Whether you're bombing black diamonds or braving subzero job sites, your gear takes a beating in winter. Harsh conditions, daily wear, and poor storage habits can shorten the life of even high-end equipment — fast.
But here’s the good news: with a few simple habits and strategic upgrades, you can make your gear last longer, perform better, and stay warmer.
Below is a breakdown by category — including ski boots, snowboard gear, heated insoles, jackets, and more — to help you protect your investment and keep your setup in peak shape.
🥾 Boots & Heated Insoles
Common Failures:
- Cracked soles
- Broken lacing systems
- Mold growth from trapped moisture
- Worn-out insulation or toe warmers that stop working mid-day
How to Make Them Last:
- Dry thoroughly after every use. Use a boot dryer or stuff with newspaper (swap paper every few hours).
- Remove and clean heated insoles. For modular styles like ELOS Heating Insoles, take out the heat packets and gently wipe the foam shell. Never submerge electrical components.
- Store with shape retainers or loosely stuffed to maintain form.
- Avoid disposable heated foot inserts that degrade quickly. Opt for reusable, trim-to-fit thermal shoe inserts built to last.
Pro Tip: Recharge your heated ski boot inserts monthly during the off-season to protect battery life.
🎿 Skis & Snowboards
Common Failures:
- Edge rust
- Delamination
- Dry, slow bases
How to Make Them Last:
- Wipe them down immediately after use — especially near metal edges.
- Hot wax regularly during the season and apply a storage wax at the end of winter.
- Store in a temperature-stable room, never a hot garage or freezing shed.
- Loosen bindings to relieve pressure on the inserts and deck.
Pro Tip: Write your last service date on a piece of painter’s tape and stick it on the base. You'll know exactly when it’s time for a tune-up.
🧥 Snow Jackets & Technical Outerwear
Common Failures:
- Fading waterproofing
- Torn seams
- Insulation clumping
How to Make Them Last:
- Wash sparingly using detergent designed for waterproof fabrics (like Nikwax or Granger’s).
- Tumble dry on low with a few tennis balls to restore insulation loft.
- Reapply DWR coating to maintain water resistance every few washes.
- Store hanging up — not crushed in a tote.
Pro Tip: Turn jackets inside out when drying. This reduces UV damage to the outer shell and speeds up dry time.
🧤 Gloves, Socks & Base Layers
Common Failures:
- Flattened insulation
- Holes in high-friction areas
- Loss of elasticity
How to Make Them Last:
- Wash cold and air-dry. High heat kills stretch and destroys technical fabrics.
- Rotate between two or more pairs. This gives the materials time to rest and recover.
- Use liners to reduce sweat absorption in gloves.
Pro Tip: Never ball up your ski socks in the drawer — it damages the fibers. Fold or hang instead.
🔋 Thermal Accessories (Insoles, Hand Warmers, Battery Packs)
Common Failures:
- Dead batteries
- Short circuits from moisture
- Overheating or inconsistent heat output
How to Make Them Last:
- Choose modular over disposable. Reusable systems like ELOS Thermal Shoe Inserts separate the heating element from the insole itself — so you only replace the heat, not the whole unit.
- Store batteries in climate-controlled spaces. Charge to ~50% every 2 months during summer.
- Keep dry and never leave inside boots overnight if moisture is present.
Pro Tip: Check your heated insoles' voltage requirements before charging with third-party cables — mismatches can shorten lifespan or void warranties.
Final Thoughts: Invest Once. Maintain Often.
You don't need to rebuy everything each winter. A little attention to drying, cleaning, and storage habits — paired with gear that’s built to last — can easily double the lifespan of your setup.
And if you’re still relying on single-use toe warmers or throwaway insoles, it might be time to upgrade. ELOS Heated Insoles use a modular, reusable system that’s better for your boots, your wallet, and the planet.
Warmth that lasts. Gear that keeps up. That’s how you make winter work for you.