How to Ship Skis & Snowboards (2026 Guide)

Skis and snowboards are the worst-treated items on the ramp. They're long, awkward, and stack badly. Here's how to get them to the mountain without a cracked tail.

Fly with them or ship them?

Honest answer for 2026: ship them, unless you're checking one ski bag on a Southwest domestic flight.

2026 airline ski/snowboard fees

• Southwest: Counts as one of two free checked bags. (Best deal in US travel.)
• Delta, American, United: Counts as regular checked bag if under 50 lb and 80 linear in. Standard fee ~$35.
• JetBlue: $40 each way
• Alaska: Counts as regular checked bag
• European carriers: Often $75–$100 even within allowance

Shipping cost ranges

• Ski bag + boot bag, domestic ground: $60–$95 each way
• Snowboard bag, domestic ground: $55–$85 each way
• International: $200–$450 each way

How to pack skis

1. Bind your skis together base-to-base with strong velcro straps.
2. Wrap tips and tails in bubble wrap.
3. Loosen bindings to lowest DIN setting.
4. Fill the bag with soft clothing. Pads the skis, saves space elsewhere.
5. Use a padded ski bag, not a flimsy sleeve. Dakine or Thule.
6. Tighten all external straps.

How to pack a snowboard

1. Remove the bindings and pack separately, wrapped in fleece.
2. Bubble-wrap the nose and tail.
3. Lay clothes on top. Board flat at bottom, clothes as buffer.
4. Use a padded board bag, not a "day bag" sleeve.

What about boots?

Ski and snowboard boots are stiff, heavy, and oddly shaped. If shipping a ski bag, pay $10–$15 extra and ship the boot bag in the same shipment.

Destination delivery

The cleanest move: ship gear to your hotel a few days before you arrive. Most resorts hold packages. When you land, gear's in your room. No carousel.