Equipment · 14 min read

Check your ski gear before the season

Check what you can see and identify with confidence. Record anything unresolved, then leave technical decisions to the manufacturer or a qualified workshop.

Skier checking a helmet before the season while skis, boots, goggles, clothing and electronics are sorted by next action on a table
On this page

Do not first unpack your gear on the evening before departure. Check it early enough to arrange a workshop appointment, replacement part, rental or different transport plan.

Work one category at a time. Mark what you have looked at, choose a status, then copy every unresolved point into the action log. A problem you noticed should not disappear between the table and the storage bag.

If an unresolved item changes what you will take, use the buy-versus-rent decision guide. Once the equipment is resolved, continue with the complete ski-trip packing checklist.

Use three statuses, not a false “all safe”

Choose the status that is genuinely true after the visible check for each category.

No open issue observed

You checked the visible points and found the current instructions for the exact product. This is still not a technical approval.

Resolve before packing

Something is missing, damp, uncharged or unclear, or needs care, completion or confirmation under the product instructions.

Qualified assessment needed

Condition, compatibility, adjustment, repair or replacement requires the manufacturer, a specialist retailer or a workshop.

Equipment check by category

Tick the points you have looked at, then choose a status. Your selections stay on this page and are not sent or stored.

Skis or snowboard: base, edges and structure

Do not judge structural damage or required base and edge work from a web article. Set the complete item aside for workshop assessment.

Current boundary: DSV aktiv: checking and professionally servicing ski equipment

Bindings

Do not set an alpine ski binding or run a release test from this checklist. Ask qualified staff to assess the system, settings and condition.

Current boundary: DSV aktiv: checking and professionally servicing ski equipment

Ski or snowboard boots

Do not heat, grind, glue or reshape a boot from general online advice. Take fit, sole condition and repairs to the manufacturer or a qualified fitter.

Current boundary: DSV aktiv: checking and professionally servicing ski equipment; Atomic: ski-boot sizing and professional fitting

Helmet and protection

This article cannot set one lifespan across manufacturers. After an impact, with an unknown history or when uncertain, set the item aside and follow current guidance for the exact product.

Current boundary: Smith: current ski and snowboard helmet replacement and care guidance; uvex: current ski-helmet replacement guidance

Goggles

Cleaning and drying methods vary by lens and coating. Follow the instructions for the exact model.

Current boundary: Oakley: current ski-goggle care guidance

Poles

Do not improvise repairs to a shaft, grip or locking mechanism. Resolve damaged or uncertain parts before the trip.

Current boundary: Black Diamond: product-specific pole guidance

Jacket, trousers, gloves and layers

One wash or reproofing method does not suit every material. The product label and manufacturer instructions take priority.

Current boundary: GORE-TEX: current technical-garment care guidance

Watch, camera, phone and batteries

Temperature and charging guidance is device-specific. Use current Apple guidance for Apple Watch and the exact-model instructions for every other device.

Current boundary: Apple Support: Apple Watch operating and storage conditions

Bags, ski carrier, roof box and transport

Do not use one universal loading, mounting or tightening rule. Unclear compatibility or installation belongs with the manufacturer or a qualified installer.

Current boundary: Thule: vehicle- and product-specific carrier instructions

Record unresolved items

Copy every point that is not finished immediately. Entries remain local to this page. Print or save the page as a PDF before closing it.

Action 1
Action 2
Action 3
Action 4

What to take to the workshop

Call first and ask what the shop needs. For an alpine binding check, the actual boot belongs to the system.

Before packing: four clear outcomes

Every category ends with a decision. A technical question cannot disappear because a checkbox is ticked.

Pack it

No open issue was observed, product guidance is clear, and any required qualified work is complete.

Finish your task

Dry, charge, match, document or care for the item under current instructions, then review its status again.

Get qualified advice

A workshop, specialist retailer or manufacturer assesses condition, fit, compatibility, adjustment, repair or replacement.

Arrange an alternative

If the issue will not be resolved in time, reserve suitable rental or replacement equipment instead of relying on an unconfirmed fix.

Where SlopeReady fits

SlopeReady does not inspect skis, bindings, boots, helmets, carriers or electronics and does not declare equipment ready for use. It reads Apple Health only with your permission and does not record workouts, live GPS or live heart rate. Use current manufacturer guidance and qualified service for equipment decisions.

With your permission, the app reads available workout and recovery data from Apple Health. The AI Coach can consider those data with your saved preparation plan and propose changes. You approve any lasting change before it is saved to the plan.

Equipment sorted? Plan your physical preparation.

SlopeReady does not inspect or certify equipment. It only reads Apple Health data you permit; it does not record workouts, live GPS or live heart rate. The AI Coach can propose preparation-plan changes for you to approve before they are saved.

See SlopeReady for ski preparation

A tick only confirms that you looked at the visible condition. It is not proof of safety and does not replace manufacturer instructions or a technical inspection. Do not alter binding settings, load-bearing parts, helmets or vehicle carriers from this article.