How to Carry Skis and Poles Safely and Easily

There will inevitably be times you'll need to unclip and carry your skis on every ski trip. Skis are long and heavy, and can be awkward to carry around the mountain. Additionally, carrying skis and poles while walking in ski boots can be treacherous, especially as a beginner. Carrying your skis and poles efficiently saves valuable energy and decreases the risk that you will injure yourself or someone around you.

Instructions

    • 1

      Loosen the upper latch on your ski boots to reduce pressure on your shins while walking.

    • 2

      Stand your skis vertically, with the nose of each ski pointing upward.

    • 3

      Position your skis base to base, with one in each hand.

    • 4

      Lift one ski slightly higher than the other and lower slowly to connect the two skis at the brakes (the arms protruding from the heel of your bindings). The brake arms on the upper ski interlock with the brake arms on the lower ski to connect the skis.

    • 5

      Lift the skis and position them over your shoulder with the fronts of the skis pointing forward. Position the front of the binding where your toes are positioned when clipped in on the rear of your shoulder to support the weight.

    • 6

      Grab the poles with your spare hand, gripping them on the shaft just below the handles.

    • 7

      Place your heel down first when walking. Because the weight of the ski boots affects your walking dynamics, rotate your right shoulder back as you take a step with your right foot and vice versa to act as a counter balance and help you walk more efficiently.

    • 8

      Focus on those around you, especially when turning. Getting hit with skis can be an unpleasant experience.