Ski boots take more abuse than almost any other bit of ski kit — and poor storage between trips is one of the biggest reasons they end up smelly, damp or uncomfortable.

The good news? Looking after ski boots between trips is simple, as long as you avoid a few common mistakes.

Dry them properly — inside and out

This is the golden rule of boot care.

After skiing:

It’s important to dry boots out overnight. Most accommodations will have heated boot rooms. If you have access to boot dryers use them! They are specifically designed for the purpose and it’s better to use constant, gentle heat rather than high temperature blasts.

At the end of your trip:

• Remove the liners from the shells
• Let both shells and liners air-dry fully at room temperature

Moisture trapped inside liners leads to:

• Bad smells
• Cold feet
• Shortened liner life

Top tip: If you use boot dryers, use low heat only. High heat can damage liners and shells.

Never store boots near direct heat

It’s tempting to dry boots by:

• A radiator
• A fire
• Or a hot air heater

Don’t.

Excess heat can:

• Warp plastic shells
• Shrink liners
• Change how the boot fits

Warm, ventilated rooms are ideal. Hot, dry blasts are not.

Clip the buckles loosely for storage

Once boots are dry and ready to store:

• Reinsert the liners
• Buckle the boots very lightly

This helps the boots:

• Hold their shape
• Avoid shell deformation

Don’t crank the buckles tight — you’re just helping the boot remember its proper shape.

Store boots somewhere dry and well ventilated

Good places to store ski boots between trips:

• Indoors in a hallway or utility room
• In a ventilated boot bag
• On a boot rack in a dry space

Avoid:

• Damp garages
• Cold sheds
• Leaving boots sealed in a bag for days

Fresh air is your friend.

Use footbeds, but remove extras

• Leave your footbeds inside the liners
• Remove extras like:
  • Hand warmers
  • Extra insoles
  • Damp socks (yes, it happens…)

Anything left inside can trap moisture and smells.

Don’t forget the soles

Before storing:

• Check soles for packed snow, grit or salt
• Wipe them clean and dry

This helps protect grip and keeps dirt out of your boot bag and car.

Between-trip storage vs end-of-season

Between trips, keep things simple:

• Dry thoroughly
• Lightly buckle
• Store indoors

Deep cleaning, liner washing and full inspections are better saved for end-of-season storage.

Quick checklist: storing ski boots between trips

✔ Remove liners and dry fully
✔ Keep away from direct heat
✔ Buckle lightly once dry
✔ Store indoors and ventilated
✔ Keep bags unzipped when possible

End-of-season ski boot storage:

This is all about keeping them dry, clean and in shape. Once the season ends, remove liners and footbeds, clean shells and soles, and let everything dry completely at room temperature. Reassemble the boots, buckle them loosely to help maintain their shape, and store them indoors in a cool, dry place — never a damp garage or loft. Avoid sealing boots in airtight bags, as trapped moisture can cause odours and damage liners over summer.

Final word

A little care between trips/seasons means:

• Warmer feet
• Better-fitting boots
• Less smell
• Longer-lasting liners and shells

And that makes every ski day more enjoyable.

Wondering if it’s time to take the plunge and buy your own boots? Check out our post here and get the answers to all your questions!