So you’ve taken time to pick a snowboard that’s right for you, and you’re headed off on holiday. Planning to spend days taking turns down the mountain. But do you take your snowboard with you, or do you rent at your destination?

There’s no need to leave your snowboard behind. People bring theirs from home all the time. All you need is a few tips on how to travel with a snowboard and you should be good to go.

We’re assuming you’re travelling by air, bus or train because if you were going by car you’d have your snowboard in the car with you.

When travelling by air, first thing you should know is that shipping a snowboard to wherever you’re going may not be your best option. It means you have to part ways and hope all goes well and the snowboard angels reunite you at your destination.

A better bet is to check-in a snowboard as luggage. It’s a pretty simple process, usually more affordable than shipping, and you get to hang on to your snowboard at all times.

First thing you need to do is check if your airline allows you to carry a snowboard into the cabin with you. Most don’t. You will usually have to check-in your board. Also keep in mind that airlines have different rules for how snowboards fly. Some allow you to include two snowboards in one bag, while others want you to check-in each snowboard as a separate item.

Getting a snowboard ready to travel

First thing you need to do is check if your airline allows you to carry a snowboard into the cabin with you. Most don’t. You will usually have to check-in your board. Also keep in mind that airlines have different rules for how snowboards fly. Some allow you to include two snowboards in one bag, while others want you to check-in each snowboard as a separate item.

Next, check your airline’s luggage weight restrictions. If you’re going to be overweight, divide and conquer. Pack your snowboard in a snowboard travel bag and your snowboarding gear and accessories in another – so your board boots, board leash or straps, board lock, goggles, helmet and your wax if you prefer to do that yourself.

Find out about what it will cost you to fly with your board and if you’re changing airlines at any point in the journey, be aware that each international airline has its own fee structure. Your snowboard may be able to travel free if the airline allows you to check one piece of luggage at no cost, while others charge a fee, and some even want you to tell them before your trip that you plan to check-in sports equipment like a snowboard.

Now get familiar with the airline’s liability release policy. Same goes for the train company if you’re travelling that way. They might want you to sign one of these if you’re checking in a snowboard. But give it a careful read before signing. Not all liability agreements are the same. Some cover the airline in case of damage, while others release the company from any liability, this can even include losing your snowboard.

The aim is to get your snowboard to its destination in the same condition it left home. This means packing it carefully for the journey. To do this you’ll need a good-quality snowboard travel bag and your best option is a high-density polyethylene carrying case. The hard shell protects a snowboard in the luggage compartment because let’s face it, not everybody loves your snowboard the way you do. You can go for a soft case, if it’s padded, when traveling by train or bus, because it won’t be handled as much as it would going by plane.

When it’s time to travel

Travelling light with a snowboard for a weekend getaway takes a bit of practice. Here’s what to do. You’ve got a good-quality snowboard bag. You can include any items with your board that you don’t mind getting creased. That’s underwear, socks, sweatshirts and mid-layers. Any you don’t want creased, like shirts or jackets, you can pull over the tip and tail of your board.

When you get to the airport, check your snowboard and boot bag in with the ticket counter. Remember to clearly label each bag with your contact details and if your bags are a popular make or common colour, mark them so they’re easy to spot on the baggage carousel of airports that serve popular ski and snowboarding resorts.

If you’re shipping a snowboard

Shipping a snowboard isn’t cheap. On top of shipping fees, you might have to buy from the courier companies a special box that’s been made to transport a snowboard because they can easily cracked or get dinged on the journey. If they don’t sell special boxes, you can make your own. Here’s how.

Get a roll of bubble wrap and cover every inch of your board. Packing tape’s a good way to keep it in place. Next cut up and flatten large cardboard boxes you can get at your local grocer or supermarket if you don’t have any in the garage. Use these pieces to make a ‘shell’ around the snowboard. Again with the help of packing tape. Think rectangular tube to fit your board instead of a square box. Now fill up the spaces inside with Styrofoam packing peanuts. They’re also called foam peanuts, foam popcorn and foam noodles when you ask for them. Last two steps – secure the whole lot with heavy-duty packing tape, label the cardboard ‘shell’ and fill out the shipping label which you’ll want to cover with tape. Now your snowboard is ready to be shipped.

If you’re also shipping your snowboard boots, it’s best to send these on separately. It’s easy enough in a standard-size courier box, and putting in your boots with a snowboard could damage both items.

Now you know how to travel with a snowboard we hope you enjoy the ride! Thanks for reading guys and please check out our youtube channel or our website. We are a Snowboard shop in the UK that offers next day delivery of the world’s best snowboards.