While you don't typically "tie" ski brakes in the sense of using knots, you often need to secure them in the up position. This is usually done using a simple retaining strap or a thick rubber band. Securing your ski brakes is a common practice before storing your skis, waxing them, or packing them for transport.
Why Secure Your Ski Brakes Up?
Ski brakes are designed to deploy automatically when your boot releases from the binding, digging into the snow to stop a runaway ski. However, for certain tasks or storage, you need to keep the brakes retracted against the ski.
Here are the main reasons:
- Waxing: To access the base of the ski without the brakes getting in the way.
- Storage: Keeping the brakes retracted can prevent them from getting bent or damaged and makes skis easier to handle.
- Transport: Securing brakes makes skis more compact and prevents them from snagging on bags or other gear.
Common Methods for Securing Ski Brakes
The most straightforward ways to keep your ski brakes up are:
1. Using Ski Brake Retainer Straps
These are specialized straps, often made of velcro or strong elastic with a clip, designed specifically for this purpose.
- How to use:
- Press the brake arms firmly upwards, retracting them against the ski.
- Wrap the retainer strap around the binding and over the secured brake arms.
- Fasten the strap (usually velcro or a simple hook/loop).
- Ensure the brakes remain held snugly against the ski.
2. Using Thick Rubber Bands
Heavy-duty rubber bands are a readily available alternative to dedicated straps.
- How to use:
- Lift the brake arms up against the ski.
- Stretch a thick rubber band around the binding, looping it over the secured brake arms one or more times until they are held firmly in place.
- Double-check that the brakes are flush with the ski base or binding.
3. Other Methods
While less common for everyday use, some people might use other temporary solutions like strong tape or even a piece of string, although specialized straps or rubber bands are safer and easier on the binding components.
Important Note: Always remember to remove any strap or band used to secure your brakes before skiing! Skiing with brakes secured up is dangerous as they will not deploy if you fall, allowing your ski to slide away uncontrollably.
After securing your ski brakes, you might proceed with packing your gear. As demonstrated in some guides on preparing for a ski holiday, like packing a ski bag, actions you might take include sliding items over your skis and putting items like socks or base layers ("grundy undies") inside your ski boots before placing them in the bag. ([Reference: Part of a video titled How to pack a ski bag for your ski holiday - YouTube 0:08 - 1:23]) This helps save space and protect your boots. Securing your brakes is a practical step to take before you start organizing your skis and boots for transport or storage in this manner.
