The first chilly mornings, the first snowflakes on the peaks: Autumn is the ideal time to get your ski equipment ready. With the right pre-season checklist, ski equipment can be checked, serviced and supplemented in good time, from skis and bindings to ski boots and suitable ski clothing. Those who invest a little time in autumn will not suddenly be faced with broken bindings or leaky jackets on the first day of snow. Here are the most important steps for a smooth start to the ski season.
The Skis Themselves
After last season, skis are often stored in the cellar unsharpened. Rust on the edges and a dry, scratched base are normal, but should be treated before the first use. A professional service with edge grinding and waxing is almost always worthwhile, even with only minor signs of wear. Equally important are the bindings. They are safety-relevant and should be checked annually, especially the release value. Specialist shops usually offer this as part of their autumn service, and those who adjust them themselves without the necessary experience take an unnecessary risk. Ski boots also deserve a look. The foot changes slightly over the years, and a boot that fit last season may now pinch. Those who try them on in good time have enough time to have adjustments made if necessary, before the first days on the slopes.
The Clothing
The jacket's waterproofing also wears off over time. A simple test shows whether it's time for a refresh: drip water onto the jacket. If it no longer beads off but soaks into the fabric, it should be re-waterproofed. Minor damage to zippers or seams can still be repaired calmly in autumn, while during the season itself there is often no time for this. Those who rethink their layering system will be better off in the long run than with a single thick jacket. Base layer, mid-layer and outer shell can be flexibly adapted to different temperatures, instead of needing a new garment for every condition. Gloves and a hat should not be forgotten, often the most neglected parts of the equipment. Yet, cold hands and ears are one of the most common reasons to end a ski day earlier than planned.
The checklist to tick off
Where can you ski first in Switzerland in 2026?
For those who can hardly wait, there's no need to wait until Christmas. Thanks to the glacier slopes, skiing is possible almost all year round at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise in Zermatt and in Saas-Fee. Among the classic ski resorts, Engelberg kicks off the season with a planned start on October 10, 2026. Shortly thereafter, Mürren-Schilthorn and Aeschi in the Bernese Oberland follow on November 1, Davos Klosters on November 6, and Verbier and Arosa Lenzerheide on November 7. These dates are planned values and may shift depending on snow conditions.
Conclusion
The best time for ski preparation is not the first day of snow, but the quiet autumn weeks before. Those who go through their equipment and clothing now will save themselves stress and additional costs once the season starts, and will be ready as soon as the first lift opens.
