Top Tips on Travelling with Skis and Snowboards: 2023/24

Hard case ski bags

Pros: Excellent protection, ideal for delicate gear, can hold multiple pairs of skis.

Cons: Bulky, heavier, can be more expensive.

A hard case ski bag, also known as a ski travel case or ski box, is a specialised piece of luggage designed to protect your ski equipment during transportation, particularly when you're travelling by air. Unlike soft ski bags, which are typically made of durable fabric and padding, hard case ski bags are constructed with rigid materials such as plastic, aluminium, or other hard-wearing materials.

Here are some key features and benefits of a hard case ski bag:

• Rugged Protection: The primary purpose of a hard case ski bag is to provide superior protection for your skis and snowboarding equipment. The hard shell construction shields your gear from impacts, drops, and rough handling during travel.
• Durability: These bags are built to withstand the rigours of air travel and other forms of transportation. They are resistant to punctures, tears, and other damage, ensuring your equipment remains intact.
• Security: Many hard case ski bags come with built-in locking mechanisms, providing an extra layer of security for your valuable gear. This can help deter theft and tampering.
• Padding: Inside the hard shell, there is often foam padding or other cushioning materials to further protect your skis and snowboard from scratches and impacts.
• Capacity: Hard case ski bags are available in various sizes to accommodate different types of equipment, including skis, snowboards, and poles. Some models can even fit multiple pairs of skis and snowboards.
• Wheels and handles: To make transportation easier, many hard case ski bags are equipped with wheels and handles, allowing you to roll them through airports and other travel hubs.
• Customisation: Some hard case ski bags have adjustable interiors or padding that can be customised to fit your specific gear, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
• Weather Resistance: While not entirely waterproof, many hard case ski bags offer a degree of weather resistance, helping to protect your gear from rain and snow during transit.

Hard case ski bags are particularly popular among serious skiers and snowboarders who travel frequently or have expensive equipment they want to safeguard. While they offer excellent protection, it's important to consider their weight and size when travelling, as they can be bulkier and heavier than soft ski bags. Additionally, they tend to be more expensive than their soft counterparts, but the investment can be well worth it for those who prioritise equipment safety.

Soft ski bags

Pros: Lightweight, easy to store when not in use, often have multiple compartments.

Cons: Less protection compared to hard cases, may not fit all gear types.

A soft ski bag is a type of luggage designed to transport and protect your ski equipment, including skis, poles, and sometimes even boots and other gear. Unlike hard case ski bags, which have rigid shells, soft case ski bags are made from durable fabrics and materials, offering a more flexible and lightweight option for carrying your equipment. 

Here are some key features and benefits of a soft case ski bag:

• Flexibility: Soft case ski bags are made from materials like nylon or polyester, which allow the bag to flex and conform to the shape of your equipment. This flexibility makes it easier to pack and fit gear of different sizes.
• Lightweight: Compared to hard case ski bags, soft bags are generally lighter, which can be an advantage when it comes to luggage weight limits imposed by airlines.
• Padding: Soft ski bags typically have padding or foam lining to protect your gear from scratches and minor impacts during transportation. However, some ski bags will have no padding in them at all, making them super light but you will need to pad out your ski gear if protection is needed.
• Variety of Sizes: Soft ski bags come in various sizes to accommodate different lengths of skis and snowboards. Some bags are designed to hold multiple pairs of skis, making them versatile for group trips.
• Accessibility: Most soft ski bags have multiple zippered compartments and pockets for easy access to your equipment, as well as for organising small items like gloves, goggles, and ski clothing.
• Portability: These bags often come with carrying handles and adjustable shoulder straps, making them relatively easy to transport, especially for short distances.
• Affordability: Soft ski bags tend to be more budget-friendly than hard cases, making them a popular choice for recreational skiers and snowboarders.
• Compact Storage: When not in use, soft ski bags can be folded or rolled up, taking up less space in your storage area.

While soft case ski bags provide good protection for your equipment against scratches, dirt, and minor impacts, they may not offer the same level of protection as hard cases against more severe damage during air travel. If you have particularly fragile or valuable gear, you might want to consider a hard case ski bag for added protection. However, for most skiers and snowboarders, a quality soft case ski bag is more than sufficient for safely transporting and storing their equipment.

I have always had a soft snowboard bag and found it has plenty of storage for my snowboard gear, comfortably fitting a snowboard, bindings, boots, helmet, plus all my ski clothes and layers.

Ski bags with wheels

Pros: Easy manoeuvrability, ideal for long distances, versatile.

Cons: Limited protection for delicate gear, may not fit in small spaces.

A ski bag with wheels, as the name suggests, is a type of ski bag equipped with wheels and could be both a hard case or soft case ski bag. The wheels make transporting your skiing or snowboarding equipment more convenient, especially when navigating through airports, train stations, or other transportation hubs. These bags are designed to accommodate skis, snowboards, and sometimes additional gear such as boots and poles. 

Ski bags with wheels are a popular choice among skiers and snowboarders who frequently travel to ski resorts. They not only save you from the hassle of lugging heavy bags but also protect your gear and make the overall travel experience more convenient. When choosing a ski bag with wheels, be sure to consider the size and capacity you need based on your specific gear requirements.

I have always opted for a snowboard bag with wheels because it’s surprising how heavy your ski gear can get: easily 15kgs without adding in any clothes. Whilst it can be difficult to manoeuvre a ski bag with wheels plus a suitcase on wheels, I’d much rather have the choice for ease of access than not. 

Ski sleeves

Pros: Lightweight, minimal storage space required, often budget-friendly.

Cons: Limited protection, best for short-distance travel.

A ski sleeve, or snowboard sock, is also known as a ski cover or ski bag, is a simple protective covering designed to safeguard your skis from minor damage, dirt, and moisture during transportation or storage. Ski sleeves are typically made from very lightweight, flexible materials and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate different types of skis. 

It's important to note that ski sleeves provide the most basic protection and are suitable for short trips or when storing your skis between ski outings. However, if you plan to travel by air or transport your skis over longer distances, you should consider investing in a more durable and padded ski bag, which offers better protection against rough handling and impacts.