Anyone ever ship their gear?

[ski diva]

I've heard about some people who ship their gear when they go on a ski trip, either via FedEx or some other carrier, rather than haul it themselves. I'm kind of a cheap skate, so I don't know if I'd do this myself, but I'm wondering if anyone here has and what their experiences were like.

 

[NannyMin]

I've done it a few times. As long as you plan ahead it is really convenient. If I remember right it was around $20 to ship from CT to CO last year via FedEx. I shipped them a week ahead and the hotel unbagged them and checked them into Ski Valet for me. In terms of risk of them ending up lost...I think you have a better chance of it making it there than if you check them with the airlines. I'll definitely do it again this year. When I'm flying commercial with children it makes it so much easier.

 

[IntheClouds]

I'd need boxes to do that wouldn't I ?

 

[NannyMin]

I'd need boxes to do that wouldn't I ?

Finally a great reason for all those boxes your men save!

Actually, I've found the SporTube easier than the dreaded saved boxes!

 

[abc]

If I were going skiing, I can surely lug my skis and boots to the check-in counter! No difference than lugging them from the parking lot to the ticket window (or bottom chair).

But if I'm going for a combined skiing and sight-seeing trip, and will be going all over the place, I may not want to be lugging my skis and boots with me all that time. But then, I doubt I would bother shipping my own ski. I would very much prefer to rent them for the few days I want to ski instead of risking shipping my own skis out and back. Once you figure out the cost of shipping, it often makes a lot more sense to rent...

So, I've yet to figure out a need for shipping my own ski...

 

[cloudpeak]

I've used a ski bag to ship skis with FedX. Sports Express offers the same service for skis in either a ski bag or case. I haven't used Sports Express for skis, but I have used them quite successfully for kayaks.

I've also dragged my skis through airports, which isn't too bad when the bag has wheels. Shipping skis can be a nice luxury when you're traveling and you don't want to take up so much room in lines or have to balance your skis on one of those trolleys. Kayaks are much more awkward to handle than skis. When I travel internationally, though, I always try to check the kayak or the skis to avoid getting them stuck in customs. I also always take my boots as carry-on luggage.

 

[ski now work later]

I checked out Sports Express and was pretty horrified at the cost. From Northampton, MA to Bozeman, MT is $160 1 way for the cheapest service (3-day economy).

 

[abc]

Kayaks on planes???

Did you succeed? What do you put the kayak in?

 

[dloveski]

When we have visitors, I recommend they carry their boots and rent some primo demo skis for a trip, especially of going from East to West or vice versa, as the type of skis needed will differ, as do conditions at the destination.

One year, a NY friend came to UT, brought his (heavy) skis (Bandits?) We had huge dumps, epic actually, and his skis would just not do. We loaned him some powder boards. He ended up buying these for western skiing.

 

[ski now work later]

Yup, I suffered at Big Sky last February with my Volkl Attiva AC3s which are pretty stiff. We had lots of powder and they don't groom much out there, and I was not a happy camper. This February I'm going back with different skis that I wouldn't buy if I only skied on the East coast. The rental options there were slim, so I felt I would have exactly what I needed if I brought them with me. This will be my first time flying with 2 pr. of skis. A good workout in the airport for sure!

 

[Katherine Smith]

Shipping

Hello All -

You can try the post office, as well. If anyone works at a company that ships, try your "common" carrier (ie Yellow, Roadway). 2 things to remember - get insurance - you may pay a premium, and you can track their progress on line. You will receive a tracking / pro number, and most shippers have a way to track and trace on their website.

I always take my boots with me on the way to a resort....

Katherine

 

[SkiPAGal]

FedEx Ground Great Option

I've always carried skis, boots and suitcases until this year when travelling with the whole family. We shipped 2 pairs of boots in our regular boot bag and an old army duffel bag stuffed with coats, pants, gloves, goggles, etc. FedEx does not require boxes, they put a "luggage tag" on them. You need at least a week when shipping ground. I thought of it too late, so had to ship express from MD to UT which was very expensive. However, we shipped FedEx ground home and 40 lbs worth of luggage cost us $60 and will be here within one week. Definitely worth it when travelling with kids. The condo held our bags until we arrived 3 days later. We just called ahead to let them know we were shipping. Also, when we left we were able to just leave our bags at the front desk and FedEx picked them up, no hassle.