End-of-Season Nordic Secrets

Don’t just stash your ski bag in the basement. Closing out the season properly will save your gear and your sanity.

At the end of a long, snowy season, it’s tempting to pivot off to the next adventure—get out the gravel bike, the golf clubs, the running shoes. But first, say a proper goodbye to this season, and your future skiing self will thank you. Here’s how.

Go for one last ski

And really enjoy it. If a center has some late-season trail openings, make the most of those, or head to areas like Rabbit Ears Pass, between Kremmling and Steamboat, and enjoy a good last morning glide under a bluebird sky. Feel the difference in your late-season legs, form, balance, and endurance. Then give yourself a mental fist bump for putting in all the hours and kilometers to get yourself there.

Give your gear a good once-over

Check for base damage like gouges and scratches, and decide if your skis need stone grinding or base repair. Look for cracked or worn edges. Last, check the camber and flex to see if the skis are still in good shape for your skiing style. And don’t forget to check the bindings and add a small amount of binding lubricant. If equipment self-check isn’t for you, head to one of your favorite Nordic centers (make sure they are still open) or over to Boulder Nordic Sports and let the pros handle it for you.

Wax on

Apply storage wax to keep skis from drying out over the summer and fall and protect against oxidation and rust. Or again, rely on your favorite shop to do it for you.

Clean your boots

Wipe them down with a damp rag. Remove insoles; hand wash liners in a mild soap, and let your boots thoroughly dry before storing—in the sunshine if you can, which helps kill bacteria.

Shop for new gear

Come spring, the 2024-25 gear is on sale for around 20 percent off at most retailers and Nordic center shops. Ask about rental and demo fleets that might be turning over, too.

Score a killer spring room deal

Even if Nordic centers are closing for the season, lodging properties are offering great April/May deals, and there’s still plenty of snow fun to be had with trail skiing in open space/BLM land, or strap on the downhill hill skis and explore nearby alpine spring skiing.

Wind down from race season

If you trained hard, it’s time to reflect on your season. What went better than you hoped? Where did you fall short? What surprised or excited you most? What would you like to do more of next year? Reflect on your accomplishments, think about goals for next year, and allow yourself to mentally decompress.

Recover physically

Even without racing, Nordic skiing can be a physically demanding sport, and the end of the season often reveals some twinges. Overuse or strain can cause low back pain due to the repetitive flexion and extension of the spine, often with double poling. If you’re feeling pain, imbalance, tension, or soreness, check in with a doc or PT. At the very least, an end-of-the-season massage can help melt some physical tension and get you in touch with what needs rest or work.

Stay connected

Nordic areas transform to summer adventure centers after snowmelt—plan a visit to check out hiking, birding, biking, and horseback riding so you can learn the summer side of the winter trails you love so much.

Celebrate the season’s end

Grab your Nordic buddies for a spring tailgate on a mountain pass and raise a glass to another successful, healthy year on the snow