Ski Travel Tips?

Question

I will be traveling to colorado in november, flying for the first time with my skis, i have a bag that may fit both my pairs (slalom 151, & gs 170) . if it is tight should i buy a new one and what kind. if you have any other tips for traveling or packing for a ski trip that would also be greatly appreciated.

yea, its a race camp so i kinda hav to bring skis for both events

Answer 1

Okay, I have traveled extensively, with ski equipment. First off, for air travel, you absolutely need a hard box for skis. Here is how I pack. Call me paranoid, but I have never had lost or damaged equipment:

1. Rags between the tips and tails. Use a velcro ski strap at the tip and tail to hold them together.

2. Place in ski bag.

3. Ski bag goes in ski box.

4. Add poles.

5. Then add soft items. Ski pants, jackets, sweaters, whatever will fit. This protects the skis from being banged around inside the box. I think the better boxes actually mount the skis inside, so this may not be a concern.

6. If the ski box is not lockable, I use a combination of Kryptonite bike locks (not the U shaped kind) and extension cables as needed, to make sure the ski box cannot be opened. Don't buy a ski box unless there is some way to rig it so it is locked.

7. Carry your ski boots with you as carry-on luggage.

You can replace skis (rent) as needed, but your boots should be your biggest priority. You definitely want to arrive at your camp with the boots. Airlines have a habit of losing ski boots! And rented boots suck.

Answer 2

yeah, this is easy leave the 151's at home. out west you will have the urge to have a longer ski and to carry two pair is just a big heavy hassle. you won't be slalom racing, right? any nastar will be a modified gs so just carry the one. pack clothes that can be layered. you will be more prepared for the changing weather and may can use many 2nd, 3rd layers more than once. roll the clothes for "duffel bag" style packing. you'll get more into one bag. remember the 50 lb rule with the airlines. when you have boots, helmet, clothes it can add up and when they see all that, they weigh almost every time.EDIT EDIT ADD ski camp changes everything. drop the cash and buy a hard case to fit both. if this is your first trip, it won't be your last.Guaranteed

Answer 3

If the skis are tight then get a bigger bag! Sounds stupid but I made that mistake and when I arrived at the other end the skis came off the convayor one by one and not in a good state either! If you are going in November you should pack very warm clothes... as it can be very cold at that time of year. A face mask could be a good idea too! Enjoy the skiing!

Answer 4

I bought a Sportube before my last trip. Big enough for 2 pairs and more. Rigid case for protection and wheels to help through terminals. Great idea. If you buy one buy the handle too. It makes wheeling it much easier.