How to travel with ski or snowboard gear
Let’s face it, even if we love our local ski resort, we all dream of going to see if the snow is whiter on other mountains. Regardless of where your dream happens – La Grave, Whistler, Alaska, Japan or a mountain with an unpronounceable name above a lost valley somewhere in the Himalaya – you’ll need to get there with your ski or snowboard equipment and the adventure often begins with booking your airline or train tickets! With the help of our sponsored athletes, we’ve compiled some logistical advice that will help you travel with confidence with your ski and snowboard gear.
Finding the best ski or snowboard bag
Select a ski or snowboard bag based on transportation type: opt for heavy padding and a durable exterior for air travel to shield against rough handling. For car travel, a lighter, less bulky bag is adequate. Ensure the bag fits your gear’s length and width. Wheeled bags offer convenience and ease in airports. For personal handling, consider bags with multiple carrying options like shoulder straps or backpack straps. Check for additional features like pockets for tools and clothes to keep everything organized.
Common policies and fees for ski and snowboard baggage on airlines, trains, and buses
Airlines typically allow ski and snowboard bags as checked baggage, often treating a bag and a boot bag as one item if under weight limits. Excess fees apply for additional or overweight bags. Trains are more lenient with space but require compact packing to fit in designated areas. Buses vary widely; some allow such large items in undercarriage storage, possibly with extra fees, while others have strict size restrictions. Always verify specific carrier policies before travel to avoid surprises.
Travelling by plane with ski gear
Each airline has its own policy for transporting ski or snowboard equipment. That’s why it’s important to check directly with the company in question and check in your luggage as soon as possible to avoid unpleasant surprises when you arrive at the airport. Keep in mind that an additional fee is usually charged for any additional baggage.
Airlines classify baggage into four groups:
- Checked bags that are included with your ticket: your suitcase or travel bag with some of your equipment.
- Additional checked bags or special baggage: your ski/snowboard bag and your boot bag.
- Carry-on bags or hand luggage: your backpack, a small suitcase or your boot bag
- Personal item: small backpack or small bag that you keep with you or in the near vicinity during the flight.
Ski bags & backpacks for Women
Once again, be sure to find out how many bags you can take (either free of charge or with an additional fee) on your flight as well as the size and weight limits allowed for each category of bag.
Depending on your destination, renting some of your equipment when you get there might be something to consider, especially if you also plan to do some travelling outside the ski resort. In some resorts, there are agreements between accommodation providers and rental shops that provide the opportunity to test the latest equipment at a competitive rate. Having said that, we still recommend bringing your own ski boots or snowboard boots that you’re already accustomed to because they only take a small amount of space in your luggage and your comfort will be guaranteed.
To transport your ski or snowboard equipment safely and efficiently, invest in a ski bag whose dimensions fall within the requirements of most airlines (total dimensions less than 300cm). Bags with wheels are always helpful for getting through airports and city streets with less effort, even in the middle of winter. Once your skis and/or snowboard are properly secured and protected, fill the rest of your ski bag with as much gear as possible without exceeding the airline’s weight limit for each bag (generally between 20kg to 30kg depending on the airline and flight). Packing your ski clothing in your ski bag is a perfect way to provide additional protection for your skis or board while at the same time freeing up additional space in your travel bag. Finally, your ski bag is also the best place for poles, shovel, probe, avalanche transceiver and climbing skins. In snowboard bags, you can optimize space and better protect your board by removing your bindings.
Boot bags are generally not considered to be checked baggage if they are accompanied by skis or a snowboard. Don’t hesitate to slide a few pair of long ski socks into your ski or snowboard boots in order to save some space!
Hot tip: if your luggage gets lost you can always rent skis, but you won’t be able to replace your custom-fit ski boots. So for added security, carry your ski boots on the plane with you as hand luggage whenever you can. Boot bags usually fit the dimensions required for hand luggage and you can pack your fragile items inside like your helmet, goggles, sunglasses and electronic devices.
Sunglasses, ski goggles and other accessories… To prevent small, fragile equipment from breaking, keep it in the hand luggage (like your backpack or boot bag) that you carry with you onto the plane during your flight. Backpacks with avalanche airbags, regardless of the technology used, are considered “dangerous goods” but are generally accepted under certain conditions. Remember to check with the airline before departure and, if possible, ask for written authorization to facilitate your check-in before the flight.If your ski or snowboard equipment is lost or damaged during air travel, immediately report the issue to the airline's baggage service counter before leaving the airport. File a claim, providing all necessary documentation and details. Follow up regularly and check your travel insurance for potential compensation coverage.
Taking skis on a train or bus
On a train or bus, a good travel ski bag with wheels will always be your best travel companion. There are generally no restrictions for this type of bag so you can take the opportunity to fill up a larger bag. However, some low-cost carriers might apply a modest supplement to the base price of the ticket. The baggage compartments on buses are generally well suited for ski equipment, but you should still make sure that everything is well protected.
Transporting your ski gear by car
A car can be used for almost any ski trip, and it quickly becomes essential for getting you to the snow that you’ve dreamed so much about. However, whether you’re starting a road trip from home or renting a car from a train station or airport, the lack of space can quickly become a problem! So be sure to book a car model that’s large enough or consider getting the roof rack option and roof box which will increase your carrying capacity.
During your winter sports vacation, you might encounter snow on the road. Make sure your rental vehicle is equipped with winter tires or at the very least, a set of snow chains.
Taking a ski trip by bicycle
Bikes are being used more and more to get to the best snow. You might not be able to cross oceans with it but when used in conjunction with a train a bicycle can open up unexpected possibilities and surprisingly effective mobility. You’ll only be able to take the essentials but when your bike is well equipped, it can easily transport your ski gear.
Another advantage of biking is not having to hunt for a parking space and with an electric bike you can get as close as possible to the shred without even breaking a sweat! Are the roads covered in snow? If so, good tires will get you almost anywhere as long as a little slipping and sliding doesn’t scare you.
The most beautiful experiences often happen right on our doorstep and cycling is an excellent way to rediscover your local mountains as well as explore a neighboring range more closely. Why not give an adventure like this a try?
Travel insurance and shipping services for ski and snowboard trips
For ski and snowboard trips, choose travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and specifically, gear loss or damage. Also, consider policies that include coverage for sports-related injuries and ski pass reimbursement if you cannot ski due to illness, injury, or inclement weather.
Shipping services like Ship Skis simplify international travel by handling the logistics of transporting ski and snowboard equipment. They manage customs paperwork and ensure equipment complies with local regulations, providing a hassle-free experience. These services also allow travelers to avoid carrying heavy gear across different modes of transportation.
To learn more, check out our alpine skiing Stories & Guides page.