How to Carry Skis

Pair the skis before lifting them, balance them carefully and change your grip in crowded spaces. A ski strap helps when the pair keeps sliding apart.

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Carry skis with their bases together, using a balanced shoulder hold in open space or a vertical grip when people are close. Keep control of both ends and carry your poles with the points down.

The best method is the one you can manage without swinging long equipment into someone else's path. If the pair feels too heavy or awkward, use a carry strap or ask for help.

Join the pair before lifting

Brush loose snow away and place the bases face to face. On many alpine bindings, the brake arms interlock and help keep the skis together. Check that the pair actually stays together instead of assuming it will.

Don't force brake arms into position or alter the bindings to make carrying easier. A ski strap around the pair can prevent sliding and works when the brakes do not hold them conveniently.

Keep fingers clear of the metal edges as you bring the skis together. Gloves make handling more comfortable, but they don't make a sharp edge harmless.

Use the shoulder method in open space

Lift the paired skis slowly and find a balanced position. For a common shoulder carry, the tips point forward, the tails extend behind and the bindings sit just behind your shoulder.

Rest the skis in a position that avoids pressing binding hardware into your shoulder. Hold the front portion firmly with one hand so the pair cannot slide backward. A small forward tip angle can help keep the front ends visible and controlled.

Before turning, remember how far the tails project behind you. Turn your whole body gradually and leave room on both sides. Take the skis down before entering a doorway, tight queue or crowded walkway.

Go vertical near other people

In a crowd, hold the skis upright and close to your body with a secure grip around their balance area. Watch overhead clearance as well as the people beside you.

If they are too long or heavy to control this way, stop out of the flow and change methods. Dragging the tails through a busy space can trip someone and scrape the skis.

At stairs or slippery patches, prioritize a free hand and steady footing. Make a second trip from the car when that is easier than trying to carry boots, skis, poles and a bag at once.

Keep poles quiet and close

Carry poles together in the other hand with the points facing down and away from your feet. Don't tuck them across the skis where their ends can extend unpredictably into passing people.

Avoid letting loose wrist straps catch on racks, doors or other equipment. If a child is carrying poles, check that the points stay controlled while they concentrate on walking in boots.

Children may do better with an adult carrying the skis while they manage a lighter item. The walk to the lift is not a useful place to insist on carrying more than they can control.

Set the skis down deliberately

Use a designated rack when available, making sure it supports the pair. Keep equipment out of walking routes and away from doors. Don't lean skis against a vehicle where they can slide or get forgotten before driving.

At the lift, follow the attendant's directions for handling equipment. For longer journeys beyond the parking lot, the ski travel guide covers packing and protecting it. For a short walk, a secure pair, controlled ends and a little extra space are the essentials.