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Everything You Need to Know About Taking Your Skis Abroad

You’ve just booked your ski holiday and the excitement is already kicking in. Feeling prepared you’ve pre-booked your lift pass, all that’s left to do is grab your suitcase and head for the airport, right? But, what about your skis? The big decision is whether you wax your skis and go with the confidence you have your own with you or is it easier to hire your equipment when you get there?

We’ve put together a guide for you to help with your decision from checking in your skis to hiring them when you arrive and making sure you have everything you need for a successful time on the slopes…

Taking your skis abroad or hiring them when you arrive

This isn’t as clear-cut as you may think. It definitely depends on your preference, some people love taking their own skis, while others swear by the convenience of hiring skis abroad.

It is certainly nicer to have your own equipment with you to match your precise needs. Buying a pair of skis lets you practice before you go abroad, removes the hassle of collecting equipment from a rental shop and saves you money if you’re planning on going on multiple ski holidays.

However, some prefer to not have the hassle of transporting their skis. Especially, if this is your first ski tip then it makes more sense to hire your equipment. Hired skis are generally very well maintained and you can always upgrade day to day depending on the conditions on the slopes.

The benefits of hiring skis abroad…

For a first-time skier or a one-off ski trip, people are more likely to rent skis, boards, poles and helmets. Skiers and snowboarders can rent their skis or snowboards in a resort which can beat bringing their own to the slopes and can also save money.

On average it is more expensive to add the ski carriage to a flight than to rent skis for a week. Obviously, this all depends on the level of rental skis which can range from fat-waist twin-tipped ski to a standard piste ski. This is where the skier needs to be realistic and only hire the type of ski necessary for what they will be doing.

If you do rent skis you should unquestionably book them before you travel rather than walking into the shop and booking on the day. Many are tempted to wait until they get to the resort to hire their gear however this can actually drive up the price significantly. The best way to cut down costs and budget correctly is to book hire before you arrive. This will also ensure you get the best models!

You can book your ski hire online here!

The piece of equipment we recommend you invest in is ski boots. Make sure you have a proper fitting consultation, custom moulding and the correct footbeds to ensure your feet don’t end up hurting.

Now we’ve been through the benefits, you can make your own choice whether you would prefer to hire skis abroad. 

Airline charges for taking your skis abroad

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion color=”peacoc” active_section=”1″ no_fill=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”British Airways” tab_id=”british-airways”][vc_column_text]If you are thinking about flying with British Airways and taking your skis/snowboards you will be allowed to do so as part of your checked baggage allowance. You can also appreciate a hassle-free start to your holiday by using the Bag Check-In service and checking in from home. You don’t need to think about it again until you get to your destination airport. Here’s a quick overview of British Airway’s ski and snowboard policy:

Use a recognisable ski or snowboard bag up to 190cm in length

Pack your ski poles and skis in the same bag for only one item of luggage

Skis or snowboard boots will need to be packed separately from your skis or snowboard and will count as a separate item of baggage.

You will not be allowed to board the aircraft wearing your ski or snowboard boots for safety purposes[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Virgin Atlantic” tab_id=”virgin”][vc_column_text]Virgin Atlantic allows you to fly your ski gear as part of your baggage allowance as long as it weighs 23kg or less. Ski equipment contains one pair of skis, ski boots and a mask or helmet. Snowboard contains a snowboard, boots and bindings and a helmet. [/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Emirates” tab_id=”emirates”][vc_column_text]Emirates consider your ski equipment as standard checked baggage allowance. Your ski gear may contain: one pair of skis, one pair of ski poles and ski boots, or one snowboard and a pair of boots.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Air France” tab_id=”air-france”][vc_column_text]Air France will accept your ski equipment as a standard baggage and checked allowance. No extra charge is included, but all items must be packed in a travel bag that does not exceed 300 cm in length. Ski equipment may include the following items: Alpine and cross-country skis: one pair of skis, one pair of poles, a pair of boots or Snowboard: one board, a pair of boots. Boots must be packed in a separate bag. [/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”EasyJet” tab_id=”easyjet”][vc_column_text]EasyJet allows up to 20kg of equipment for boots, skis or snowboards. Charges are £37 online and £47 at the airport.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Ryanair” tab_id=”ryanair”][vc_column_text]Ryanair ski equipment (up to 20kg) fee is £45 online and £50 at the airport. [/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Insurance

Unfortunately, there are additional costs other than the airline costs when you take your skis abroad with you. I say, unfortunately, but this one is a necessity.

Remember when I said some people opt for hiring skis rather than taking their own as they would not want to risk losing their prized possessions. There is always a chance this could happen, albeit a very low chance, however, there’s still that slim chance. If the worst were to happen, you would like the piece of mind that you wouldn’t be out of pocket, wouldn’t you?

That’s why we would always recommend insurance!

Packing your skis and taking the right luggage

Imagine sitting on a plane and looking out of the window to see your ski/snowboard equipment being thrown around. Making sure you have the best bag to protect your skis or snowboard is essential to minimise the risk of damage. For a short trip to the slopes, think about a basic bag with a shoulder strap, however, if you are travelling further afield you may want something sturdier, especially if there is a connecting flight you need to take. If your trip is over a week you may wish to opt for a ‘coffin’ style bag which will give extra padding and more room to pack items in comparison to a standard suitcase. Taking a case on wheels means you won’t pull a muscle before you’ve even hit the slopes.

STEP 1

Check your baggage fees and terms before travelling. Additional bags or if over a certain weight will require extra fees for air travel.

STEP 2

Protect the tips of your ski poles with tip covers or wrap foam insulation around the tips and use a rubber band to secure it. This will prevent them from ripping your ski bag or injuring a baggage inspector.

STEP 3

Don’t travel with skis on the outside of a bag as this will become caught in the baggage conveyor, instead use a padded ski bag to pack skis and poles.

STEP 4

To save on space pack folded/rolled clothing in the bag with the skis. Clothing provides additional padding and means you won’t need to carry as many bags, which will also reduce baggage fees.

STEP 5

Include a luggage tag with your contact information to the outside and inside of your bag, that way if the outer tag becomes lost, the tag on the inside will guarantee you are reunited with your skis at your destination.

There are many benefits to taking your skis or hiring them when you get there. It is all down to personal preference whether you decide to go with the convenience of hiring or the comfort of taking your skis with you. Either way, we are sure you will have a great ski holiday![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Skiing vs Snowboarding – Which Is Easier to Learn?

Have you decided to head to the likes or Morzine, St Anton, Val Thorens or elsewhere, but can’t make your mind up whether you are a skier or a snowboarder? Perhaps you want to know which is easier to learn – skiing or snowboarding?

It is a classic debate and the response is usually predictable, ask a skier they’ll tell you it’s the best, ask a boarder and you can imagine what they will say. A common opinion is that skiing is arguably easier to pick up but more difficult to master, snowboarding might not be as easy to learn but considered easier to master.

It is sometimes difficult to get a neutral and well-informed answer to which is better.  That is why we have come up with the pros and cons of both.

The main pros and cons to bear in mind:

Snowboarding Pros

– Walking in snowboarding boots is much easier than walking in ski boots and you won’t walk like a baby giraffe! They aren’t the most comfortable boots to walk in, but it’s much easier to get around.

– There’s no way to can fly down a slope while getting further into doing the splits.

– Boots, boards and bindings are more often than not cheaper than the equivalents for skiing.

Snowboarding Cons

– There’s potential you can get stuck on flat sections or when going uphill.

– Lifts are unfortunately designed for skiers, so this means that getting off the lift is more difficult for snowboarders in the beginning.

Skiing Pros

– Lifts are designed for skiers, so it is much easier to exit the lift with your skis on.

– Flat and uphill sections are easier to manoeuvre with your skis on.

Skiing Cons

– Walking in ski boots isn’t the easiest and it’s rather inelegant. Particularly when they have a layer of ice on the bottom!

– Ski gear can often cost more than snowboarding gear, so don’t forget to bear that in mind.

If you’re looking for more information on the pros and cons, take a look at this article.

Your first week on the snow

For the first few days, skiing will seem easier to learn than snowboarding, this is mainly because skiing is more instinctive for beginners than snowboarding. There is no specific amount of time it takes to learn to snowboard or ski but there are some common considerations when learning…

Your first week skiing

During the first-week skiing is a lot of fun, many people take to it quickly. The first few days you’ll take your first turns on the beginner slopes and by the end of the week, you may even progress to a blue piste.

When you are skiing your legs remain separated at low speeds and you can regain balance by moving one leg out if you begin to fall. It is a straightforward, straight-on stance so as a beginner you have total peripheral vision and can see exactly where you are going.

Your first week snowboarding

The first week of snowboarding is a bit different. During the first couple of days, you will fall a lot, for most people, it takes a couple of days before they quickly start to progress at snowboarding.

It can feel awkward at first, your feet are attached to a board which is restrictive. Unfortunately, when you start to fall there is very little you can do to prevent it. The stance is side on which means less peripheral vision, travelling down slopes with only around 50% vision can take some getting used to.

We recommend you get some padding for your first week of snowboarding. Protective shorts with pads across the back and sides as well as kneepads will cushion any falls you take.

Speed of learning and becoming a master

Fitness Factor

A key part of being a good skier and snowboarder is being fit. Skiing can be more demanding on the legs/thighs to start with, however, snowboarding involves a lot of core strength especially when it comes to turning and balancing as the upper body is needed more. Developing your overall fitness is beneficial to be good at the sports but there are also some other exercises you can do to get in shape.

Skiing fitness

Before you begin skiing it is recommended for you to develop the strength in your legs by taking up cycling or any other general leg strengthening exercises. Cycling is a lower impact sport in comparison to running so will put less pressure on knees and joints. Even though you will feel stiff and suffer from aching legs when you start skiing overall it is a good choice if you are worried about fitness.

Snowboarding fitness

Progress your core strength by doing Pilates or simple crunches, focus on your abdominal muscles and lower back will develop your balance and prevent injury. Out of season why not try paddle boarding which offers a great core workout.

Keep in mind that it is typical to fall quite hard when snowboarding, so being in good physical shape is beneficial when learning. Complete beginners will find it tough but make sure you keep trying, once you are up and going the fitness level required is similar.

Comfort

If you’re looking for comfort, then snowboarding is the winner!!! Anyone who has tried Ski boots will know they aren’t the most comfortable footwear especially when walking around the town in them. On the other hand, snowboard boots are softer making them easier to walk in. Another bonus to snowboarding is you only need to carry the board with you.

Has this helped you decide whether you want to give skiing or snowboarding a go? If so, don’t forget you can book your ski/snowboarding lessons online!