How to Store Snowboards & Other Gear During the Summer

While you may just toss your holiday decorations into a box in the corner of the attic and not think about them again for 11 months, preparing snowboard gear for off-season storage is a bit more involved. Fortunately, this overview outlines how to store snowboards, snowboard boots, and outerwear, as well as helmets and goggles, breaking down the specific steps you should take to maximize the lifespan of your kit. Because more seasons on your snowboard means more money in your pocket (and more money for après).

Summer Storage: Snowboards

The key to proper summer snowboard storage is putting it away clean, dry, and waxed. And in general, there are four main things you should do to properly store a snowboard for an extended period of time.

1. Unmount
2. Clean
3. Tune
4. Store

1: Unmount the Bindings

The first step in preparing a snowboard for off-season storage is removing the bindings. Removing the snowboard bindings (and leaving them off during storage) provides a few key benefits.

• It is much easier to clean the entire snowboard without the bindings mounted.
• It is much easier to clean the bindings when they aren’t mounted.
• While the bindings are unmounted, you can thoroughly inspect them and check for any damage or signs of wear that might impact performance next season.
• Leaving the bindings off during storage relieves tension on the mounting screws that can lead to mellow (yet still annoying) side effects.

Pro tip: Put your binding hardware in a small bag and tape it to the board when you’re done so nothing important gets lost.

2: Clean the Snowboard and Bindings

Using a mild household cleaner (like dish soap), warm water, and a cloth rag, wipe down the snowboard and the bindings. Pay close attention to the topsheet (including The Channel® inserts) and base of the snowboard, and make sure to clean all the crevices of the bindings.

Once the board and bindings are free from dirt and grime, switch to a dry rag and wipe everything down again to remove any moisture.

Pro tip: At the end of this step your snowboard and bindings should be completely dry to the touch.

3: Tune the Snowboard for Storage

Tuning a snowboard before placing it into long-term storage is an important step that can improve longevity. The good news is that tuning a snowboard for storage is a fairly straightforward process. Here are the tools you will need and the steps we recommend on how to tune a snowboard for summer storage at home in about 20 minutes.

The Tools:

• Fileguide (or Edge Tuning Tool)
• File
• Iron
• Snowboard Wax
• Tuning Vises

The Steps:

1. Clean up the edges. Securely position your board in your tuning vises and make sure there’s no wiggle or wobble that would cause any issues. Then run the fileguide along the edges (from nose to tail) using long, smooth strokes. Focus on getting rid of any rust, uneven edges, or gouges. Wipe down the base again to remove any edge shavings.
2. Apply wax. Holding the iron at a slight angle about four inches above the snowboard, press a piece of wax against the bottom of the iron and let it drip onto the base. Move from tip to tail, dripping wax evenly to cover most of the base.
3. Iron out the wax. Place the iron directly onto the base of the snowboard and begin spreading out the wax with smooth consistent strokes. Continue spreading out the wax until the entire base is covered, from edge to edge and nose to tail. If you find areas that are uncovered or extremely dry you can add a few more drips of wax as needed. Never hold the iron in one place for too long to avoid damaging the base of the board.
4. Let it cool. Allow the snowboard to completely cool to room temperature.
5. Don’t scrape! The base material of a snowboard is porous and will dry out if left unattended for months at a time. Applying a fresh coat of wax to the base and leaving it on until next season is a great way to protect the pores and maintain wax absorption in the future.

4: Store Somewhere Cool and Dry

In general, snowboards and snowboard bindings should be stored out of direct sunlight in a cool dry place when not in use for more than three months (like during the summer). Avoid attics that can get extremely hot (85+ degrees Fahrenheit, 30+ degrees Celsius), basements that can get damp, and locations that receive extended periods of direct sunlight during the day.

Also, consider storing your gear in a snowboard bag. A dedicated snowboard bag provides additional padding and protection from gear getting bumped around and keeps everything together, so nothing gets lost. As an added bonus, a snowboard bag helps keep dust and bugs off your gear.

Summer Storage: Snowboard Boots

The key to proper summer snowboard boot storage is putting them away clean, dry, and ready for next season. And in general, there are three main things you should do to properly store snowboard boots for an extended period of time.

1. Clean
2. Dry
3. Store

1: Clean the Snowboard Boots & Liners

Snowboard boots are made from durable materials and designed to take a beating and be easy to clean so this step is usually pretty easy. First, remove the liners and insoles (if removable). Second, using warm water and a cloth rag, wipe down the outside and inside of each boot (a bit of laundry detergent can help remove stubborn soils). Third, wipe down the inside and outside of each boot liner (if the liners are especially smelly, you can soak them in warm soapy water and vinegar for 30 minutes).

Pro tip: A toothbrush works great for heavier soils and getting into the tread on the soles of the boots.

2: Dry the Snowboard Boots & Liners

Dry the snowboard boots, liners, and insoles separately and completely before storage. Depending on the material, we generally recommend air drying overnight (don’t use a clothes dryer).

3: Store Somewhere Cool and Dry

Snowboard boots should be stored out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry enclosed space during the off-season. Place the liners and insoles back into the snowboard boots and pack them into an airtight plastic bin.

Pro tip: Insert some charcoal shoe deodorizers during storage to keep things smelling fresh.

Summer Storage: Outerwear

The key to proper summer outerwear storage is putting it away clean, dry, and ready for next season. And in general, there are four main things you should do to properly store snowboard jackets and snow pants.

1. Wash
2. Re-waterproof
3. Dry
4. Store

1: Wash the Jacket and Pants

Wash the jacket and pants according to the instructions outlined on the tags. Most of the time this will require the use of a technical outerwear detergent (such as Grangers Performance Wash) in a warm wash cycle.

2: Re-waterproof the Jacket and Pants (optional)

If needed, apply a new coat of DWR. DWR (or durable water repellent) is a special coating that is applied to fabric to improve its water resistance and DWR products are available in both spray-on and wash-in options. While both types are effective, we generally recommend against aerosol spray-on DWR, which is more harmful to the environment. Refer to the instructions on the DWR packaging.

3: Dry the Jacket and Pants

Dry everything thoroughly. Refer to the instructions outlined on the tags and either hang dry, place the items in a clothes dryer and tumble dry on low/medium heat, or gently iron them with a clothes iron on the lowest setting.

4: Store Somewhere Cool and Dry

Outerwear should be stored out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry enclosed space during the off-season. First, make sure that all of pockets and zippers closed to help things keep their shape and prevent snagging (plus, you never know what you might find in those pockets and a spare $5 is always a nice surprise). Second, select the storage type that works for you and pack it all away. And because a main consideration for storing jackets and snow pants in the summer is often space limitations, we recommend two different approaches: closet or plastic bin.

• Closet: To store jackets and snow pants in a closet, place them inside garment bags on clothes hangers. To save additional space, consider vacuum-sealed bags for any non-down items.
• Plastic bin: If closet space is tight, pack your jackets and snow pants into an airtight plastic bin that securely seals.

Summer Storage: Helmets & Goggles

When it comes to storing helmets and goggles during the summer, the main thing to keep in mind is putting them away clean and dry. To clean a helmet, use warm water and a cloth rag to wipe down the inside and outside before setting it aside to air dry (this is also a great time to inspect for any damage that might warrant a replacement for next season). To clean a pair of goggles, use a dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe away dirt, dust, and fingerprints before placing the goggles inside the original microfiber bag. Store both items in the same airtight plastic bin as the rest of your gear.

How to Store a Snowboard FAQs

While learning how to store a snowboard and other equipment is relatively straightforward, we know you've probably got some additional questions. So here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers about how to store a snowboard.

Q: How do you store a snowboard?
A: During the off-season, Burton generally recommends storing your snowboard in a secure dry location with a relatively consistent temperature out of direct sunlight (such as a closet). Additionally, you can preserve the base and edges of the board by performing a hot wax and then leaving the wax on until next season.

Q: How do you store a snowboard between riding days?
A: You can store your snowboard just about anywhere between riding days, but it's a good idea to keep it somewhere with consistent temperatures, out of direct sunlight. Also, a quick wipe-down with a clean cotton towel will prevent rust on snowboard edges and make for a faster ride the next time you drop in.

Q: How should you store a snowboard while road-tripping?
A: When road-tripping to and from the mountains, a roof-top mounted snowboard rack is a great solution for transporting snowboards. However, in the long run, transporting your snowboard inside your car while traveling long distances will protect it from things like UV light, road chemicals, dirt, and bugs (which can extend the usable life of your snowboard in the long run).

Final Thoughts on How to Store a Snowboard & Other Gear

You and your snowboard just spent the past season getting to know each other. You experienced quality time, learned each other’s quirks, and built an important relationship. And now, you owe your board (and the rest of your kit) a safe keeping until next season. Storing your gear during summer is definitely not rocket science but a few additional steps in the spring will save you time and money in the long run. And when the first snow flies in the fall, you’ll be ready to drop in at a moment’s notice.