Two Months Out: My Real-World Ski Season Prep (a.k.a. The Annual Gear Excavation)
I love this window before first chair. The air snaps a little, the garage smells faintly of old wax, and I get to play archaeologist with my winter bins. Last year I found one boot liner, three left gloves, and a fossilized energy bar I’m pretty sure predates Wi-Fi. Here’s my honest, lived-in routine—what I actually do over a couple evenings so opening day feels easy.
The Garage Triage
I dump everything on a tarp and make three piles: good, fix, replace. It’s fast and brutally clarifying.
- Skis/board: Quick wipe with a damp rag so I can actually see bases and edges. If the bases look parched (white/ashy), they’re begging for wax.
- Edges: Run a fingernail along—if it catches on burrs, I’ll do a light pass with a diamond stone. Anything gnarlier goes to a shop.
- Bindings: Hand-check screws, look for cracks or play, confirm the heel snaps in cleanly. Then I book a certified tech to function-test and set DIN to my stats/ability—non-negotiable.
- Boots: Liners and footbeds out to air. I look for packed-out hotspots, shell cracks, and worn heel/toe lugs. Buckle lightly after to hold shape.
The Wax Ritual
I make tea, queue a playlist, and wax like it’s meditation.
- Clean: Plastic scraper to knock old grime, then a base brush pass.
- Melt: All-temp wax for early season—no heroics.
- Scrape & brush: Scrape once the wax is warm-not-hot; nylon brush until the structure pops.
- Edge touch-up: If needed, one gentle pass. If I’m uncertain, I stop. (Metal only gets shorter.)
Mike’s aside: I keep a “rock skis” pair for the thin-cover days. Takes the sting out of October surprises hiding under that first snowfall.
Outerwear & The Laundry of Truth
Waterproof-breathable gear is like a houseplant: it sulks when ignored.
- Wash: Technical detergent, cold cycle, zip everything.
- Dry: Tumble low to revive DWR; spot-treat with spray if water stops beading.
- Inspect: Tape any pinhole nicks, test every zipper, and re-home the rogue tissues.
Helmet, Goggles, and The Brain Trust
- Helmet: If it’s older than ~5 years or had any significant impact, I replace it. Chin strap and fit system should feel smooth, not crunchy.
- Goggles: Foam still springy? Strap elastic good? Lenses get only microfiber and patience—no t-shirt corner heroics.
The Small-but-Mighty Kit
This is where day-one bliss is won.
- Fresh socks that match (luxury, I know).
- Glove proofing and a thin liner pair.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, mini scraper, pocket tool, spare goggle lens for flat light, and a few hand warmers.
- A labeled bin I can grab at 5 a.m. without waking the house.
Body Tune-Up (20 Minutes, 3x/Week)
I’m not reinventing physiology here – just greasing the turns.
- Warm-up: High knees, butt kicks, ankle circles (3 min).
- Mobility: World’s Greatest Stretch, deep squat holds, T-spine rotations (4 min).
- Strength: Squats (tempo 3-1-1), reverse lunges, glute bridges, side planks (9 min total).
- Power & balance: Skater hops + single-leg balance (3 min).
- Cooldown: Quads/calves/hip flexors and 5 steady breaths (1 min).
If anything hurts (not just working-hard sore) or you’re coming back from injury, I get cleared by a pro before cranking it up.
Logistics That Future-You Will Love
- Passes/waivers/parking: I confirm the admin bits now so I’m not phone-juggling at the lift maze.
- Lessons/crew plan: If I’m linking up with friends or getting the kids on snow, I pencil the first session early.
- Cashless reality: The resort runs cashless; Reverse ATMs live in the hotel lobby and main ski lodge if you need them.
- Day-one bag: I pre-pack base layers, midlayer, socks, beanie, and a snack I can’t accidentally sit on.
The Week-Before Touch
- Quick re-wax if the bases look thirsty.
- Re-check binding function with the shop if anything changed (new boots, weight, ability tweaks).
- Forecast check and lens pick.
- Car kit staged: scraper/brush, blanket, and a dry “victory” pair of socks.
Final Thoughts
Knock out the tune, dust off the layers, and pack the day-one kit and future-you will high-five you at the lift maze. Prep like a pro and the only flakes on this mountain will be the frozen kind.
About the author:
Mountain Mike is your go-to guide for adventure at Greek Peak Mountain Resort. A seasoned outdoor enthusiast and a master of memorable puns, Mike brings his passion for the outdoors and his knack for storytelling to every article. Join him as he explores the peaks and valleys of adventure, inspiring readers to make every outdoor moment unforgettable.