Bringing Your Skis and Snowboards to Europe: What to Know

Whether you're heading to Europe on a trip entirely dedicated to winter sports, or you're hoping to hit the slopes somewhere along the way, you need to decide whether or not to bring your gear with you.

Many lodges and sports equipment stores will offer rentals, but sometimes you just want to bring your own snowboard, skis, or whatever type of sports equipment you use.

This all begs the question: can you bring your skis or snowboard to Europe? And if so, how?

The quick answer is yes. You can absolutely bring your winter sports equipment to Europe, regardless of the country (Switzerland, Austria, etc.).

That said, it isn't as easy as just bringing your gear with you to the airport and taking off. There is a bit of research to do (which you are already doing!), some preparations to make, and costs involved.

Flying with skis and snowboards

Whether or not you can bring your skis or snowboard to Europe has less to do with EU regulations and more to do with how you're getting there. In most cases, that's by flying.

Not all airlines are created equal; when it comes to oversized luggage, that is.

Airlines can decide their own costs, procedures, and policies around flying with large and bulky items (like sports equipment). Because of that, the price you pay and the process you go through will depend on the airline.

That said, generally speaking, the process is similar.

• You'll book your flight to your destination.
• Most airlines let you add your sports equipment to your ticket at the time of booking.
• You'll pack your snowboard or skis in accordance with the airline's requirements, which typically include a padded bag.
• At the check-in desk, they will let you know where to drop your equipment within the airport. It usually isn't the same place as regular checked luggage. It's also helpful to ask them where you will pick up your equipment when you arrive at your destination.
• Staff will weigh and possibly measure it, then bring it with the rest of the luggage that needs to go on your plane.
• At your destination, you will need to pick up your equipment at the airport. Sometimes, snowboards and skis are placed on the regular baggage claim conveyor belt. Sometimes, you'll need to collect them from the "oversized luggage" counter. It will be nearby.
• There's often a fee for checking sports equipment, but again, it depends on who you're flying through.

Can I bring skis to Europe?

Can I bring a snowboard to Europe?

Can I fly with skis or a snowboard?

Choosing the right airline

It's all about the airline, so you will want to choose one that makes sense for you and your travels.

We're going to take a look at the winter sports equipment policies for several different Europe-bound airlines here.

American Airlines' winter sports equipment guidelines

Travellers can fly with sports equipment on American Airlines.

One snowboard or one pair of skis can be packed with one bag of equipment each.

For snowboards, you can have an equipment bag that also contains one pair of boots/bindings, as well as one helmet. Together, this counts as one checked item.

For skis, the poles can be placed into the bag that contains your skis. You can have an equipment bag with it for boots/bindings, as well as one helmet. Same as snowboards, these items count as one checked item.

Max linear size (including bag): 115 in / 292 cm (this is the length + width + height).

Max weight: 70 pounds / 32 kgs

Cost: If under 50 pounds / 23 kgs, standard checked bag rates apply. If over, the oversize fee will be charged.

Note: If you're travelling to Madrid, the maximum length is 43 in / 110 cm. This applies to any checked item, not just snowboards and skis.

Delta Air Lines' winter sports equipment guidelines

Delta allows travellers to bring snowboards or skis with them.

You can bring one pair of skis and poles or one snowboard. You're also allowed to bring a boot bag. The boot bag will be considered part of your one checked item (either the skis or snowboard).

Delta requires that your skis/snowboard be packed in a durable, protective bag or container that was designed specifically for that type of equipment.

Max linear size (including bag): 115 in / 292 cm (this is the length + width + height). If your bag is larger than this, it will not be accepted according to Delta's policy.

Max weight: 100 pounds / 45 kgs

Cost: If under 50 pounds / 23 kgs, standard checked bag rates apply. If over, the oversize fee will be charged. Remember that the standard fees are specific to your cabin, so always check with Delta directly.

United Airlines' winter sports equipment guidelines

You can bring either one set of skis or one snowboard.

Your gear must be in one single bag. In the bag, you can have:

• Up to two pairs of skis and associated equipment (poles, etc.) and one ski boot bag.
• Up to two snowboards and one snow boot bag.

Max weight: 50 pounds / 23 kgs (if over, you will be charged a fee, but you can still travel with your equipment).

Cost: United doesn't charge oversize fees for skis or snowboards, but if the bag is overweight, you will need to pay the overweight charge.

Air France's winter sports equipment guidelines

In order to travel with your sports equipment on Air France, you may need to get approval from their customer service, and the request must be submitted at least 48 hours before your flight departs.

Air France considers skis and snowboards as standard checked baggage.

If you're bringing your snowboard, you can also bring one pair of boots to count as the same checked item.

For skis, you can bring one pair of poles and your boots.

Air France requires that you pack your winter sports equipment in a travel case. That said, the boots can be in a separate bag. It will still count as one checked item.

Helmets are not counted as part of your "one checked item" on Air France.

Max linear size (including bag): 118 in / 300 cm (this is the length + width + height).

Max weight: 50 pounds / 23 kgs.

• The max weight is higher (70 pounds / 32 kg) if you're sitting in La Prèmiere cabins or Business Class.

Cost: It is free to fly skis and snowboards with Air France (excluding Light fare tickets. Then, there is a fee).

British Airways' winter sports equipment guidelines

You can bring snowboards and skis when you fly with British Airways. In fact, they can even be packed with your clothes and boots if you'd like.

Unlike many other airlines, if you choose to pack your boots separately, they will be charged as an additional checked item.

"For safety reasons you can’t board the aircraft wearing ski boots. - British Airways"

Once you have booked your tickets, you will need to contact British Airways to let them know you're bringing winter sports equipment. This needs to happen at least 72 hours before your flight departs.

They also encourage you to notify them as early as possible to make sure that there will be enough room for your equipment.

British Airways considers snow sports bags oversized items. This means that you will need to drop off your bag early. For long-haul flights, you must drop your bag off at least 3 hours (180 minutes) before take off).

Max size (including bag): 190 x 75 x 65cm (or 74.8 x 29.5 x 25.5 inches. Keep in mind they may round up or down).

Cost: Pricing wasn't readily available at the time of writing this guide.

Icelandair's winter sports equipment guidelines

Winter sports equipment is counted as standard checked luggage when flying with Icelandair. You can add it onto your ticket at the time of booking, through "managing" your trip, or by contacting customer service.

For snowboards, travellers may include:

• One snowboard
• One pair of boots
• One helmet

For skis, travellers are allowed:

• One pair of skis
• One set of poles
• One pair of boots
• One helmet

You're allowed to pack your boots and helmet in a separate bag and still have them count as one total checked item. That said, nothing else can be in your ski/snowboard bag - not even goggles, wrist protectors, or other clothing items.