Make Space in Your Garage: Alpine Skiing Necessities

Make Space in Your Garage: Alpine Skiing Necessities 

As the new year sneakily drifts into its second month, it's easy to let our resolutions take the backseat. Clearing out clutter is not only necessary this year, but it's also trendy! Surely, you've all seen the new Netflix series, Tidying Up. Clean out your garage this year by keeping only these skiing necessities. 

1. Rock Skis and Powder Skis 
Skis don't take up much space, so it's okay to hold on to more than one pair. That said, many of us likely have skis from 10 seasons ago that you just don't use often. Try to narrow it down to your go-to pair of older skis and your freshest pair. This will allow you to shred hard on the powder days without thrashing your good skis when the snow isn't great. 

2. Backcountry Boots and Big Mountain
Depending on your level of ability, you might need more than one pair of boots. That said, it's time to say "thanks and good riddance" to your vintage boots and broken buckles. Ski boots take up a good amount of space, so unless you need a pair of backcountry boots and big mountain boots, stick to just your best pair and rid yourself of the rest. 

3. Long Poles and Short Poles 
Ski poles are some of the easiest items to collect over time. They are inexpensive and every pair differs in height, weight, color, etc. That said, in order to get rid of junk in your garage, try to keep at MAXIMUM four pairs of alpine ski poles. One pair should be shorter, one pair longer, and a backup for each. Get rid of any dented/broken pairs and make room for other items from cluttered interior closets. 

4. One Helmet
You've probably collected a few helmets over time. It's easy to get a new one and hold onto the old one just in case someone might need to borrow one. That said, helmets take up a significant amount of space in storage containers and you can only wear one at a time. Do yourself a favor and keep your newest helmet (as long as it fits) and donate or throw out your old ones. 

5. One Pair of Goggles
Goggles are a collector's item. With new styles each year, it's easy to end up with four or five pairs over time. The best way to minimize clutter in the garage is to keep the pair that allows you to switch the lens and move on with the rest. It's much more efficient to store multiple lenses than multiple pairs of goggles. 

6. Two Pairs of Gloves 
I always have two pairs of gloves with me. Whether I keep them in my backcountry bag or stash a pair in my bag on the mountain, it's important to have an extra. Everyone knows that cold hands mean a hard day. Gloves are easy enough to store, but you definitely don't need 10 pairs in your garage. 

7. The Extra Clothing
Face masks, jackets, socks, soft shells, ski pants, etc., can all take up a significant amount of storage space, especially when you have more than one of each. Try to condense to one (two max.) of each pair of these and store them in properly labeled storage containers.  

When you ski every day, it's easy to stock up on too much gear. Kick off 2019 by clearing out your garage. Whether it's to buy new gear or create more space for other items, there's never been a better time to clean your garage.