Storage outside in the snow

[mmclean]

The garage I stored my ski in last year is not available this winter. I have a family cottage with plenty of space, but no shelter, and they typically get around 5 ft of snow up there.
I've thought about building a simple structure out of wood, but I've never done that before and I'm almost out of time.
I've thought about getting one of those 'portable garages', but I'm not confident that it can handle the snow load (and they're not as 'portable' as I'd like it to be).
I've also thought of just wrapping it in some tarps really tight and sticking it under some trees, but I'm not sure if the handles/mirrors can handle the load of the snow. Also mice/racoons are of concern.

Does anyone have any experience with storing their ski outside in the snow for the winter?

 

[Seadoobuddy]

I keep mine outside all winter, although it may not be as harsh as your Canadian winters. I shrink wrap it, for you I would put 1-2 small baggies of moth balls in the boat to keep away mice and other critters.
If you get a shelter buy one with 1-1/2 to 2 inch steel poles and enough cross pieces to keep the weight of the snow.

 

[PeterC4]

I (actually the service I use does it) store the Sea-Doos outside. They are winterized, Shrink Wrapped then summarized and ready to go. Never had a problem. I don't know all the steps they take but like I said, the seem unaffected by the weather.

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

If you store it moored in the water then make sure the above waterline thru-hulls don't leak, otherwise the weight of the snow will test them for you.

Why not just store the ski in your living room during winter where you can polish it occasionally?

Seriously though, five outdoor horse stall panels that lock together and some tin roofing sheets makes for a good sturdy place to store stuff like that and it's all easily broken down and transported in the rear of a trailer or pickup. Three are attached together to make the drive-in perimeter and the remaining two are laid across the top with roofing panels on top of them.

It's not pretty, but it works really well and it's portable.

 

[mmclean]

If the outdoor storage places just shrink-wrap it and leave it outside without any bracing, then I may just try to wrap it really tight in some tarps and put it under some trees. I'd try the mothballs too.

 

[Coastiejoe]

If I was in a position that I MUST store them outside, I would have them shrunk wrapped.

 

[red2blue]

+17 for shrink wrap....to include the pump area and tunnel.

 

[Coastiejoe]

+17 for shrink wrap....to include the pump area and tunnel.

I would do the entire ski.

Jack it up and slide the wrap under it. This would keep critters out.