Whether you’re going across the country or internationally, packing ski gear for a trip is no small task. Skiing is a gear-intensive sport so traveling with all of that gear takes some thoughtful planning. With our expert knowledge and tips, you’ll learn how to pack ski gear and travel in confidence.
The first thing you should consider is how you will be traveling with your boots. Are you going to use it as a carry-on when travelling to far-flung ski destinations? Or are you in need of a boot bag to easily transport ski boots to and from your local resort? If you’ll be flying with your boots, you’ll also want to consider what ski bag you’ll be travelling with. Many ski bags include a detachable boot bag that functions on its own or packed with skis.
Ski boot bags come in two configurations: backpack-style bags and cross-body bags. Both styles can be purchased in padded or non-padded options. If your ski bag has additional room for accessories, a more minimalist bag may be the best option for you.
If you’re looking for a high-tech boot bag—you’ll want to check out heated boot bags. These top-of-the-line bags keep your boots warm when you’re enroute to the slopes. Some of these heated bags even feature a heated pad that you can stand on as you boot up. While more full-featured boot bags can be a great investment, you’ll want to verify they meet your airline’s carry-on standards.
Choosing the right luggage for ski trips is an important decision. Choosing the wrong ski bag can result in frustrating airport experiences at best and damaged gear at worst. In order to choose the right ski bag, you need to first examine your needs. Do you want to just carry a single pair of skis? Two pairs? Snowboards? Both? Or maybe you’d like to pack some jackets and gear in there, too?
One of the primary attributes of a ski bag is wheels—some come with them, some without. If you’re traveling with multiple pairs of skis or additional gear, you’ll want to get a ski bag with wheels. Otherwise, you’ll be lugging bulky ski gear around the airport and to your destination.
Storage space is another key feature to consider when shopping for ski bags. Some bags come with ample pockets for gloves, beanies, and other small items along with your skis. If you want ample room to pack ski clothing and accessories, consider a larger ski bag to maximize space.
Additionally, you’ll want to think about how much protection you’ll want for your skis. Some ski bags come in a hardshell construction, that provides the utmost in protection. However, these hardshell options cannot be packed down when not in use and are much heavier than a softshell bag.
Packing all your ski gear for a trip across the country or internationally is no small task. The most important item for air travel is a boot bag. A boot bag provides an easy solution for carrying your boots, so you don’t have to sling ski boots over your backpack.
It’s important to carry on your boots for the plane ride since they are the most important piece of gear for a ski trip. The benefit of bringing your ski boot bag as a carry-on is you’ll have boots that fit you and match your skiing style in the event your luggage is lost by the airline. You can always rent skis and other equipment at your destination, but your ski boots are a highly personalized piece of equipment you’ll need during your ski trip.
As you pack your skis, use heli straps to secure them together and ensure you don’t have individual skis clanging around during transport. Once you’ve put the skis in the bag, if possible, line them with jackets or some type of soft clothing. This can further pad your skis and prevent damage. Lastly, use the compression straps in the bag to make sure everything is secure. Movement can cause damage, so it’s worth your time to make sure everything in the ski bag is synched down as much as possible.
It is also important to try and weigh your bags before heading to the airport. Each airline has weight limits and how much they will charge you depends on the weight of the bag. To ensure that you pay as little as possible, or are at least aware of the charges heading your way, try and weigh all of your bags before heading to the airport.
And finally, most helmet manufacturers recommend that you should not check your helmet when flying. Helmets can only take so many impacts, and if you check your helmet, you won’t know if your helmet sustained any serious damage during transit. For peace of mind, it’s always a good idea to either bring your helmet in your carry-on bag or plan to rent at your destination.
Whether you’re road tripping or just driving to your local ski resort, packing your car properly can help save wear and tear on your vehicle and prolong the life of your ski gear. The first major question for packing ski gear is whether or not to get a roof rack. Many people opt for a rooftop box that can hold skis and poles and works for summer road trips as well.
The benefit of a rooftop box over an exposed rooftop ski rack is the box protects your skis from road spray and salt while keeping skis out of sight of potential thieves. The major con of a roof box is gas mileage. Another option for the roof is a traditional ski rack. Rack mounts attach to crossbars and can typically hold 4 pairs of skis. While your skis will be exposed to the elements with this type of rack, they are slightly less detrimental to your car’s gas mileage.
When packing smaller items such as goggles, clothes, and boots, make sure to leave the most important items accessible. Opening the trunk only to have to dig through jackets to find your gloves is not ideal. When placing your boots in the car, remember to keep them in a warm spot. Warm boots feel good and are much easier to get on.
Protecting your goggles while driving is one of the most important tips. Placing your goggles in a soft goggle case and then securing them in a safe spot is typically the easiest way to transport goggles without adding scratches. If you’re travelling with camera equipment and GoPros, be sure to keep them in a warm place, so you don’t reach your destination to find all your batteries were drained by the cold temperatures.
Now that you have some foundational knowledge of how-to best pack ski gear, you can plan global ski trips with ease.
By Jans Experts