How to Get Your Skis to the Mountain Without the Airport Hassle

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Flying with skis is a hassle. Bags get heavy, airlines charge fees that change, and a delayed bag can cost you a day on the snow. Shipping your gear ahead is a simple fix. Here is how to think about it, at three levels of effort.

Why ship instead of fly with it

Shipping means you walk through the airport carrying one small bag, and your skis meet you at your lodging. ShipSkis is one of our favorites for hassle-free ski travel, because they handle the pickup, packing options and delivery tracking. We wrote about them in a previous post. Their BOGO promotion has ended, but you can check current ShipSkis rates and offers on their site.

Lightest setup: skis and poles only

Ship just the skis and poles, and carry your boots on the plane. Boots are the hardest thing to replace and the most personal fit, so many skiers keep them close. Choose a padded ski shipping option so your skis arrive protected.

Middle setup: skis, poles and a boot bag

Add a boot bag and your helmet, and you have your full hard-gear kit moving ahead of you. Then you only carry clothing. Book your shipment early, because transit windows tighten around holidays.

Full setup: the whole kit

For a week-long trip, ship skis, boots, helmet and a duffel of gear, and travel with a carry-on. This costs more than shipping skis alone, but compare it against checked-bag fees and the risk of lost luggage before you decide. See how ShipSkis pricing stacks up for your route.

Bags that protect your gear

Whether you ship or fly, a good bag protects skis and boots. A padded sleeve is the lightest option, a rolling bag is easiest through airports, and a hard case adds the most protection. Prices and sales change, so check each page.

Ski bags

Atomic Ski Sleeve
Lightweight padded sleeve

Dakine Tram Ski Bag

Dakine Fall Line Ski Roller Bag
Wheels for airports

Sportube Series 2 hard travel case
Hard case for two pairs

Boot bags

KAVU Downhill Boot Bag

Dakine Boot 50L Pack

Thule RoundTrip 45L Boot Backpack

A shipping checklist

• Book at least a week before departure for domestic trips, and longer around holidays.
• Confirm that your lodging accepts deliveries and who signs for them.
• Take a photo of your gear before it ships.
• Ask about rates and transit times on the ShipSkis site, because they vary by route and season.

Great destinations to ship to

Shipping works well to big mountain destinations like Jackson Hole, Park City, Whistler Blackcomb and Big Sky. Pair your arrival with a lesson or a guide through MEETR so day one is productive.

Frequently asked questions

Is shipping skis worth it? 

For most flying trips it is worth comparing against airline fees and the hassle of carrying bags.

Can I ship boots too? 

Yes. Many skiers prefer to carry boots on the plane, but you can ship them with the rest of your luggage.

Next step

Skiing is more fun with a pro in your corner. Follow your resort on MEETR to get storm alerts and see the instructors and guides who work there, or, if you teach or guide, claim your free profile and get found by the people reading guides like this one.

MEETR is a marketplace for finding outdoor guides and instructors. Search by discipline and location, see the professional before you book, and plan the day with someone who knows the country you are standing in. Find your pro at meetr.pro.