How to ship · recreation
How to ship skis
Skis are long but light. The challenge is finding a box the right length; 180 cm (71 in) is typical, and few standard shipping boxes accommodate that.
- Typical weight
- Pair of downhill skis: 8-15 lb
- Rate band tracked
- 20 lb
- Cheapest option
- UPS Ground with ski-length box
Live rates
What it costs to ship skis, right now
A 20 lb parcel from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA. Actual cost for your skis varies by ±10-30% with its specific weight and destination zone.
- 01
Ground FedEx 4d $46.79 +$37.48 - 02
Ground Saver UPS 5d $9.31 cheapest - 03
Ground Advantage USPS 5d $9.65 +$0.34
Close call Only $0.34 (4%) separates the cheapest from the runner-up. Free USPS home pickup or a closer drop-off can erase this gap. Pick by convenience, not price, at this margin.
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Before you pack
The box and materials
Box
Ski shipping tube or custom corrugated
72 x 8 x 6 in (most adult skis)
Ski shops often have these boxes after the season; ask locally first.
Checklist
- Ski box or tube
- Bubble wrap
- Foam for bindings
- Tape
- Poles bundled separately if shipping with
The process
Pack skis in 4 steps
01 of 04
Strap the skis together
Base-to-base with a velcro strap or rubber band at tip and tail.
02 of 04
Protect the bindings
Wrap each binding in 2-3 layers of bubble; they are the most fragile part.
03 of 04
Wrap the whole package in bubble
One full wrap around the strapped skis; extra padding on the tips.
04 of 04
Slide into the ski box and seal
Tape all seams. Poles can go inside if they fit, else ship separately.
Carrier notes
Which carrier to use
USPS
Ground Advantage up to 108 in length. Most skis fit.
UPS
Ground accepts 165 in L+G. Usually slightly more expensive than USPS for ski boxes.
FedEx
Similar to UPS.
Insurance + declared value
Protecting the package
Declare at replacement cost; high-end skis run $800-2,000.
Specialty shippers are usually not worth it here.
Parcel handles skis fine.
FAQ
Common questions
Q01 Can I ship skis with bindings attached?
Yes. Just pad the bindings well.
Q02 What about snowboards?
Same process but shorter box. See our snowboard guide.
Q03 Do I need to remove the wax?
No, but let them cool to room temperature before packing to prevent sweating.