It’s that time of year; YES, again and YES, already. Sigh. Nomadic skiers must deal with the trials and tribulations of stowing up after a whole season, but these challenges make us killer packers. Over the past couple days, I have stuffed, un-stuffed, huffed and puffed as I fought with too-full bags. It’s times like these that I wish I was just on a ski trip and not taking the path of the tumble weed, as gypsies do. May my struggles guide you to simplified ski travels! From me to you, my packing tips for ski trips.
1. Check your baggage allowances
I can’t stress this one enough. Every carrier has different sets of rules that apply, especially when it comes to traveling with sports equipment. Honestly, I’ll check baggage allowances before choosing which airline to fly with. Long-hauls clearly offer the most weight and number of bags, but not all are created equal. Happy dances are mandatory if you find an itinerary that includes two checked bags: that is the holy grail of baggage allowance. To avoid surprises, call your airline to double check their policies. Some (*coughs— Air Canada) even require that you call ahead to inform them of bags containing sports equipment lest you be saddled with a surprise fee upon check-in.
2. Ditch the skis, bring the boots
This is the dream— to fly without a ski bag. If I could, I would. Let me tell you, running through an airport to your connection, sweaty and out-of-breath, is no picnic with a ski bag in tow. Ski boots are the essential piece of equipment, renting skis at your destination can be relatively inexpensive and fun to boot (pun intended). Go nuts and take out a different pair everyday, you might even decide on new ones to purchase at a later date.
3. If you must bring the skis along, only pack a ski bag
If you happen to be the unlucky one with only one checked bag allowed, pack everything in your ski bag and carry-on. Trust me, totally doable; been there, done that. I prefer to put all my ski gear and bulky items in the ski bag, saving room in a carry-on for clothing and electronics.
4. Rolling. Ski. Bag.
That is all. Self explanatory, but if you ever make the mistake of not having those life saving little rollers you will instantly regret it. Go on, splurge on the fancy ski bag, it will change everything. Try the Dakine Fall Line double ski bag ($125 on Amazon) for great value for money.
5. Wear your ski jacket on the plane
No matter that you’re travelling from a warm climate, you can save weight/space in your bags with this simple trick. Yes, you can drape it over your arm if it happens to be a balmy 95 degrees, point is those pesky boarding agents can’t stop you. Bonus: you’ll be happy to have it on hand when you land in your new, colder destination.
I have tried every trick in the book, duelling with baggage rules like they are my archenemy (they kind of are), but these are by far the most effective ones up my sleeve. Share in the comments bellow if you have any to add!
Also check out these packing tips for hiking and camping trips.
Winter is coming,
K
*****
Photo Credit: Dakine Double Fall Line Ski Bag, Amazon.com