If wearing down the bottom of your expensive ski boots doesn't sound like a good idea, then sole protectors are just the thing for you. Recommended by all boot and binding manufactures because they help make our sport safer by preventing boot-binding malfunctions caused by dirt, gravel, asphalt and cement.

Sole protectors also make walking safer and easier on snow while protecting your boot soles. They easily attach before walking and then store conveniently in a pocket or waist pack when not being used.

Alpine Accessories offers two choices:

• Cat Tracks® that have small rubber pads at the heel and toe, and fold into a small pocket-sized bundle.
• SKiTRAX has a unique patented "Roll Sole" design that promotes a natural walking motion. Includes a storage and carry bag. 

Ski racks have a purpose other than looking good on your wall. When used with ski straps, ski racks prevent your edges from rusting. (And you know, rusty edges are a drag.) Also, skis that are stored upright preserves the camber for longer life and maximum performance.

Ski racks protect your floors and walls from scuffs and dents by suspending your equipment away from the wall and above the floor.

Ski racks make it easier to grab which pair of skis and poles you want. Verses having multiple pairs of skis and poles leaning in a corner and having to sort through the mess.

Alpine Accessories offers two choices:

• Boards up - a wall mounted wood rack that come in sizes to fit 2, 3 or 4 pair of skis. It has foam padding to protect your skis and extra pegs to hold poles, goggles, jackets, etc.
• Mohn - a floor rack is made of durable injected black plastic. This rack is made in the USA and requires absolutely no tools to assemble.     

Protect Our Winters (POW) Founder Jeremy Jones, 2006 Olympic Silver Medalist Gretchen Bleiler, World Champion Freeskier Chris Davenport, and Auden Schendler, vice president, sustainability, Aspen Skiing Company visited Washington DC to share their message about climate change's impact on the winter sports community and its accompanying $66 billion industry. The group, whose message is primarily couched in economic impacts, brought a letter signed by over 500 pro athletes, businesses, and influentials, and shared it with key members of the House and Senate.   Read more.

As you can see, protection comes in many forms and sizes. (Yeah, OK, get your mind out of the gutter... But then I guess I lead you there.) Other ways of protecting your ski equipment include:  

• Boot dryers to prevent mold and mildew
• Binding bags to prevent grime in your bindings  
• Ski locks to prevent theft