How to transport skis and what to look for?
Soon crowds of skiers will go to the mountains to rest. Probably, many will have a problem how to pack ski equipment in the car. It can be placed in special holders, and even better in the roof rack.
A ski trip most often means a route of several hundred kilometers. Meanwhile, ski equipment is difficult to transport due to its size. Placing skis in the car is problematic. First, we lose part of the luggage compartment. In addition, when we unfasten the skis directly from the boots, the sofa can get dirty. It is also necessary to properly fasten the skis. Poorly secured equipment will behave like a projectile in the event of a hard stop or collision. When going abroad to ski, remember that in some countries, such as Austria, the transport of such equipment in the cabin is prohibited and entails a fine.
Therefore, it is better to use the so-called. external solutions such as ski holders attached to roof rails or support rods. These can be the same beams to which we attach bicycle holders in the summer. The most common are the so-called cam chucks, which consist of two parts: a fixed base (it is attached to the base of the carrier) and a movable cover. They allow you to carry from 4 to 6 pairs of skis or snowboards. Due to the possibility of salt, sand or snow mud contaminating the equipment, this solution is best suited for short trips. However, skis can be secured with special covers.
– Pay attention to the correct installation of the equipment. Skis should be mounted against the direction of travel, which will reduce aerodynamic resistance, as well as reduce the formation of vibrations, which can lead to loosening of the ski attachment brackets, says Radoslaw Jaskulski, instructor at Skoda Auto Szkoła.
Car owners who do not have roof rails can opt for a magnetic roof rack. It is characterized by simple suction-based assembly and suction-assisted removal of the magnetic plate from the roof. Before installation, be sure to thoroughly clean the area under the magnetic plate to ensure its maximum fit and not scratch the roof. Whether with holders mounted on rails or roof rails or with magnetic racks, opt for elements with a lock to prevent ski theft.
However, winter skiing with the whole family means that in addition to skis, we also have a lot of personal luggage that takes up a lot of space. Therefore, the best and safest way to transport your ski equipment is to install a roof rack. Such a box allows you to pack not only skis or a snowboard, but also sticks, boots and ski clothes. In addition, the box ensures that the luggage placed in it will be delivered dry and clean.
A good box should be reinforced with metal slats underneath. It is convenient if on gas cylinders its cover is raised, which makes it easier to open. A functional solution is also the central locking, which locks the lid at several points, and the drawer opening from two sides is ideal.
Using a roof rack also has another important advantage. – The aerodynamic shape of the box means that there is no noise in the cabin as when using a ski holder, emphasizes Radosław Jaskulski.
When choosing a roof rack, it is best to install it at an authorized point of sale of this brand. Then we have a guarantee that this item will fit perfectly to our car. Skoda dealers offer roof racks for all currently produced models of this brand. They are available in three colors: white, silver and black.
