To effectively load skis, you can utilize various methods depending on your mode of transport or outdoor activity, including vehicle racks, ski bags for travel, or specialized backpack carrying systems for backcountry and technical terrain.
Loading skis correctly is crucial for their safety, the safety of others, and ease of transport. While the method varies, the goal is always secure and efficient storage.
Loading Skis for Vehicle Transport
When transporting skis by car, secure methods prevent damage to your equipment and ensure safe travel.
Roof Racks
Roof racks are a popular solution, offering specialized carriers that securely grip your skis.
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Types of Roof-Mounted Ski Racks:
- Clamp-Style Carriers: These racks clamp down on your skis, holding them securely. They are versatile and can typically hold multiple pairs of skis and snowboards.
- Magnetic Racks: A quick and easy solution for vehicles without roof rails, these racks attach directly to the car's roof using strong magnets. They are best for short distances and lighter loads.
- Hitch-Mounted Ski Racks: Less common but effective, these attach to your vehicle's trailer hitch, keeping skis away from the roof and often making loading easier.
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Steps to Load Skis on a Roof Rack:
- Clean Skis and Rack: Ensure both are free of snow, ice, and dirt to prevent slippage and scratches.
- Position Skis: Place skis with bindings facing up to protect them from road debris and water. Orient ski tips towards the front of the vehicle.
- Secure Bindings: For optimal stability, position the skis so the bindings are either entirely within or entirely outside the clamping mechanism. Avoid having the clamp secure around the binding itself if possible.
- Close and Lock: Firmly close the rack's clamps. Most modern ski racks include a locking mechanism for security against theft.
- Check for Security: Give the skis a gentle tug to ensure they are firmly held and won't shift during transit.
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Racks | Frees up interior space, easy access | Can affect fuel economy, potential for road grime on skis |
| Roof Boxes | Secure, weatherproof, protects skis | Can be bulky, expensive, affects fuel economy |
| Inside Car | Best fuel economy, protected from elements | Consumes passenger/cargo space, safety risks if not secured |
Roof Boxes (Cargo Boxes)
For maximum protection from the elements and road grime, a roof box is an excellent option. These enclosed containers keep skis dry, clean, and secure. They also allow for the storage of other gear like boots, poles, and helmets.
Inside the Vehicle
Loading skis inside your car is an option for shorter skis or larger vehicles with pass-through seats. However, it's crucial to prioritize safety:
- Secure Skis: Use straps or bungee cords to prevent skis from sliding forward during sudden stops, which could cause injury to occupants.
- Protect Interior: Use a ski bag or a tarp to prevent melting snow and sharp edges from damaging your car's upholstery.
Loading Skis for Air or Long-Distance Travel
When traveling by plane, bus, or train, a dedicated ski bag is indispensable.
Ski Bags
Ski bags protect your equipment from damage during transit and make handling easier.
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Types of Ski Bags:
- Padded Bags: Offer protection from impacts.
- Wheeled Bags: Make transporting heavy ski equipment much easier through airports and terminals.
- Single or Double Bags: Designed to hold one or two pairs of skis, sometimes with space for poles.
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Steps to Load Skis into a Ski Bag:
- Strap Skis Together: Use ski straps (velcro bands) to hold the skis together at the tips and tails. This prevents them from moving independently inside the bag and reduces friction.
- Add Padding (Optional but Recommended): Wrap clothing (e.g., ski jackets, pants) around the bindings for extra cushioning against impacts.
- Insert Skis: Carefully slide the strapped skis into the bag, typically tip-first.
- Add Boots/Poles (If Applicable): Many ski bags have separate compartments for boots and poles. Ensure they are packed snugly to prevent shifting.
- Zip and Cinch: Fully zip the bag and use any internal or external compression straps to secure the contents and minimize movement.
Loading (Carrying) Skis for Backcountry or Technical Terrain
For activities like ski touring, mountaineering, or splitboarding, "loading" often means attaching your skis to a backpack. This is essential when you need to walk, climb, or navigate challenging terrain where skiing isn't feasible.
When undertaking activities like via ferrata, using ropes, or climbing a short section of ridge, as highlighted in resources like Dave Searle's video "How To Easily Carry Skis // DAVE SEARLE - YouTube" (starting around the 0:31 mark), carrying skis on a backpack becomes essential. This allows your hands and feet to be free for climbing and maneuvering.
Backpack Carrying Methods
Specialized ski touring backpacks are designed with integrated systems for carrying skis.
- A-Frame Carry:
- This is a very stable method, ideal for longer carries or steeper ascents.
- Skis are attached to each side of the backpack, forming an 'A' shape.
- The tails of the skis rest in loops or straps at the bottom of the pack, while the tips are secured with compression straps higher up.
- Diagonal Carry:
- Faster to set up, but can be less stable than an A-frame for heavy skis.
- One ski tail is inserted into a reinforced loop or pocket at the bottom corner of the pack.
- The skis are then angled diagonally across the back and secured with a strap near the top of the pack.
Regardless of the method, ensure bindings are rotated to reduce bulk, and ski brakes are secured with a strap or retainer to prevent them from deploying.
