Best Way to Ship Skiing Equipment
We are not all lucky to receive snowfall in winter, and that is why ski trips have become so popular. Planning a trip is always hectic, but now there are more systems in place to make this process easier. You can book your flight and accommodation from your home.
You can also ship your skiing gear with RunRex.com letting you travel hassle free. However, before you hand over your equipment to RunRex, you need to ensure that it is packed properly to prevent any damage. Here are a few tips on the best way to pack and ship your skiing equipment.
- Take the brakes off
It is very likely that your skis have bindings on them. If so then you want to make sure that the packaging protects them. A good way to do this would be to take the brakes off. Usually, when skis are transported with the brakes on, they poke holes through the packaging and stick out of the box leaving them prone to damage. Removing the brakes is an easy task that only requires unscrewing a few screws.
- Harness the brakes
If you are unable to unhinge the brakes, then it is best to make sure that they are not sticking out dangerously. You can do this by holding them in place by using a rubber band to tie them to the board. This way they lie parallel to the board making them easier to pack.
- Protect your tips and tails
If the packaging box you use to transport your skis is larger than the skis, then the skis are bound to move around in the box during transportation. You should cover your tips and tails to keep them from delaminating when they hit the sides of your box. Cut a cardboard piece that can wrap around the tip with its width being equal to that of the ski. Wrap it around the tip from top to base and hold it in position using packing tape. Do the same for the tail.
- Base to base
When packing your skis, ensure that you do it in the most efficient manner. Placing your pair of skis base to base takes up the least amount of space. It is also the safest way to transport your skis.
- Get a box from your local ski shop
If you don’t have a box to pack your skis in there is no need to panic or improvise something that is going to end up costing you more or worse, damaging your skis. Visit your local ski retailer and ask them to give you a ski box. Most of these shops have many unused ski boxes which they end up throwing away. However, if the shop is an online retailer, then you might not be so lucky. In such a case just ask RunRex to lend you a packing box at a reasonable price.
- Ship your skis early
You are probably hoping to catch fresh snow at the ski resort. However, fresh snow can sometimes mean a snow storm causing the roads to be closed off. Shipping your skis at an earlier date ensures that you will have your skis when you need them. It also saves you from the inconveniences of any other delays that might occur.
- Use a sports gear shipping company
Very often people end up being separated from their skis since they load them on a flight that gets rerouted. Further, the flight can also get canceled making you have to wait longer for your skis to arrive. Any of these inconveniences can dull your ski trip and ruin your plans. It is, therefore, best to contract a professional sports gear shipping company to transport your skis to your destination.
- Use the right box
Get a box that is strong enough to hold your skis. Avoid reusing boxes since most of them are already damaged and weak. Also, make sure that the box is big enough to fit your skis and poles. If the box is too small, you will notice the skis pressing on the box. The box should not be too big either such that the skis are jostling too much.
- Use packing material
For the purpose of ensuring that your skis arrive in good condition, it is best to use packaging material which holds your skis in place and cushions them from any trauma that might damage them. One suitable method is wrapping the skis in bubble wrap. You can also opt to fill the extra space with packing pellets.
- Use your ski bag
If you still happen to have a ski bag, then it can be a great container to transport your skis. The ski bags are made to protect your skis from the perils they face on a typical day’s use and hence they can also function as transport containers. The ski bag also has extra room to fit more luggage.