Skis

Open your bag as soon as you get home. Wipe away snow and moisture, including around the edges and bindings. Let the gear air-dry in the shade.

Check the base if it looks chalky or feels slow on snow. For new gear, check the condition of the factory wax first.

Choose a glide wax for the snow temperature. Hot-wax a clean, dry base with a dedicated iron at the wax maker’s setting. Keep it moving. Let the wax cool, then scrape with plastic and brush tip to tail.

Distinguish light scratches from deep gouges. A gummy stone can gently remove light surface rust.

Have a shop check exposed core or a bent or lifting edge before riding. Ask a technician before filing an edge if you don’t know its bevel.

Clear snow and debris and check for loose parts, cracks and damaged brakes. If you change boots, have a shop check compatibility and release settings. Don’t adjust release settings yourself.

Try both boots with ski socks. Seat your heels, close the buckles and flex your knees to check pressure and heel lift. Have a boot fitter assess pain rather than simply choosing a larger size.

Check that the liner supports heat molding. Ask a boot fitter to assess pressure points and perform the work. Improvised heating with a home oven or heater can damage materials and adhesives.

Wipe away snow and moisture. Check the shaft, grip, strap and basket for damage or loose parts. Have a bent or cracked pole assessed before using it.

Clean and dry the base and edges. Leave storage wax on and scrape and brush it before your first run next season. Store gear somewhere dry and out of direct sun.