Storing alpine skis

Question
I understand a test for downhill skis lifespan is to check the camber.  If they lie flat and have no bowshape or curve when laid flat, the camber might be gone.  But I have always stored them with the brakes holding the skis together which flattens out the ski.  Have a wrecked the camber by storing them this way?  If they lie this flat on their own now, should I be looking at getting a replacement ski?  (I probably won't buy new; too expensive!)  I am an advanced intermediate and I ski mostly flats but fast, and some moguls.

Answer
Hey Joyce,

With todays newer ski shapes, camber is not so much of a factor. The 'shaping' of the ski with wider tips and tails has eliminated most of the camber factor. Storing them with the brakes holding them together is a very standard method of storage. There is usually just enough pressure there to hold the skis together but it is not really enough to affect the camber of the ski. The thing to watch for would be the performance of the skis, especially in the moguls. If they are turning well and responding quickly without a lot of extra effort on your part, then there is probably not a problem with the camber.

The best advice I can give for storing your skis between sessions is to stand them upright and apart to allow the snow and water to run off. Wipe the skis down with a dry towel to remove any remaining water to reduce the chance of surface rust on the edges. At the end of the season, get a fresh tune up to sharpen the edges and ask for a hot wax. Ask the shop to NOT remove the extra wax. Leaving the extra wax on the edges protects them form moisture and prevents surface rust. Shortly before the new season starts, take them back to the shop to have the extra wax removed and you are ready to ski.

Hope this helps.
Keep on skiing,
Windlover