Do your skis need storage wax for the summer?
Yes. It is one of the most important things you can do for your skis and most skiers skip it. Here is why it matters and how to do it properly.
Why storage waxing matters
Ski bases are made from sintered polyethylene, a porous material that absorbs and holds wax. These are not pores in the biological sense but a micro-structure of tiny channels and gaps in the material that wax fills and bonds to. When wax is present the base repels water, reduces friction, and glides fast. When it is not, the base oxidises, dries out, and becomes slow and brittle over time. Months of dry storage without wax accelerates this process significantly.
Clean them first
Wipe down the bases and edges after your last day out. Remove dirt, debris, and any wax residue. Dry them thoroughly before storage. Moisture left on edges is how rust starts.
For a deeper clean, do a hot scrape before storage waxing. Apply a layer of Arkvy Universal Ski Wax, iron it in, then scrape it off immediately while still warm. This pulls dirt and old wax residue out of the base structure along with it. Let the base cool, then apply your storage wax on top of the clean base. This is the most effective way to prepare a base before long term storage.
Apply storage wax and leave it on
Apply a layer of wax over the entire base and do not scrape it off. Leave it on all summer.
The wax fills the micro-structure of the base and acts as a barrier against oxidation and drying. Make sure the iron is hot enough to properly bond the wax to the base. The base itself should feel warm after ironing. A cold iron that only melts the wax without heating the base means poor bonding and less protection.
We recommend Arkvy Universal Ski Wax for summer storage. Its stable, plant-based formula holds up well through months of temperature changes and protects the full base effectively. Apply it slightly over the edges too. The wax layer helps slow down edge oxidation and rust over summer.
Come autumn, scrape and brush before your first day out and you are ready to go.
Choose the right storage spot
Cool, dry, and dark. Away from direct sunlight and heat. A garage or shed that bakes in summer sun can reach extremely high temperatures, which dries out bases, degrades wax, and can warp skis over time. A basement or ski bag works well. Make sure everything is completely dry before storing.
New skis need storage wax too
If you picked up new skis late in the season, do not assume the factory wax is still protecting the base. Apply a fresh layer before storage. Arkvy Universal Ski Wax works well here. It saturates a fresh base effectively and gives you a solid foundation to apply condition-specific wax on top when the season starts again.
Before you put everything away
Take five minutes to check your gear. Look for worn or damaged parts on edges and poles. Note what wax and supplies you are running low on. Much easier to sort now than on the first day of next season.
