How To Travel with Ski Equipment

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or this is your first ski trip, traveling with ski equipment can often feel like a daunting task; with challenges from airport regulations to the logistics of transporting bulky gear. All too often, we hear horror stories about skis getting broken, bindings getting cut in half, or worse, being lost altogether, with no hope of getting them in time for the trip you’ve been planning for months!

We're here to tell you – we’ve seen it all and have options to avoid the mishaps altogether, allowing you to focus on what really matters—enjoying the slopes and creating unforgettable memories. From selecting the right bag for your traveling style to mastering packing techniques that maximize space, every detail matters. Whether you choose to travel with your equipment or you decide to ship ahead, understanding the rules can help you avoid unnecessary stress.

Choosing the Right Protection for Your Ski Equipment

A good travel bag can make a major difference when traveling. On the market for ski and snowboard travel luggage there are two major options – soft bags and hard cases. When choosing between the two, it’s important to consider the unique advantages each option offers and how you will be traveling to your destination.

Soft bags are typically lighter and more flexible, making them easy to store and carry, especially in small spaces like car trunks. They often include extra pockets for accessories and sometimes cost less than hard cases but may not provide the same level of protection. While they are not typically covered by airlines if damage occurs, soft bags make a great option for daily use and car travel.

Hard cases are designed with superior durability in mind, offering the highest level of protection for your skis and snowboards. While they can be slightly heavier than soft bags, Sportube cases feature a collapsible design that reduces their storage footprint when not in use. A hard case is our preferred choice for air travel.

Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your travel style and the level of protection you seek for your gear.

Features - When choosing a bag or case, look for features like sturdy wheels and ergonomic handles to make transport easy and comfortable. Ideally, these components should be replaceable, which extends the product’s life and saves you money by allowing repairs instead of replacing the entire bag or case. For added security, TSA-approved locks are also a smart choice.

Check the dimensions - Keep in mind how many skis or boards you’ll want to bring with you and the length of your gear to ensure you get the appropriate size bag or case.

Packing Tips

When it comes to traveling with ski equipment, packing your boots in your carry-on rather than checking them can make a world of difference. While most airlines will allow you to check skis and boots as one item, your ski boots are not only essential for a successful day on the slopes, but they also represent a significant investment. By keeping them with you, you can ensure they remain safe from potential damage or loss that can occur when checking a bag.

Pro-tip – add a tracking tag to your bag or case makes for an easy way to follow along with where your bag is in the airport. Tags can help airlines with locating your equipment if it does get lost.

Navigating Airline Regulations

Flying with ski and snowboard gear can be tricky, as each airline has their own rules for size, weight, and fees. Most airlines allow one ski or snowboard bag plus a boot bag to count as a single piece of checked luggage, but oversized or overweight items may incur additional charges. Here are a few useful tips to keep in mind: