Start by knowing what is available at your destination. Is there a rental shop? How much are the rental fees for skis, boots and poles. If it is reasonable, and you don't mind skiing with rented equipment, this is a viable option - and it makes packing and traveling much easier.

If you don't care for rented equipment, there is another option. Find out if there are any ski shops in the area. There usually are. Get prices on skis, poles and boots, and then ask if they buy used equipment. If they don't, ask if there is anyone near by that does purchase used equipment. Call that place to get an estimate on how much you could get for barely used ski equipment. Figure the difference in the money you will spend on the ski equipment and the money you will get for the used equipment when you are finished with it. If it isn't much more than what it would cost you to rent the equipment, go for it!

Ski suits, ski jackets and sweaters can be very bulky and hard to pack. These items will take up a lot of room in your suitcase and leave less room for other clothing and essentials. If you are trying to pack for a two week ski vacation it will be impossible to fit everything you need into one suitcase.

There is a way to solve this. Call the lodge or resort where you will be staying. Tell them that you need to ship a package, for yourself, to them, and that you need that package to be there when you arrive. Ask them if they will hold it for you at the desk. In most cases they will. Next, get a box; put all of your ski suits, your ski jacket and any other bulky items in the box and ship it to yourself, in care of the lodge or resort. Shipping can be overnight, two day or three day depending on how far it must travel. Depending on how much the box weighs, you will usually pay less than fifty dollars to ship a package in the continental United States .which is a lot less than you would pay an airline for extra baggage!