The 6 Things Every Skier Should Do This Summer to Have a Better Winter

For many of us, the ski season ended in spring, and by now, frosty fingers and getting dressed in a frigid parking lot are just distant memories.

However, being a skier is a year-long job. And while we’ve got some time before we’re scanning our passes and riding the lifts, there’s plenty of maintenance we should be keeping up with to make our winters even better. Here’s a short and sweet list of everything we recommend you do this summer.

1. Change your beacon batteries. Like right now.

Remember when you put your beacon away after your last tour and made a mental note to flip the batteries over the summer? Well, here’s your reminder. Flipping the batteries is crucial to preserving the life of your beacon, as sitting batteries can leak or corrode.

2. Give your skis a mid-summer tune.

Guilty as charged: I told myself I’d give my skis a proper tune before putting them away for the summer, and I …slacked. Thankfully, my skis are very forgiving and won’t be any worse for wear with a summer tune-up. Here’s our guide for proper cleaning and waxing and the best ways to store skis. Lazy skier, approved.

3. Do some single-leg hops and squats.

Summer is a critical time to work on muscle strengthening and balance. Hopping on one foot is a great way to strengthen individual legs while also keeping steady, necessary strength you’ll need for ski season.

Physical therapists also recommend focusing on glutes and hamstrings to help prevent ACL tears and other stubborn ski injuries. Weightlifting, incline walks and runs, and even swimming should be incorporated into your workouts to ensure you stay strong all winter.

4. Closet clean out.

Every year, it seems like we pack away the ski gear and don’t think twice until late November. This week, go through your closet and toss out those two-year-expired hand warmers (I guarantee your future self will thank you). While you’re at it, check your pockets for any melted chocolate, or if you’re lucky, spare cash. If you find you have more gear than you need (or little ones who have already outgrown last year’s kit), don’t let your closet become a graveyard. Bring gear you won’t wear to a thrift shop, list online, or donate. You’ll be glad you did!

5. Take stock of your gear.

Summer is the perfect time to give your gear the love it probably needed last season. If you haven’t already, give your outerwear a good wash and dry (it’s not like you’ll be needing it anytime soon!). Patch up any rough spots, and give your puffys a little mid-summer fluff.

6. Plan for next year.

After all that work, it’s time to look forward to next year! Summer is one of the best times of the year for booking a ski trip. You’ll likely still have a good pick of accommodations before inventory wanes, and this is often the sweet spot for airline prices. Most passes are still on sale, and you can likely still score a deal before rising in price and going off sale in the fall. Not sure where to go? Check out our resort guides, ranked solely by input from skiers like you.