How to Care for Your Winter Gear: Cleaning, Storing, and Maintaining Your Equipment

Winter adventures are a blast, but to keep your gear in top condition for the slopes, you need to give it the care it deserves. From snowboards to ski boots, taking a few simple steps to clean, store, and maintain your gear will extend its lifespan and performance.

Here’s how to take care of your winter equipment and when to bring it into Next Adventure's Repair Shop for expert service.

Dirt, grime, and moisture can build up after a long day on the mountain. Here’s how to keep your gear fresh:

1. Skis & Snowboards

After each session, wipe down your skis or snowboard to remove dirt, water, and salt. Moisture left on your gear can lead to rust, especially around the edges.

For a deeper clean:

• Use a soft brush to clear out any mud, especially on bindings and boots.
• Dry thoroughly with a towel to avoid rust.
• For a full tune-up, including base repair and edge sharpening, head to Next Adventure’s Tune Shop in Portland or Sandy. They offer same-day services during off-peak times!

2. Clothing & Soft Goods

Your jackets, gloves, and snow pants take a beating from the elements. Wash them in cold water with a detergent designed for technical fabrics to maintain breathability and waterproofing. Hang dry or tumble dry on low to avoid shrinking.

3. Boots & Bindings

Remove the liners from your boots, take out the footbeds, and put them on a boot dryer if you do not already own one air drying works but is not ideal make sure to do this after each use. After your boots are dry make sure they are fully laced or buckled up to help them keep their shape. Make sure to clean out any snow or dirt from your bindings to ensure they perform properly.

Once the season wraps up, proper storage is essential to keep your gear in top condition for next year. Here’s how to store your winter equipment:

1. Skis & Snowboards

Before storing your skis or snowboard for the summer, it’s essential to apply a thick coat of wax. This prevents the bases from drying out and protects the edges from rust.

Don’t want to do it yourself? No problem! Bring your gear into Next Adventure’s Tune Shop for a Full Tune service. This includes base repair, stone grind, edge sharpening, and infrared wax to keep your gear primed all summer long.

When storing:

• Store your gear in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid stacking anything heavy on top of your skis or snowboard, as this can warp the shape.
• For snowboards it’s a good idea to remove the bindings to further avoid warping.

2. Clothing

Clean and completely dry your clothing before storing it in a breathable bag to prevent mold or mildew. Store it in a dry closet or in a bin with a few packets of silica gel to keep things fresh.

3. Boots

Store your boots in a cool, dry place, make sure to fully lace or buckle them up, and consider stuffing them with newspaper to help retain their shape. It’s a good idea to get a professional fit or boot maintenance done before storage if your boots caused discomfort during the season. Next Adventure’s expert boot fitters can help dial in your perfect fit.

Maintaining your gear ensures peak performance when the powder is fresh. Here are some tips for ongoing maintenance:

1. Skis & Snowboards

Keep your gear in top shape by regularly tuning it up. Next Adventure offers a variety of services, including Quick Tunes, Edge and Wax, and Phantom Glide treatments. Regular waxing, edge sharpening, and base repairs will keep your gear fast and responsive all season long.

For advanced riders, Next Adventure’s Sandy location features a Montana Challenge Tuning Machine, capable of delivering World-Cup level race tunes. The Sandy location is a prime stop before hitting the slopes, with less wait time and easy parking.

2. Bindings

Your ski and snowboard bindings should be tested and adjusted at least once a season. Next Adventure is a certified service center for all major brands, ensuring your bindings are safe and ready for action.

3. Boots

If you’re feeling pressure points or discomfort, bring your boots into Next Adventure for a custom fitting. Our boot fitting experts can work on hot spots, create custom footbeds, or align your stance for optimal comfort and control.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or hitting the slopes for the first time, Next Adventure has your back with expert repairs and services for winter gear care.

Services Offered:

• Full Tune: Includes base repair, stone grind, edge sharpening, and infrared wax. Only $70 at our Grand Ave or Sandy locations.
• Quick Tune: Stone grind, edge sharpen, and wax for $50.
• Custom Work: Need specialized repairs? We offer custom services for everything from snowshoe repairs to crampon sharpening.

Why Next Adventure’s Tune Shop?

Our Portland Grand Ave location provides convenient in-city drop-offs and quick turnaround times, while our Sandy shop features top-tier technology and equipment for race-level performance. From routine tunes to advanced repairs, we’ve got you covered.

Need gear but not ready to buy? Don’t forget our Season Leasing Program, available at both locations!

Take care of your winter gear, and it’ll take care of you when the next snowstorm rolls in. And when your equipment needs some extra love, swing by Next Adventure’s Repair Shop to keep your setup in top shape all season long.

Pro Tip: Book your tune-up services early, especially at the start or end of the season when traffic peaks, to avoid the wait.

For more advanced care, consider adding protective treatments to your gear. Applying a waterproof spray to jackets, gloves, and snow pants can enhance their durability and resistance to wet conditions. Similarly, using a rust-prevention spray on ski and snowboard edges provides an extra layer of protection. If you’re unsure about applying these treatments yourself, Next Adventure’s Repair Shop offers specialized services and advice tailored to winter gear maintenance. By investing a little extra time in upkeep, your gear will stay in prime condition, ready for whatever winter adventures lie ahead.