for your next trip. EXPLORE OUR WORKSHOP.