The 10 Best Ski Bags for Air & Car Travel [2023]

If you plan on taking skis with you on your next winter sports vacation, invest in a bag that will keep them well-protected.

With adequate padding, matching boot bags, adjustable lengths, and other useful features, your equipment should easily survive the rigors of air travel and long road trips.

Things To Consider With Ski Bags

Whatever kind of ski trip you’re planning, there will be a bag to suit your needs. Before you buy, consider the following:

Size

Your ski bag needs to be long enough to accommodate the length of your skis, but not so long that your beloved skis aren’t secure.

Many bags roll up at one end to ensure a snug fit. Look for a bag that is ideally no more than 15 centimeters longer than the length of your skis.

The same rules apply to the width of your bag — too wide, and it won’t offer as much protection; too narrow, and it will be challenging to get your skis in and out of.

Hot Tip: Some manufacturers offer a choice of 2 different length ski bags, usually measuring up to 185 or 200 centimeters apiece.

Design

Whether you’re a beginner skier or an absolute pro, there’s a style of ski bag to suit your needs. Generally speaking, you’ll choose from one of the following:

• Sleeve Bags: Cost-effective and practical, basic sleeve bags have enough room for your skis and poles, but not a lot of room for anything else. They come with varying degrees of padding, and generally speaking, are best for interim transportation or short car trips.
• Coffin Bags: Boxy and more substantial, coffin bags are made from super-durable materials and are spacious and sturdy enough to carry multiple pairs of skis and poles at a time. Often big enough for snowboards, these bags also have enough extra space for clothing and other accessories.
• Hard Cases: Also known as tubes, these rigid hardshell ski cases offer incredible protection and are an excellent choice for long flights or professional skiers.
• Wheeled Bags: Ski bags with wheels offer an extra layer of convenience. With long pull handles, sleeve or coffin-style bags usually offer this feature. Although you might not need wheels to manage your ski bag’s weight, this feature makes it easy to transport it over long distances.

Additional Features

Look for bags that offer premium features for extra convenience, even if they don’t come with a premium price tag. These could include:

• Compressions Straps: Situated on the outside of the bag, these buckled straps tighten the bag to secure your skis.
• Cargo Straps: Found on the inside of the bag, you can clip your skis or poles into these buckles to stop them from moving around.
• Boot Bag: Some ski bags are so incredible they come with a separate matching boot bag. These are usually large enough to carry a pair of boots up to a U.S. size 13, as well as your helmet, gloves, and other accessories.

Hot Tip: If you’re flying with your sports equipment, learn more about the ski and snowboard luggage policies for over 70 airlines. We also have some great prep tips along with our printable ultimate ski and snowboard trip packing list.

The Best Ski Bags 

1. Ski and Boot Bag for Experienced Skiers

Check on Walmart

Athletico Ski Bag and Ski Boot Bag Combo

This ingenious 2-piece set offers incredible protection for both your skis and boots in transit. Made from 600D water-resistant material, both bags have protective 5-millimeter thick foam that will help to keep your boots and skis safe in transit.

The ski bag is large enough to hold most standard-sized skis and poles, with plenty of room for models measuring up to 200 centimeters in length.

With a unique roll-top design, you can reduce the length to ensure a snug fit for shorter skis, and the boot bag is spacious enough to carry anything up to a U.S. size 13. These bags offer plenty of additional usable space with lots of extra pockets and compartments for your hats, gloves, and goggles.

Lightweight and easy to carry, even when full, this bag set comes with grab handles and detachable shoulder straps. The matching design and sporty good looks make this a highly desirable piece of luggage for skiers.

What We Like

• Both bags are spacious

What We Don’t Like 

• The ski bag could benefit from a longer zipper

2. Big Brand Premium Ski Bag

Thule RoundTrip Ski Bag 

This super high-quality ski bag was designed with the needs of serious skiers in mind, and the superior construction should ensure that it lasts for many adventures to come.

Made from durable material, the bag can hold skis measuring up to 192 centimeters in length, and the heavily-padded, well-structured design offers incredible protection in transit.

On the inside, the internal pole compartments prevent damage to your poles, and the external compression straps stop your ski gear from crashing around in transit.

With an S-shaped zipper coil, it is easy to load and unload your skis without having to force or bend them, while the multiple inner pockets and grab handles let you arrange your accessories and keep them close at hand while you travel.

Lockable zippers deter would-be thieves from helping themselves to your skis, and the adjustable shoulder straps make light work of longer journeys to the bottom of the piste.

What We Like 

• Incredible protection for your skis and poles

What We Don’t Like 

• The handles don’t feel durable

3. Rolling Bag for 2 Sets of Skis

Dakine Boundary Ski Roller Bag

With oversized 9-centimeter urethane wheels, this awesome ski bag can be pulled along behind you through the terminals.

This high-performance ski bag is made from 10% recycled polyester fabric, and the compatible handle system pairs with rolling luggage bags to offer you complete control of your ski bag.

With a removable tarp-lined boot bag, you can stow your wet ski boots neatly out of sight, and the vented outerwear bag lets damp coats, gloves, and other accessories breathe to prevent damp and nasty odors.

The external dual compression straps prevent your skis from knocking together in transit, and with 360 degrees of padding, your ski gear is well-protected no matter how rough your journey.

Measuring 200 centimeters in length, you can fit 2 pairs of skis and a full set of poles, and the sleek and minimalist design offers incredible protection without drawing attention to your expensive ski gear.

What We Like

• Super convenient for long journeys

What We Don’t Like

• Quite expensive for what it is

4. Budget Ski Bag

Amazon Basics Single Padded Ski Bag

Basically brilliant, this ski bag gives you all the space and protection you need without the worry of an expensive price tag.

Made from 100% polyester material, this bag is durable enough to last through many journeys, and the functional design does exactly what it says it will — keep your skis safely tucked away in transit.

Offering a layer of padding for extra protection, this ski bag has enough interior space to hold a pair of downhill or cross-country skis measuring up to 170 centimeters in length. The durable construction offers a waterproof backing, making it suitable for use in all weather conditions.

The top handles with padded grips offer a comfortable carry, even on long journeys. A self-repairing nylon-coil zipper ensures smooth opening and closing for easy access to your skis.

What We Like 

• Capable ski bag that won’t break the bank

 What We Don’t Like 

• Lacks compression straps and internal security

5. Premium Ski Bag for Serious Skiers

Element Equipment Deluxe Padded Ski Bag Single

Incredibly well-padded, this premium ski bag was designed by skiers for skiers. Available in 2 different sizes, this bag offers a snug fit to ensure your skis don’t crash around in transit.

With enough extra space for your poles, accessories, and clothing, this is an excellent choice for those who like to spend quality time on the piste.

Offering 360 degrees of padded protection, your skis will stay super secure on the go, and the 600D PVC-coated polyester is water-resistant, durable, and built to last.

Both sizes of bags comfortably carry 1 pair of skis. With an extra space compartment measuring 7.5 inches wide and 5.5 inches tall, you can stow your gloves, hats, and extra layers to ensure you are ready to hit the slopes the minute you touch down at your destination.

With chunky carry handles, this bag makes light work of longer journeys, and with a built-in luggage tag, you can load up and go with confidence that your skis will meet you in 1 piece at the other end.

What We Like 

• A well-padded and protective case

What We Don’t Like 

• The 190-centimeter bag is a little tight for 188-centimeter skis

6. Large-capacity Matching Ski and Boot Bag Set

Check on High Sierra

High Sierra Ski Bag & Ski Boot Bag Combo

This expansive boot and ski bag combo offers lots of space for your skis, poles, boots, and accessories. The expandable ski bag design allows you to maximize your storage space, while the folding design lets you keep your skis neatly secured.

Large enough to fit skis measuring up to 200 centimeters, it has a ¾ length zipper for easy loading and unloading, and the super-durable, water-resistant fabric design will help to keep your skis dry in all weather.

The boot bag is spacious enough to hold boots up to U.S. size 13, and with self-repairing closures, it’s designed to last for many ski trips to come.

Sturdy carry handles make it easy to transport your boots and skis from the car to your accommodation, and the lightweight design makes this set an excellent choice for casual skiers and occasional trips away.

What We Like

• Brilliant choice for those just starting out on the slopes

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t offer much in the way of padding

7. Ski Bag With Internal Webbing and Matching Boot Bag

Sukoa Ski Bag and Ski Boot Bag Combo

This simple but effective boot bag and ski slip combo doesn’t offer interior padding, but it does provide a useful way to haul your ski gear from A to B.

Made from high-quality 600D polyester fabric with a sporty design, both bags offer a secure fit to prevent your expensive skis and boots from banging around as you carry them.

Long enough to accommodate up to 200-centimeter skis, the ski bag has a roll-down end for a more secure fit and internal webbing that will hold your skis and help create a stable spine to prevent them from rolling around.

With additional space on either side, you can stow your gloves, hat, and other items of clothing for easy access. On the inside, the smooth lining prevents your skis from getting scratched, and the double-stitched seams and super-smooth zipper are built to last.

The boot bag is spacious enough to hold U.S. size 13 boots and still offers plenty of room for your helmet, gloves, and other gear.

With an adjustable shoulder carry strap and reinforced handles, this bag makes it easy to carry your ski equipment from the car to the piste in no time at all.

What We Like

• Offers excellent value

What We Don’t Like 

• The ski bag feels nice and sturdy, but the boot bag doesn’t

8. Basic Carry Bags for Skis Measuring up to 185 Centimeters

High Sierra Padded Ski Bag

Suitable for a single pair of skis, this basic but practical ski bag makes it easy to transport your skis. Long enough to fit skis measuring up to 185 centimeters in length, this is a lightweight and durable option for anyone who prefers to use their skis on the piste.

The U-shaped zipper opening is smooth and easy to use, and the self-repairing design ensures that it is sturdy enough to last you through many ski trips.

With extra-long handles, you can carry the bag in your hands or over your shoulder, and the quick-release compression traps will keep your skis secure and well-protected.

With a central padded area to protect the bindings, this bag is designed to keep your skis safe in transit. The sleek and discreet design makes this an excellent choice for those who want to just ski and go.

What We Like

• An excellent choice for use while traveling

What We Don’t Like 

• Better suited to road trips than air travel

9. Ski and Boot Bag Combo for Increased Protection

Gonex Padded Ski Bag and Boot Bag Combo

Exceptionally well-padded, this ski and boot bag combo will keep all of your expensive ski gear well-protected on the go.

Made from water-resistant 600D high-density polyester material, this set is perfect for use in extreme weather, and the 5-millimeter foam padding will help to prevent breakages in transit.

The adjustable-length ski bag can carry skis measuring up to 200 centimeters in length, and the roll-up design adds security to fit shorter skis or use the additional space for accessories storage.

The padded boot bag is roomy enough to hold U.S. size 13 boots, and the exterior quick-access pocket is perfect for gloves, hats, and more of your most-used items.

With strong and durable carry handles, you can easily use this bag to transport your skis and boots from the trunk to the ski pass. The sporty design makes this an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys high-octane activities on the slopes.

What We Like

• Well-padded and has a high-quality look and feel

What We Don’t Like 

• It is a bit on the heavy side

10. Boot Bag and Ski Bag Combo for Carver Skis

Check on Sears

BRUBAKER Combo Ski Boot Bag and Ski Bag 

This high-performance ski bag set is made from fabric and artificial leather with retro good looks. It’s an excellent choice for supercool skiers.

Adjustable in length, the ski bag can accommodate a single pair of Carver Performance skis measuring up to 190 centimeters in length, along with your poles. The compression straps help to keep skis and poles tightly secured along the way.

Easy to load with a continuous 2-way front zipper, this bag offers protective padding around the ski bindings and is coated with cut-resistant fabric for increased security in transit. Featuring ventilation eyelets, it offers optimum air circulation, and the address tag will ensure that your skis never go astray.

Designed to match the look and feel of the ski bag, the boot bag is large enough to hold your boots, helmet, gloves, and other accessories. The claw feet design allows it to remain stable and fully protective, even on snow and ice.

With sturdy straps on both bags, this set offers reliable and easy-to-carry storage for your ski gear.

What We Like

• Good level of protection for an affordable price

What We Don’t Like

• The straps feel a little flimsy

Final Thoughts

The right ski bag will help to protect your beloved ski equipment on the move. Padded, versatile, and large enough to house accessories, the best ski bag will offer convenient storage for your skis and poles in transit.

With additional features such as compression straps or matching boot bags, these are all excellent options for skiers of all abilities.