It had snowed. About time, too. Up to this point, the weather gods had simply been fooling with us all winter. Now, it was as if they had suddenly decided to show us what they could really do: “How about heading out early tomorrow to a powder day?” Just like that, right in the middle of the week? Well, why not! After all, life is too short to pass up a rare chance like this. And I’m self-employed - I can always work late on another day to make up for it. Done!

Musty ski clothing and rusty skis

With very little time remaining prior to the planned “alpine start”, I started to stress about preparation. Having recently moved, I had very little idea where my ski gear may have ended up in the new house, to say nothing of the condition it might be in. And, as it turns out, there is a price to be paid for having just put the skis away in a corner after the last ski day: The edges of my skis were covered with flecks of rust. My ski clothing and boots were musty smelling, and my gloves were nowhere to be found. This just isn’t like me - I normally make sure my gear is well maintained and taken care of. As a child, I learned the hard way from strict coaches on the ski team who would send us home from practice if we showed up on the slopes with skis that were inadequately prepared. Oh, well, sometimes life has other priorities. Poorly performing skis are one thing, being cold is something else entirely. My favourite ski pants are from the Peak Performance brand, and are made of one of the first generation GORE-TEX softshell fabrics. They still look perfect, but the face fabric now tends to absorb moisture from the surface of chair lifts all too well; they should have been washed and waterproofed long ago. I will just have to put up with the chilling cold that affects your entire body in that situation. And I will have to put up with the fact that the others will just shoot past me on the run-outs on their freshly waxed skis, too. Sometimes there are no other options, but here is my recommendation: If you want to be ready for the snow you have been longing for, it’s important to check out and maintain your gear in advance. And it’s just as important not to simply toss it into a corner after use.

Here are the most important to-do items for a perfect powder day

Hardware: If you don’t want to maintain your skis or snowboard yourself, you should get them professionally tuned at least once per season. This will cost between 20 and 30 Euros - you can find DSV (German Ski Association)-certified ski workshops in speciality stores online. The shop can check the proper function and release ability of your bindings and the condition of the soles of your ski boots (so remember to take your ski boots with you!). Incorrectly adjusted bindings are one of the most common causes of injuries in skiing. In addition to correctly adjusted bindings, sharp edges and waxed bases are essential. This will not only guarantee you have the most fun, it will also increase your safety on the piste. A well-maintained ski will glide better, is easier to turn and easier to control. During the season and while you are on a ski holiday, you can keep your skis or board in shape with liquid waxes and polishing blocks. After a day of skiing, dry your skis and bindings (never leave the bases exposed to full sun!) and store them in a dry place. Dry your ski boots (if necessary, pull out the liners), and then store them with the buckles closed in a dry place. Then warm them up in a warm room prior to skiing. Clothing: Does everything still fit? Like your ski gear, it is worth giving your clothing a thorough inspection for fit and function before a big ski day - especially children! When you are already out on the slopes, discovering that the waistband snap doesn't work or that your ski pants keep slipping down is really frustrating. After your final ski day of the season, it is really important not only to wash your ski clothing correctly, but also to waterproof the garments. My favourite GORE-TEX ski pants are a light colour and, thus, they show dirt and stains easily, especially given that I use them for high-intensity, sweaty ski touring. However, they have survived being washed many times at 40°C on a gentle cycle (never using fabric softeners).

Washing garments not only keeps them clean, it also maintains their breathability. Otherwise, the pores of this durably waterproof and windproof breathable membrane can become clogged with sweat and dirt. To prevent moisture from being absorbed by the face fabric, which would make the pants heavy and uncomfortable, I waterproof them after they have been washed using a silicone-free impregnation spray specifically designed for GORE-TEX products. After that, I tumble them dry. The heat of the dryer activates the waterproofing agents and thus renews the waterproofness. After skiing, always make sure that clothing is thoroughly dry before storing the garments. If you would like to know more about care of GORE-TEX clothing, you can read up here. Accessories: Do I have all the accessories I need? “Winter athletes should take the initiative and decide for themselves which accessories are important”, says DSV safety expert, Andreas König. Above all, for those adrenaline junkies who are heading for terrain parks, back protectors are strongly recommended. Whether in the park or on the piste, a well-fitting helmet, a pair of goggles or sunglasses with UVA & UVB protection, and sunscreen with a high UPF rating are essential. And for those who are heading into the backcountry or side country, make sure to pack avalanche safety gear (transceiver, shovel, probe) and a first-aid kit that includes an emergency blanket. Take the time to practice with your avalanche gear before you go.