SEND STUFF PACKAGING GUIDES
How to Pack Skis & Snowboards for International Shipping
Heading overseas for a ski holiday, relocating or sending your snow equipment internationally? Learn how to protect skis, snowboards, bindings and accessories before shipping from New Zealand.
VIEW PACKING STEPS →Skis and snowboards can be expensive, unusually shaped and vulnerable to damage during international transport. Bindings, metal edges, tips and tails all require appropriate protection.
Whether you're travelling to Japan, Canada, Europe or another ski destination, your equipment may pass through multiple transport facilities before reaching its destination.
This guide explains how to prepare skis, snowboards, boots and accessories for international shipping with Send Stuff, including packaging selection, protective materials, customs requirements and final shipment measurements.
Choosing a Ski or Snowboard Travel Bag
The right travel bag or case helps protect equipment from scratches, impacts and movement during international freight handling.
Ski and snowboard bags vary significantly in their padding, rigidity and overall protection.
| Packaging Type | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Padded Ski or Snowboard Bag | Provides cushioning, often includes straps and accessory compartments. | May offer limited resistance to crushing or concentrated impact. |
| Hard-Shell Travel Case | Rigid outer structure may provide greater protection from external pressure. | Can be heavier and bulkier, potentially affecting freight charges. |
| Protective Shipping Carton | Can provide additional external protection when suitably constructed and packed. | Requires adequate internal cushioning and must meet carrier requirements. |
Our recommendation: For international freight, consider a well-padded travel bag or rigid case with appropriate internal protection. Lightweight storage sleeves may not be suitable as standalone shipping packaging. Confirm the selected carrier's requirements.
Recommended Packing Materials
Suitable packing materials help protect vulnerable components and prevent equipment moving inside the outer packaging.
- Padded travel bag or hard case: The primary outer protection.
- Foam padding: For ski tips, tails, snowboard ends and binding areas.
- Edge protection: Suitable guards or cushioning for sharp metal edges.
- Soft towels or protective fabric: To separate equipment surfaces.
- Bubble wrap or foam sleeves: Additional cushioning where appropriate.
- Internal straps: To secure equipment against movement.
- Protective accessory bags: For small parts, tools and removable components.
- Shipping carton: Where required for the chosen freight service.
Do not rely on clothing alone for protection. Jackets and other soft items may provide some cushioning, but they should not replace suitable protective materials around bindings, tips and sharp edges.
How to Pack Skis & Snowboards for International Shipping
Follow these general steps when preparing your ski or snowboard equipment for overseas transport.
Clean & Dry Equipment
Remove snow, moisture, soil and debris. Dry skis, snowboards, boots and bags thoroughly before packing.
Inspect & Photograph
Check for existing scratches, cracks or binding damage. Photograph the equipment before protective wrapping.
Protect Tips & Tails
Add suitable foam cushioning around both ends to reduce damage from impacts during handling.
Protect Bindings & Edges
Cushion exposed binding components and cover sharp edges where appropriate to prevent damage to equipment and packaging.
Secure Inside the Case
Place equipment inside the protective bag or case and use suitable internal straps and padding.
Close & Measure
Secure all closures, check for excessive movement and record the final packed weight and dimensions.
Helpful tip: Before closing the travel case, check that bindings and other hard components are not pressing directly against vulnerable surfaces.
How to Protect Skis & Ski Bindings
Skis have long, relatively narrow profiles, with vulnerable tips, tails, edges and binding assemblies.
Protecting Ski Tips & Tails
Use suitable foam or padded protection around both ends. Ensure the protection cannot easily move out of position during transport.
Protecting Metal Edges
Ski edges can be sharp enough to damage adjacent equipment or the travel bag. Use suitable edge protection or cushioning where needed.
Protecting Ski Bindings
Bindings have protruding components that may be vulnerable to concentrated impact. Add cushioning around binding areas without forcing or altering adjustment mechanisms.
Packing a Pair of Skis
Position skis according to the travel bag manufacturer's guidance. Use suitable separation to prevent hard components from striking one another. Secure the pair against movement.
Focus on Bindings & Exposed Edges
Binding assemblies and sharp metal edges require particular attention. Protect these areas to reduce damage to the skis, adjacent equipment and travel bag lining.
How to Protect Snowboards & Bindings
Snowboards have wide flat surfaces, exposed metal edges and bindings that protrude from the deck.
Protecting the Nose & Tail
Use suitable padding around both ends of the snowboard. These areas may be vulnerable to impact during freight handling.
Protecting the Edges
Metal edges can cut or damage the travel bag and other items. Fit appropriate edge protection where needed.
Protecting Bindings
Add suitable cushioning around snowboard bindings to protect straps, highbacks and other components.
If removing bindings is appropriate for your equipment and packaging arrangement, follow the manufacturer's instructions and keep all screws and mounting parts together.
Protecting the Base & Top Sheet
Use suitable protective material to prevent scratches and pressure damage to the snowboard's surfaces. Avoid placing hard accessories directly against the board.
Prevent Pressure on the Bindings
Bindings can create raised pressure points inside the packaging. Use suitable cushioning and ensure the outer case does not compress binding components excessively.
Packing Ski Boots, Snowboard Boots & Accessories
Ski and snowboard bags may have additional space for boots, helmets and clothing, subject to the carrier's requirements.
Ski & Snowboard Boots
Clean and dry boots thoroughly before packing. Secure buckles and straps and use suitable protective bags or compartments. Avoid placing heavy boots directly against vulnerable board or ski surfaces.
Helmets & Goggles
Helmets and goggles should be protected from concentrated pressure and impact. Use suitable cases or protective packaging. Do not use a helmet as cushioning for other equipment.
Ski Poles
Secure ski poles to prevent movement. Protect pointed tips and baskets so they cannot damage adjacent equipment or the travel bag.
Clothing & Gloves
Clean, dry clothing may be packed in suitable compartments where permitted. Avoid overfilling the case or placing excessive pressure on bindings.
Check heated equipment and battery-powered accessories. Heated gloves, heated boot liners, battery packs and similar products may contain lithium batteries subject to dangerous goods restrictions. Do not pack these without confirming the applicable rules.
Customs, Biosecurity & Restricted Items
Skis, snowboards and associated equipment shipped internationally may require customs declarations and supporting documentation.
The requirements can depend on the destination, whether the goods are new or used, and whether they are being temporarily or permanently imported.
Information You May Need
- Description of the ski or snowboard equipment.
- Quantity of skis, snowboards and accessories.
- Whether the equipment is new or used.
- Reasonable declared values.
- Sender and recipient details.
- Purpose of the shipment.
- Any destination-specific customs documentation.
Cleaning & Biosecurity
Remove soil, vegetation and other visible organic material from skis, boards, boots and accessories. Ensure the equipment is thoroughly dry.
Some destinations apply biosecurity requirements to used outdoor sporting equipment.
Travelling temporarily? If you plan to send your equipment overseas and bring it back to New Zealand, check the applicable temporary import and return requirements before arranging shipping.
Customs duties and taxes: Used ski and snowboard equipment is not automatically exempt from import charges. Any applicable concessions depend on the destination and circumstances of the shipment.
Read our Customs & Import Duties Guide for further information.
Weighing & Measuring Your Ski or Snowboard Bag
Skis and snowboards are often considered oversized or non-standard freight because of their length and shape.
When requesting a shipping quote, measure the final packed case, including all protective materials, accessories, wheels and handles.
Measurements to Provide
- Number of ski or snowboard bags being shipped.
- Whether the shipment contains skis, snowboards or both.
- Final packed weight of each bag or case.
- Longest external package length.
- Maximum external width.
- Maximum external depth or height.
- Collection location and destination postcode.
Measure the Final Packed Equipment
The stated length of a ski or snowboard does not necessarily match its shipping dimensions. Protective cases and packaging can increase the overall size.
Oversized freight: Long ski cases and snowboard bags may exceed standard parcel limits. Carrier acceptance, handling requirements and additional charges depend on the packed dimensions and selected service.
Learn more in our Shipping Costs Explained guide.
Ski & Snowboard Shipping Checklist
Before handing over your equipment for international shipping, review the following checklist.
Before You Send Your Equipment
- Skis, snowboards and accessories have been cleaned and dried.
- Existing equipment damage has been photographed.
- The travel bag or case is suitable for the equipment and carrier.
- Ski and snowboard tips and tails are protected.
- Sharp metal edges have suitable protection.
- Bindings and protruding components are cushioned.
- Equipment is secured against excessive movement.
- Boots, helmets and accessories are packed appropriately.
- Battery-powered accessories have been checked for restrictions.
- Travel bag zips, straps and closures are secure.
- Old shipping labels have been removed.
- Final packed weight and dimensions have been recorded.
- Customs descriptions and declared values are accurate.
- Destination biosecurity requirements have been considered.
Consider retaining photographs of the equipment and packaging along with proof of value. These records may assist if a shipment issue needs to be investigated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship skis internationally from New Zealand?
Skis may be accepted on suitable international freight services, subject to carrier packaging, size, weight and destination requirements. Send Stuff can review your shipment details.
Can I ship a snowboard overseas?
Snowboards may be shipped internationally where a suitable freight service is available. Packaging and size requirements depend on the carrier.
Do I need a hard ski or snowboard case?
A rigid case can provide additional external protection, but exact requirements vary by carrier. A padded travel bag may require further protective packaging.
Should I remove snowboard bindings before shipping?
This depends on the board, bindings and packaging arrangement. Removal may reduce protrusions, but follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions and keep mounting components secure.
Can I include ski boots and clothing in the same bag?
This may be possible, subject to the carrier's contents and weight requirements. Protect hard items and avoid placing pressure on vulnerable equipment.
Can I send two pairs of skis in one travel bag?
Some services may permit multiple pairs in one suitable package. The equipment must be individually protected and securely separated, and the final package must meet carrier requirements.
How do I protect ski and snowboard edges?
Use suitable edge guards or cushioning to prevent sharp edges damaging other equipment or the outer packaging.
Do I need to clean my skis and snowboard before shipping?
Yes. Remove soil, vegetation and other visible organic material and ensure the equipment is dry. Destination biosecurity requirements may apply.
Will customs duties apply to my ski equipment?
This depends on the destination, shipment purpose and applicable import rules. Used personal sporting equipment is not automatically exempt from customs duties or taxes.
What happens if my skis or snowboard arrive damaged?
Photograph the damage and packaging, retain all protective materials and report the issue promptly. See our Claims, Loss & Damage Guide for further information.
Ready to Ship Your Skis or Snowboard Overseas?
Whether you're heading overseas for a ski season, relocating or sending equipment to another country, tell us your destination, equipment type and final packed weight and dimensions. We'll review your requirements and provide a personalised international shipping quote.
GET A FREE SHIPPING QUOTE →Disclaimer: This guide provides general packaging information only. Carrier acceptance, packaging requirements, customs procedures and shipping restrictions vary by service and destination. Customers must comply with the requirements applicable to their shipment.