Travelling to a ski resort is usually a little more complicated than reaching a summer holiday destination. First of all, it’s winter time – it’s cold and the weather can cause disruptions. In addition, the resort is usually a good distance from the airport, meaning you need to take a transfer. But the biggest issue is the sheer amount of stuff you need to take with you. Skiing is a sport which requires a lot of specialised clothing and equipment. And sometimes this is just more than you can handle.
But that’s not the only reason why skiers decide shipping skis is the better option. There are just too many advantages to ignore. Let’s take a look.
1. Unpredictable costs
You may have noticed lately, the airlines have been chopping and changing their checked luggage rules. It used to be that your board and skis went for free, but all that has changed. How much it costs varies wildly but one thing is for sure, it’ll be more than the cost of your seat. Shipping skis, instead, ensures you know the flat rate in advance and you won’t get any nasty surprises at the airport.
2. Protecting your skis
The ski season rush in smaller airports means careless handling and damaged skis. Most of us insure our ski equipment but if it arrives at the destination airport damaged, that’s at least a three-day wait to get it repaired. Having your skis shipped avoids this issue. Someone will pick them up from your home well in advance and they will be delivered safely to the resort.
3. Lost along the way
A common issue with ski gear is losing track of boot bags, helmets, and skis. Coming through the airport, you really have your hands full and somewhere along the route from the carousel to arriving at your hotel, things go missing. Shipping skis is one way to make sure everything stays together.
4. The time saved
There’s nothing worse than clock watching the carousel, knowing your driver will only wait an extra half an hour or the last bus leaves in 15 minutes. But these busy times do mean long waits and misplaced items. Some airlines will courier your items on to your hotel but many will expect you to pick them up. That could mean a six hour round trip during your holiday just to fetch your boots.
5. Missed connections
If you’re flying long distance to go skiing, you’ll likely be transferring planes at some point too. Every transfer is an opportunity for your ski equipment to go off on its own adventure. And there’s nothing worse than getting your bag back on the day before you depart – just in time to do it all again.
All in all, travelling light just makes flying so much more pleasurable. Kicking back knowing your skis are waiting for you when you arrive means the holiday can start as soon as you close your front door.