Living in Montana means embracing long winters, deep powder days, and that unmistakable excitement when the first snow hits the mountains. For many homeowners in Bozeman and Big Sky, skiing and snowboarding aren’t just seasonal hobbies—they’re part of everyday life from November to April (and sometimes longer). But with all that winter gear comes the challenge of storing it. Skis, snowboards, poles, boots, helmets, and backpacks can pile up quickly, especially in garages or mudrooms that are already working overtime.
At Montana Home Services, we love helping clients find simple, affordable ways to keep their gear organized and ready for the next adventure. One recent project gave us the chance to transform a worn-down section of a client’s garage into a durable, rustic, fully functional ski and snowboard storage wall. This custom rack was designed using reclaimed and leftover materials the homeowner already had—a great way to save money, reduce waste, and give new life to pieces otherwise collecting dust.
What started as a beat-up garage wall is now a tidy, attractive storage system that keeps all their winter gear in one place and out of the way. Here’s how we built it.
Starting With a Clean Slate: Sheetrock Repair and Patchwork
Before we could build anything, we had to tackle the wall itself. Like many garages, this one had seen better days. Dings, cracks, gouges, and old mounting holes covered the sheetrock. Over time, the damage had built up to the point where the wall didn’t just look rough—it wasn’t structurally ready to support the weight of skis and snowboards.
We began by doing extensive sheetrock repair. This included:
- Patching large holes
- Filling in damaged areas
- Reinforcing weak spots
- Sanding everything smooth for an even finish
Though it’s not the glamorous part of the job, proper prep work is what makes the final product solid and long-lasting. A storage rack is only as good as the wall it’s mounted on, especially when it’s supporting heavy items like skis and snowboards. Once the wall was smooth and secure, we were ready to move on to the fun part.
Adding Character With Tongue-and-Groove Siding
Rather than reinstalling plain drywall or painting over the patched surface, the homeowner asked for something more durable and visually appealing. They wanted the space to feel upgraded—not just repaired. And since this was a mountain home with natural, rustic accents, tongue-and-groove siding was the perfect fit.
We installed tongue-and-groove boards across the entire wall, instantly giving it a warm, lodge-like look. Not only does the siding make the space more attractive, but it also protects the wall from future dings and impact, something that’s especially important in garages where gear gets moved around frequently.
The transformation at this point was already dramatic. What was once a beat-up section of the garage now looked like a mountain cabin entryway. But there was still more to build.
A Custom ski and Snowboard Rack Built From Rough-Cut Lumber
For the actual ski and snowboard rack, we used rough-cut lumber that the homeowner had left over from various other projects. Rough-cut wood has a rugged, authentic look that fits perfectly with Montana’s mountain aesthetic. Using reclaimed materials also kept the cost down and reduced waste—both things the client really cared about.
We began by measuring the homeowners’ gear collection: skis, snowboards, poles, and accessories. Every family stores their winter equipment differently, so we wanted to build a rack tailored exactly to their needs. The design included:
- Vertical supports cut from rough lumber
- Angled arms sturdy enough to hold heavier boards
- Lower-level supports for skis and poles
- Spacing ideal for quick access and easy storage
One of the benefits of using reclaimed wood is its natural character—knots, texture, slight variations in color. We sanded the surfaces lightly to remove splinters but left much of the texture intact to retain the rustic look. Every piece was securely mounted into studs through the new tongue-and-groove siding, ensuring maximum strength and stability.
Because garage humidity and temperature can fluctuate, especially in Montana winters, we built the rack with durability in mind. The rough-cut lumber handles these changes well and will hold up season after season.
A Functional, Beautiful Upgrade to a Previously Neglected Wall
When everything was finished, the result was more than just a storage rack—it was an entirely refreshed part of the garage. The wall that once looked worn out and tired now feels intentional, inviting, and built for adventure.
The homeowner now has a dedicated place for:
- Skis
- Snowboards
- Poles
- Helmets
- Backpacks
- Seasonal gear
Everything is easy to reach, neatly organized, and off the floor. No more clutter, no more digging through piles of equipment before a day on the slopes.
And because the whole project used leftover and reclaimed materials, it didn’t just look great—it came with a story and a sense of sustainability.
Why Custom Storage Is Worth the Investment
Ski and snowboard collections tend to grow over time, especially for families living near Bridger Bowl or Big Sky. Having a custom-built rack makes a huge difference in how you use your garage or mudroom.
Here are a few reasons homeowners love projects like this:
1. Keeps gear in great condition
Skis and boards stored improperly can warp or get scratched. A proper rack extends the life of your equipment.
2. Reduces clutter
No more tripping over skis or leaning boards against the wall where they can fall.
3. Makes gear accessible
Before heading out for first chair, everything is right where it should be.
4. Adds value to the home
Functional, well-built storage is something buyers always appreciate.
5. Reclaimed materials add charm and sustainability
Using leftover materials reduces waste and adds character you can’t buy at a store.
Ready to Upgrade Your Winter Gear Storage?
At Montana Home Services, we specialize in custom, practical builds—from ski racks and mudroom storage to shelving, garage upgrades, and creative carpentry solutions. Whether you want a small improvement or a complete transformation, we can help turn your space into something functional and tailored to your lifestyle.
If you live in Bozeman, Big Sky, or the surrounding areas and need a custom ski and snowboard storage rack—or any custom home improvement project—reach out today. Let’s build something that makes your home work better for the Montana lifestyle you love.