Leaves are Falling – A Guide to Preseason Preparation

“Leaves are falling, temperature dropping, ski areas are opening. Man, I love this time of the year. For those of you that are like me and can’t wait to head to the mountains, now is the perfect time to start getting your clothing and equipment ready. If your parka or pants weren’t washed before putting them away last season, you should do so before skiing. There are several reasons to keep them clean besides just looking better. A durable water-repellent coating known as DWR was applied to the outside of your clothing to be the first line of protection keeping moister from penetrating. As dirt gets on the fabric it will attract and hold the moister which then affects the breathability and the insulating qualities. The product we recommend to wash is Nikwax’s Tech Wash. This product will safely clean the fabric without damaging it’s performance, unlike using regular laundry detergent. After washing it’s recommended that you refresh the DWR by applying Nikwax’s TX Direct. Doing this will enhance the performance of the fabric as well as prolong the life of your gear.

If you own your own skis or snowboard, now is the time to give them some love. Bring your equipment into our shop and let us grind the base, sharpen the edges, and get a good hot wax on them. While your skis are here, you might want us to check and make sure your bindings are functioning properly. To do that we’ll need both of your boots. Speaking of boots, did your feet get cold last year, do you have any pressure points, do your feet get tired or feel like they’re cramping? If so, let’s talk about things that can be done to help.

Remember, the better prepared you are, the more enjoyable your ski trip will be, and remember to always think snow!”

-Steve Brace, Owner