Pre-season wake-up call: Get yourself and your winter sports equipment ready for the season ahead

The hiking boots are still getting plenty of action, the days are pleasantly warm, and that first day on skis, a snowboard or touring skis still feels a long way off. But then, sometime in September, it happens: your mind starts drifting towards freshly groomed slopes, powder days and that irresistible sparkle of snow in the sunshine.

Winter isn’t here just yet – but now is the perfect time to start waking yourself and your gear from summer mode. After all, your skis and snowboard aren’t the only things that could use a little pre-season attention. Your thighs will thank you, too.

The great gear hunt: What’s hiding in the basement?

Let’s start where winter spends its summer: in the basement, the garage or the attic.

Found your skis, snowboard or touring skis? Great! Now give the bases and edges a closer look. Spotted some rust, deep scratches or other damage? Better to book a service now than the night before your first day on the slopes.

Don’t forget the bindings, either. If you’re unsure whether they’re correctly adjusted and working as they should, have them checked by a professional.

Next up: ski boots, touring boots or snowboard boots. Put them on and be honest with yourself: Do they actually fit properly? Especially with kids, it’s worth checking the size regularly – feet have an annoying habit of growing over the summer.

Helmet and goggles can come out of hibernation, too. Does the helmet still fit properly? Is everything intact? Did your goggles make it through the summer scratch-free? Do they fit comfortably with your helmet?

And finally, one of winter’s great mysteries: Where did you put those ski poles?

Winter mode for your wardrobe

Your ski, snowboard or ski touring wardrobe deserves a quick pre-season check, too. Are your base layers, mid layers – think fleece jackets or a cosy hoodie – and waterproof ski or snowboard jacket all still present and accounted for, or has something disappeared over the summer? Is everything still in good shape? If you wear a back protector or other protective gear, now is also a good time to check the fit and condition.

And then there are the ski socks. If last season’s pairs are looking a little thin, stretched out or have mysteriously turned into single socks, you have our full permission to treat yourself to some new ones – for example from our own SNØXIS range.

And finally, the ultimate pre-season challenge: trying on your ski pants. In September. With kids, a summer growth spurt can make things interesting. For adults… well, there may be other reasons for a few surprises.

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The great accessory treasure hunt

And for the grand finale, it’s time for a little accessory treasure hunt: Where are the gloves? The extra-warm mittens? Balaclava? Beanie? Neck warmer? Touring skins? Track them down now and you won’t have to turn the entire house upside down on the morning of your first ski day.

Our pro tip: Pack all the essentials straight into your ski backpack, so everything is ready to go when winter finally arrives. And if you’re still missing the right backpack? You might just find one at the Skibörse, too.

By the way, we’ve put together a handy checklist for your first day on the slopes – have a look and make sure you’re all set!

Keep it, fix it or let it go!

Once you’ve checked everything, a simple three-pile system works wonders:

Fits & stays: Everything looks good? Perfect – keep it within easy reach and let it wait patiently for winter.

Needs some TLC: This is the pile that comes with its own little to-do list: get your skis serviced, fix that broken zipper, reproof your hardshell jacket, and take care of any other jobs you’ve been putting off.

Time to move on: Kids’ skis that are too small, boots that no longer fit or gear that hasn’t seen snow in years can be passed on, donated or, if it’s no longer safe or usable, disposed of responsibly.

Good to know: You’ll find plenty of pre-owned winter sports gear at our Skibörse. However, but private individuals can’t sell their own equipment at our events. Instead, we offer our own quality-checked pre-owned gear, freshly serviced and backed by a one-year warranty. So you can shop second-hand with a little extra peace of mind.

Your gear Is ready – but are you?

While your skis and board are getting their edges back in shape, it’s time to slowly switch your body into winter mode, too. Don’t worry: nobody expects you to be doing squats in ski boots or snowboard boots in your living room in September. But a little pre-season training can make that first day on the slopes a whole lot more enjoyable.

So, where to start? Skiing and snowboarding put your legs, core, balance and endurance to work. Squats, lunges, planks and balance exercises are easy to work into your everyday routine. Cycling, hiking, running or even brisk walking can also help build strength and improve your overall endurance.

And the good news? There’s still plenty of time. Start in September and fit in a few exercises two or three times a week, and you won’t find yourself trying to squeeze three months of training into three days come December. Your legs will thank you!

Get ready now, enjoy winter later

Winter isn’t here yet – and that’s exactly the advantage. There’s still plenty of time to figure out what fits, what’s missing and what needs a service. Meanwhile, your legs, core and stamina can slowly get reacquainted with winter sports, too.

So, open the basement, dig out your gear, try on those ski pants – and maybe throw in a few squats while you’re at it.

Winter can take its time. We’ll be getting ready in the meantime!