Winter is coming. Winter is here!!! Utah lifts started spinning this week, marking the official start of resort skiing and snowboarding here in the Beehive State. If you’re like me, you probably haven’t done any ski season prep to all your winter gear just yet, or figured out how you’ll be getting to the mountains. If that’s the case, get set in a hot minute with this essential checklist. Hit ‘em all and you’ll be ready for the steep and deep in no time.
Wax your board/skis/snowbike
We have a complete how-to article on board waxing, but here it is in a nutshell:
• Strip the old grime and wax off your stick with a quality base cleaner
• De-bur metal edges with a file and/or stone
• Heat up your iron (and for Ullr’s sake, don’t burn yourself!)
• Drip a quality wax (One Ball Jay and Swix have great options) onto your base and smooth it out with the iron
• Scrape the wax off and buff the base with a clean cloth
Choose your wax based on the coming temperatures. Early season and springtime usually call for either an all-temperature or warm-temperature wax, but check the forecast to be sure.
Re-waterproof your gloves and outerwear
It might not be snowing at the moment, but when the skies do open up, you’ll be stoked to have dry gear. Nothing ruins a day faster than cold, soggy gloves or a damp backside. Re-waterproofing your outerwear is fast and in most cases, really easy.
Leather gloves are all the rage these days, and a good pair can last you up to ten seasons. Keep those burly SOBs in top shape with a leather waterproofer/conditioner. I like Nikwax for this task. Their leather cream is non-toxic, and can be applied with your bare hands. Grab your glove, and work a generous amount of the wax into the palm, fingers, and any other leather portions. Make sure to get plenty of wax into the seams, where water is most likely to penetrate. Once you’ve got both gloves coated, take a clean, dry cloth and buff out all the excess wax. Let them dry overnight and you’re good to go!
There are two ways to go about re-waterproofing your jackets and pants. Air sprays (like those made by ReviveX) are a breeze to use. Hang the outwear in a well-ventilated area and just spray it down according to the directions. Option #2 is a washing machine activated product such as Nikwax Tech Wash. Personally, I like to kill two birds with one stone by using this method. My gear gets a much-needed cleaning, and it once it’s dry the waterproofing is back to peak performance. The most tedious part of the process is waiting for your gear to dry.
Your Chariot Awaits
Make sure your rig is ready to roll before heading up the canyon. Start by checking your tire air pressure with a pressure sensor (find one at any auto parts store for a couple bucks). If your pressure is low, inflate the tires back to manufacturer’s standards. Low pressure might be great for sandy places like Moab, but on the snow you’ll pay the price.
Your next move is to check the treads. The old trick is to grab a penny, and stick it into a tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing you upside down. If you can see all of Honest Abe’s dome, then it’s time for new tires. If he’s buried, you’ve still got life in the old rubber!
If you are not driving a vehicle with four or all-wheel drive, then you, my friend, better have some chains handy. A new set of chains ranges in price from $20-100+, and as with most gear items, it’s better to spend a bit more for quality. Practice putting your chains on a few times before a big snow day; you don’t want to be the guy fumbling around on the side of the road, costing you and the crew precious pow slashes.
Share a Ride
Not everyone has the luxury of their own car or truck for transportation. If you have to choose between a jalopy or a season pass, is there even a choice? For those who rely on Utah’s public transportation to get up the hill, don’t overlook the other options. Carpool programs such as R.I.D.E. (Reducing Individual Driving for the Environment) are a great way to get to the resorts. Snowbird offers sweet incentives through R.I.D.E. in the form of VIP parking spots, discounted tickets, and early-access ski privileges. Check out snowbird.com/ride for all the details.