Prepping gear for your first day back on the slopes!

Prepping gear for your first day back on the slopes!

How to Prep Your Gear for the First Snow Day

Fire on the Mountain • Dover, NH

The first real snow day always sneaks up fast. Nothing is worse than grabbing your skis or board and realizing something is off. Dull edges, sticky bases, missing gloves, or boots that feel tighter than you remember can ruin a day before it starts. A little prep now makes your first few runs a lot smoother.

Here is a simple checklist to get your gear ready.

1. Check Your Skis or Snowboard

Look over your setup before you head to the mountain.

  • Edges: if they look dull or rusty, you will struggle on hardpack

  • Base: dry white patches mean you need wax

  • Damage: scratches, core shots, or lifted edges should be repaired before the season starts

If you are unsure what you need, bring your gear into the shop. We can take a quick look and tell you exactly what would help.

2. Get a Fresh Wax

Wax is not just for racers. It helps every rider.

A fresh wax improves:

  • Glide

  • Turning

  • Base protection, especially early season when coverage is thin

If your last wax was last winter, it is time for another.

3. Make Sure Your Bindings Are Safe

Bindings can shift over time. Springs loosen, screws move, and settings may not match your current weight or ability.

Before opening day:

  • Tighten loose screws

  • Make sure toe and heel pieces move correctly

  • Check that your DIN settings are correct for you

If anything feels odd, come in for a quick binding check.

4. Try On Your Boots Before the First Day

Boots feel different after sitting all summer.

  • Wear them at home for ten to fifteen minutes

  • Make sure the liner still feels supportive

  • Look for pressure points

  • Check buckles, straps, and BOA systems

If something feels off, small adjustments or a liner refresh can make a big difference.

5. Wash or Replace Your Layers

Good layers make or break a ski day.

  • Wash base layers to restore the fabric

  • Check socks for worn out areas

  • Make sure you have a warm midlayer for cold mornings

A small upgrade here can improve comfort all season.

6. Organize Your Accessories

This is the gear that is always missing when the first storm hits.

  • Gloves

  • Goggles and extra lenses

  • Helmet

  • Neck warmers

  • Beanies

  • Hand warmers

Check for cracks, fogging, or stretched out materials.

7. Do a Simple Safety Check

Early season can be unpredictable.

Pack:

  • A charged phone

  • Water

  • A small kit with a scraper, snacks, and an extra layer

  • Backcountry gear if you are venturing off trail, along with the education to use it

Final Tip: Do Not Wait Until Opening Day

Once the first snow falls, everyone shows up at the same time. If you get your tune or boot work done early, you will avoid the rush and be ready to go.

Stop by Fire on the Mountain and we will check over your setup, tune what needs tuning, and help you get winter ready.

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