Heading out on a ski trip but worried about the hassle and cost of getting your skis and poles there? Or maybe you’re selling your gear and shipping it to their new owner.
Whether you’re dealing with hefty airline baggage fees or shipping costs, the price can really add up.
Shipping costs vary depending on the carrier, distance, and service you choose, so making the right decision can save you a lot of money.
This guide will walk you through all the options, from big names like UPS, FedEx, and USPS to specialized services like ShipSkis. We’re here to help you find the cheapest way to ship skis and poles without sacrificing security or convenience.
What you’ll learn
When shipping makes sense vs. other options
Extra fees to watch out for
How to reduce your shipping costs
Ski shipping pricing structures for USPS, UPS, and FedEx.
TL;DR:
Key takeaways
Shipping skis locally starts at $24.99
Shipping skis cross-country starts at $37.99
Shipping skis internationally (to Canada) starts at $148.30
PRO TIP: Are you an ecommerce owner who ships skis regularly? If so, you’ve probably experienced black-diamond-level stress. Red Stag Fulfillment can help. We specialize in big, bulky, and/or heavy items, handling everything from high-performance racing skis to complete powder setups. Reach out for a free quote now.
Is it worth shipping skis?
Before we dive into shipping costs, let’s first evaluate if shipping your skis is a worthwhile option.
If you’ve sold your skis, shipping is often the only delivery option. However, if you’re taking your skis on a trip, you may have other options worth considering.
Many airlines charge fees for oversized sports equipment, but these fees may still be cheaper than shipping, especially over long distances.
While carrying skis through the airport can be inconvenient, you’ll usually avoid potential shipping issues like delays, loss, or return complications.
Renting equipment at your destination is another cost-effective alternative. Casual skiers can usually rent skis and boots for $40 to $100+ per day. If you only need the skis for a few days, the hassle of shipping them may not be worth it financially or practically.
If you’re relocating permanently, it might be more economical to sell your current skis and purchase new ones at your destination rather than shipping them with your household items.
Evaluate these factors before deciding whether to ship your skis:
Value and condition of the skis
Distance
Packaging costs
Time constraints
Customs clearance fees
Carrier collection or pickup costs
Insurance
Ski shipping cost essentials
Shipping skis and poles across the U.S. costs an average of $76.70 to $412.12, depending on carrier and delivery speed.
This range covers basic shipping costs only and doesn’t include potential additional fees described below.
Here are the average shipping costs of three major carriers when shipping skis and poles across the U.S.:
| Carrier | Standard shipping | Express shipping |
|---|---|---|
| UPS | $111.15 | $404.91 |
| FedEx | $95.84 | $412.12 |
| USPS | $76.70 | $207.25 |
Remember, these are just the base shipping costs for standard skis and poles. Various factors can significantly impact your final shipping cost, such as:
Size and weight: Longer or heavier skis are shipped in large packages and may incur oversized or dimensional weight fees.
Distance: The farther the shipment, the higher the cost. Distance shipping costs are often structured by shipping zones.
Destination: Remote locations may come with extra delivery surcharges.
Service levels: Ground shipping vs. premium services vary in price and speed.
Number of shipments: Multiple shipments to the same address can lower costs.
Packaging: Ski bags or protective boxes add to the cost.
Insurance: Extra coverage for valuable equipment may be necessary.
Special handling: Fragile or oversized fees may apply to skis.
Customs fees: International shipments may incur import duties.
Seasonal adjustments: Peak season or holidays can drive up shipping rates.
Proof of delivery: Signature or confirmation services add minor costs.
PRO TIP: You can calculate dimensional weight by entering your package’s dimensions into our dimensional weight calculator. To minimize the dimensional weight of your skis and poles, get the smallest ski box that can still fit your gear and has sufficient padding space of roughly 2–4 inches on all sides.
Carrier shipping costs
You have two main options for shipping skis and poles:
Standard parcel carriers such as UPS, FedEx, and USPS
Specialized ski shipping services
Let’s break down the costs of each.
Standard carriers
To give you an idea of parcel carrier shipping costs, let’s examine a real example of shipping skis.
Below is an estimate of the shipping costs for sending skis and poles across the U.S.:
| Shipping Method | New York (Local) | Atlantic City (~130 miles) |
Chicago (~800 miles) |
Los Angeles (~2450 miles) |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost ($) | Days | Cost ($) | Days | Cost ($) | Days | Cost ($) | Days | |
| UPS Ground | 77.82 | 1 | 77.82 | 1 | 117.91 | 2 | 171.05 | 4 |
| UPS Next Day Air® Early | 233.04 | 1 | 233.04 | 1 | 536.49 | 1 | 617.08 | 1 |
| FedEx Home Delivery® | 64.31 | 1 | 64.31 | 1 | 100.84 | 2 | 153.90 | 4 |
| FedEx First Overnight® | 230.08 | 1 | 234.80 | 1 | 558.77 | 1 | 624.86 | 1 |
| USPS Ground Advantage® | 55.70 | 2 | 58.10 | 2 | 79.15 | 3 | 113.85 | 5 |
| USPS Priority Mail Express 1-Day® | 141.20 | 1 | 156.05 | 1 | 252.60 | 1 | 279.15 | 1 |
Here is an estimate of the shipping costs for sending skis and poles internationally:
| Shipping Method | Vancouver, Canada (~2420 miles) |
London, UK (~3460 miles) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost ($) | Days in Transit | Cost ($) | Days in Transit | |
| UPS Worldwide Expedited® | 460.49 | 2 | 763.48 | 3 |
| UPS Standard | 148.30 | 5 | N/A | N/A |
| FedEx Economy® Freight | 1613.69 | 3 | 2,128.71 | 7 |
| FedEx Ground® | 145.70 | 8 | N/A | N/A |
These are the package specifications we used to estimate the shipping costs for 66” skis, suitable for a person around 5’8″ tall:
Weight: 15 pounds
Contents: Skis and poles
Dimensions: 10″ x 6″ x 70″ telescopic box
Specialized services
If you’d prefer a more premium “white-glove” shipping solution—one that offers expert handling, specialized packaging, and door-to-door service—choose a provider that specializes in shipping skis and snowboards, like ShipSkis and Lugless.
Though these services often partner with traditional carriers like FedEx and UPS, they can leverage high-volume discounts to secure better rates and premium bundled insurance. They also offer scheduled pickups at or near your home or ski resort.
This translates to significant savings and reduced shipping headaches during ski season.
Here’s a quick table that breaks down the estimated base costs of these services:
| Shipping Method | New York (Local) | Atlantic City (~130 miles) |
Chicago (~800 miles) |
Los Angeles (~2450 miles) |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost ($) | Days | Cost ($) | Days | Cost ($) | Days | Cost ($) | Days | |
| ShipSkis Next Day Express | 114.99 | 1 | 114.99 | 1 | 154.99 | 1 | 204.99 | 1 |
| ShipSkis Ground | 59.99 | 2 | 59.99 | 2 | 69.99 | 3 | 89.99 | 5 |
| Lugless Express | 34.99 | 1 | 34.99 | 1 | 114.99 | 1 | 124.99 | 1 |
| Lugless Economy | 24.99 | 2 | 24.99 | 2 | 29.99 | 3 | 37.99 | 6 |
As the table indicates, the base costs of specialized shipping services can be more affordable than standard carriers, making them a worthwhile option.
Additional costs
While we’ve touched on how factors beyond the base rate can drive up shipping costs, here’s a more detailed breakdown of potential unexpected or hidden fees.
Packaging requirements
You want your skis and poles to arrive intact at their destination, which is why you’ll have to spend some money on packaging supplies, such as:
Corrugated telescopic box
Bubble wrap
Foam sheets and inserts
Heavy-duty shipping tape
Shipping labels and stickers
PRO TIP: While standard cardboard boxes work, telescopic boxes are better for skis as they let you adjust the length to fit your equipment snugly, preventing shifting during transit.
You can get the correct box and other supplies directly from the carrier or packaging supplier:
PRO TIP: Most ski shops will give you their extra boxes at no cost.
Insurance
Although carriers typically include basic shipping insurance to cover lost or damaged items, coverage is usually limited to $100. For high-end or custom skis, the default coverage won’t cut it.
You can pay a bit extra to purchase insurance through the carrier that will fully protect the value of your skis—and your peace of mind. If something happens to your skis in transit, you should be able to recoup the cost of the skis.
NOTE: If you purchase additional insurance, declare the full value of your skis through the shipping form or with the insurance carrier. Failing to do so risks that you don’t get what you’re owed in case of damage or loss.
Consider opting for third-party insurance
Though carriers provide in-house insurance options, third-party shipping insurance is worth considering. Some third-party insurance companies include:
These alternatives often cost less while offering more comprehensive coverage than standard carrier options. More importantly, third-party insurers are less likely to deny claims based on technicalities like improper packaging. This enhanced coverage safeguards your valuable items from mishandling, theft, and damage throughout the shipping process.
While third-party claims may require additional documentation, they generally provide faster resolutions and superior customer support compared to carrier insurance.
Service add-ons
Carriers offer various add-on services. Here are a few you might want to consider specifically for shipping skis:
Pickup services: Home pickup, eliminating the need for drop-off at UPS or FedEx locations.
Signature requirements: Delivery only completed with the recipient’s signature.
Express handling: Priority delivery for time-sensitive shipments.
Special notifications: Real-time updates on shipment status.
White glove service: Premium packing, handling, and delivery for expensive skis.
Cost-saving strategies
Book early and off-peak: Schedule shipments in advance and during slower seasons to secure lower rates.
Compare carriers and services: Use comparison sites like Shippo, Pirate Ship, and Parcel Monkey to find the cheapest option and service for your needs. If you’re not in a hurry, opt for ground shipping instead of express to save money.
Pack efficiently: Minimize size and weight to avoid extra fees by using high-quality materials that can protect your skis without the added bulk.
Explore alternative options: If you’re shipping skis for personal use, consider renting skis locally or using resort storage options to skip shipping fees altogether.
PRO TIP: Bundle shipments for significant savings. Whether you’re a group shipping skis to your resort or an ecommerce company selling them, consolidating shipments lowers per-unit costs—something Red Stag Fulfillment can help you achieve.
Simplify ski shipping with the right strategy
Shipping skis doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful. By comparing options—like UPS, FedEx, USPS, or specialized services such as ShipSkis and Lugless—you can find the best balance of cost, convenience, and protection for your gear.
For businesses shipping sporting goods, partnering with an experienced fulfillment provider like Red Stag Fulfillment can streamline operations and cut costs. We specialize in handling oversized, valuable items and offer tailored solutions for safe, timely deliveries.
Ready to turn your shipping challenges into smooth runs? Drop in with Red Stag today.
