Ski Vacations! What Can you Afford To Pack If Flying

If you will be traveling for a ski vacation, it is often
difficult to know what to pack. You may not even
have a problem knowing what to pack, but instead
have a problem figuring how to get everything that
you need from your home to your destination. Skis
do not easily fit into suitcases, and if you are flying,
this presents a huge problem.

If you want to fly your family of four for a ski vacation, You could calculates the costs for each family member´s suitcases, boot bags and ski bags at nearly $200 per person, adding another $800 to the trip for a family of four.

It's a good idea to know what is available at your destination.
Is there a rental shop? How much are the rental fees
for skis, boots, and poles. If it is reasonable, and you
don´t mind skiing with rented equipment, this could be an
option. It also makes packing and traveling much easier.

Another option is to find out if there are any ski shops in
the area. Get prices on skis, poles,
and boots, and then ask if they buy back used equipment.
If they don´t, ask if there is anyone near that might
purchase used equipment. Call and calculate the difference in the
money you will spend on the ski equipment, and the
money you will get for the used equipment when you
are finished with it.

Ski gear may be accepted in the normal free baggage allowance in lieu of
a piece of baggage. One unit of ski equipment consists of:
- One pair of skis or one snow board
- One pair of ski poles
- One pair of ski bindings
- One pair of ski boots

That still leaves ski suits, ski jackets, and sweaters. All of which can be very
bulky, and hard to pack. These items will take up a lot of room in your suitcase, and leave less room for other clothing and essentials.

You might solve this problem by calling the lodge where you will be staying. Explain to them that you need to ship a package, for yourself, to them. Request that they hold it for you at the desk.

Depending on how much the shipment weighs, it will probably be cheaper than what you would pay an airline for extra baggage!

Airline Ski & Snow board Bag Fees Example: Updated: 09/15/08

1st Checked Bag........................... $15
2nd Checked Bag........................... $25
3rd-5th Checked Bag .................... $100
Overweight Bag Fee (50-70 lbs)..... $50
Overweight Bag Fee (71-99 lbs)..... $100
Oversized Bag Fee (62-80").......... $150

Prices and requirements may change without notice. Please check the airline web site via the airline link below for the most up to date info:

Baggage Costs!