As we close out another amazing season on the snow, saying goodbye to our beloved ski gear takes time… I still have mine sitting by my door, you know just in case.
So here is a quick check list to make sure your gear will be ready for action when the snow flies:
– Take your liners out of your boots and let them air out for a couple of days. Maybe spray them with a disinfectant just in case. After they have aired out put them back together and buckle them up.
– Get a fresh coat of wax on your skis. This will seal them and keep the bases moist. You don’t have to scrape the extra wax off. Just leave it for next season.
– Spray a little WD40 on your bindings movable parts.
– Hug them and put them away.
– Pray for a big snow year…
“Pre-Season”
Not that we have transitioned to the pre-season.. because as you know, if you’re a skier or boarder there are only two seasons here. The ski season and the pre-season. The “pre-season” is filled with lots of adventures that will continue to work your muscles and mastery of balance. Start slow and gradual. I like to hike and mountain bike. As you start into your hiking adventures here are a few things to remember.
– Sunscreen
– A watch to track your time on the trail.
– Water. You can’t go far without water and dehydration happens faster than you think.
– Take a small protein dense snack to refuel.
– Always hike with a buddy or at least let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
– Cellphone. Most trails actually have a signal. Many lives have been saved by a simple call to 911 when lost or injured.
One thing I like to carry is a couple of band aids. I seem to get blisters on my heels for the first few hikes. I also like to take pictures as I go to share with family and friend. Here are a few shots I took this weekend in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
My feet are used to ski boots… not hiking boots. Hence the need to carry bandages.
My hike today took me past Twin Lakes and up to the saddle that heads back down to Grizzly Gulch. A great hike as a warm-up for the “pre-season” and beautiful. I passed one set of hikers and a couple of skiers.. yes skiers. They hiked to the top of Wolverine Peak and got several turns in the soft before it turned back to rock and dirt.
So get out there and start your training. Be safe and remember how lucky we are to have such amazing terrain literally in our backyards.
Next adventure? Biking and canyoneering in Moab!!