RHYTHM SNOWSPORTS
Discover our top tips for travelling with your skis & keeping them safe on the way, including the best bags to use & how to pack your skis.
Are you travelling overseas for a snow holiday this year?
Despite the beauty of the Snowy Mountains, we’re always sad when the snow melts and the ski season ends. If you’re heading abroad skiing this year, it’s safe to say we’re jealous! From the powder in Japan to the endless runs in the Alps, you’re set for an awesome time (but we guess you know that already!).
Our team have a lot of experience skiing overseas, both hiring gear while abroad and taking their skis & kit with them, and they know how confusing it can be. Between airline policies, choosing the right ski bag and deciding what to pack, the weeks before your trip can be hectic. To help you prepare for your trip, we’ve put together our top tips for travelling with your skis, and also the merits of hiring gear abroad in case you’re considering that too.
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The things we always forget | There is a small list of things that always seem to get forgotten. Make sure you have the following
Sun Protection
Sunscreen, SPF Lip Balm, Sunglasses & Spare Lenses for your goggles
Layers
Gloves, Thermals, Ski Socks, Beanie, Neckwarmer & Balaclava
Technology
Chargers, Adapters, Phone, GoPro + any other electronics
Medications
Check the country you are traveling to doesnt have restrictions on prescribed medications.
Once you’re all packed, the only thing left to do is kick back and relax until you hit the snow. If you need a hand getting hold of last-minute ski gear or any advice, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
Should I take my skis with me or hire them abroad?
Taking your skis with you can feel like a bit of a mission but if you’re a keen skier it’s often the right option for you. Whether you take your own or hire is largely down to personal preference and cost. However, it is important to remember that the conditions vary significantly region by region, so your Australian skis may not be right for deep powder in Japan!
Bespoke setup/ custom requirements
Do you have any bespoke ski requirements, or are you planning to do anything specific while abroad? If so, taking your skis might be the right option. You’ll know exactly what to expect and that they’ll do the job you need them for.
Cost
If you already own your skis, boots etc, the only costs you’ll need to consider are travelling costs and maybe a tune-up. Some airlines will let you take skis as part of your standard baggage allowance, whereas others will charge an additional fee. If you’re going with a group, you could share a kit bag with a few of your friends/ family members. Packing a few pairs of skis together can be an efficient way to travel them but make sure they are still safely packed with plenty of padding.
If you’re considering a “hybrid” approach, taking your helmet and boots, but hiring skis and poles for example, it’s worth checking the rental costs as there may be limited price difference. While this may not influence your decision, having all the facts is best.
Quality/ Availability
The majority of ski hire shops take very good care of their skis and will offer demo skis too. However, do your research beforehand and check the reviews from other skiers. If you want something in particular, see if you can book in advance. From our experience, most ski shop owners are passionate about the sport and will try to help you if they can!
Tips for travelling with your ski gear
Check if you need to book extra baggage for your flight
When you come to book your flights, or even as you’re coming up to your trip, check your airlines' policies to see what they offer in terms of baggage allowance. Some airlines will let you take your ski bag as part of your standard allowance, whereas others will require you to let them know in advance or pay a fee. Upgraded Points has created a handy article on airlines' ski baggage policies.
Invest in a good ski bag
Your skis are probably the most precious item you’ll travel with so don’t cut corners on their protection. A good quality ski bag likely has good quality wheels and will last for many years and is worth its weight in gold. If you need help deciding, our team will be happy to help both by phone/ email or in-store.
Get your skis waxed before you travel
If there’s one thing we’ve learned the hard way, it’s leaving your ski waxing until you get to the slopes. Watching people hit the snow while you’re queuing to get a fresh coat of wax is not a fun way to start a trip. We recommend getting your skis waxed and tuned before you leave Australia if you can. That way you’ll be raring to go as soon as the lifts open. If you’re based near Rhythm, our workshop team will be happy to help you with this.
If you don’t have time to get your skis tuned up beforehand, find a ski shop that you can leave them with overnight - either the night you arrive at the resort or the evening after your first day’s skiing.
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How to pack skis
Packing your ski bag is an art and a science, but with the right bag and a good process, it doesn’t need to be stressful.
The first thing we recommend doing is laying everything out at once. It sounds tedious but this will help you to realise if you have too many or too few of certain garments. You’ll want to travel as lightly as possible but you don’t want to be cold on the mountain or forget key items.
Next, put the solid items into your bag first - skis, boots, helmet etc - and then pack around them. One of the best ways to protect your skis is to make them snug, but not stuffed, in your bag.
Clothes are a great padding option. Be sure to make use of the space inside your skis boots and helmet too, filling them with socks and t-shirts to maximise space. Putting your goggles and sunnies inside your ski boots or helmet is a great way to protect them too.
While you obviously cannot wear all of your ski gear onto your flight, wearing/ carrying your ski jacket is a good move. You’re bound to be cold when you arrive so you’ll be thankful for that extra layer.
If you normally ski with a backpack, you can use your backpack as your carry-on bag and, depending on dimensions, you may even be able to hang your helmet on the outside. Just be careful not to knock it around if you do this as you want to keep it in top condition to protect your head.
