How Much Do Skis Weigh? Average Equipment Weight 🏋
If you're packing for a ski trip or loading up a friend's car you might want to know the average weight of skis, skis boots, and all the accessories. Of course, if you want a precise figure you'll need to weigh all of your gear, but if you want a rough estimate or you're simply curious then this article is for you. The average recreational downhill ski as a pair with bindings attached weigh between 4-6 kilos. Modern skis are lighter than the older straighter styles of skis - simply because of technological advances in material strength, It's now possible to produce a ski that's lighter while also maintaining its stiffness or flex rating. The same trend for less weight applies to all ski equipment from ski poles to ski jackets which makes it less tiring to ski longer distances or hike up hills.
Weights of Different Skis
Sample weights of different skis. Weight is for a pair of skis. Reference size in brackets.- Salomon X-Max X8+Mercury 11 - 6.3kg (169cm)
- Salomon QST 99 2018 - 3.5kg (181cm)
- Rossignol, Experience 84 HD + NX 12 Konnect, 2017-2018 - 4.3kg (178cm)
- Atomic Redster J2 100-120 + C 5 ET 2019 Junior - 5.56kg (100cm)
Weights of Different Ski Materials
Carbon Fiber
The lightest skis are made from carbon fiber. The benefit of carbon fiber is that it's very light but very strong which allows skis to have a high stiffness while being light. Carbon fiber skis are made from composite laminate and run in layers from tip to tail. Carbon fiber skis typically weigh 100-200 grams (0.5 lb) less per ski compared with the same ski in fiberglass (source). Although carbon fiber is lighter and the more expensive option, the material is prone to suffer from 'chattering' at higher speeds or mixed snow conditions which makes it not the best choice for most resort skiers.Fiberglass
Today most skis use fiberglass alongside a wood core for stiffness and stability (also cheaper than carbon fiber). Fiberglass also absorbs more vibrations which makes for a smoother ride - especially at speed or when skiing harder snow surfaces. [caption id="attachment_2006" align="alignnone" width="840"]
Photo by Baker County Tourism[/caption]
Not all fiberglass skis are created equal and there is a massive range of difference between the quality of construction and the final weight of the materials.
Wood
Although most skis still use a wood core, wood only skis are few and far between and mainly used for decoration or museums. For modern wood, skis check out Grown which makes modern geometry lightweight skis in sustainable wood which weighs between 3.4kg - 4.2kg per set of skis. [caption id="attachment_2007" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Antique wood skis. Photo by Ozzy Delaney[/caption]
Benefits of a Lighter Ski
Lighter skis are easier to carry around the resort and to and from the gondola at the start and end of the day. This gives you more energy to ski or hike if you're going backcountry or off-piste. Lighter skis are considered less tiring to ski on and also float more in deep powder. This only applies if the ski is the right stiffness for the skier. Light skis, especially those made from carbon fiber can be too stiff for the rider's ability.Ski Length and Weight
While shorter skis tend to weigh less because there is less ski, this is not always the case. For instance, my wife's skis weigh at least a kilo more and they're around 20cm shorter. New skiers benefit from a slightly shorter ski (chin height) as the turning radius is smaller and the ski is more responsive to weight transfers. Better skiers tend to benefit from a slightly longer ski as it is more stable when used at speed. I recently wrote about choosing the right ski length for and the major differences between long and short skis. How Much do Ski Boots Weigh?- Ski boots weigh approximately: 2kg (1.5-2.5kg) per boot (based on size 26.5).
- Women's or junior ski boots do not necessarily weigh less.
How Heavy are Ski Poles?
Most downhill ski poles are made from aluminum, composite mix, or carbon fiber and weigh around 180-220g each with a diameter of 18mm. Aluminum: comes in a range of strengths from 5000 series up to higher-end 6-7000 which are lighter, more durable and less prone to bend on hard impacts. Composite: poles are made from a mix of fiberglass and carbon and they are more flexible but will shatter when damaged rather than bend - which makes skiing the rest of the day that much harder. Depending on the mix of carbon and fiberglass will determine the final pole weight. The more carbon the lighter (and more expensive) the pole. Carbon fiber: are lighter but more expensive. You'll get less fatigue throughout the day. Example: Leki Carbon 14 S ski poles weigh 196 grams per pole. Some poles use a mix of an aluminum upper and carbon lower, while some are extendable for hiking and fitting in a backpack. Read my ski poles buyers guide if you want an in-depth overview of ski poles.How Much do Ski Helmets Weigh?
Ski helmets range from 500-600g in weight. Ski helmets have foam padding that sits between a hard outer shell and a soft lining. Some have advanced Bluetooth technology and built-in visor that will make them heavier.
Example Helmet: The smith holt 2 weighs 570grams.
How much do Ski Goggles Weigh?
Ski goggles weight between 250-300 grams. Ski goggles come in a range of fits from narrow to super wide-angle. Larger lenses tend to weigh more. Example Goggles: The Smith Optics I/OX Goggle (also a firm favorite) weigh 272 grams. Check the current price. [caption id="attachment_1507" align="alignnone" width="381"]
ChromaPop Sun Green[/caption]
Further Reading:
- Ski Goggle Buying Guide.
- Best Ski Goggles for Kids.
- Best Goggles for Flat Light.
- How to Prevent Ski Goggles Fogging Up.
- 6 Major Reasons You SHOULD Really Wear Ski Goggles
How much do Ski Gloves Weigh?
Ski gloves typically weigh between 280-320 grams. The weight depends on the size and materials used. Materials used include leather, fleece, nylon. Want to know the difference between ski and snowboard gloves?
How much does all the Gear a Skier uses weigh?
Coming soon. I'll be weighing all my gear.Best way to carry Ski Equipment?
Ski gear is heavy, there is no mistaking it - so learning to properly carry your gear on and off the slope will save your muscle soreness and conserve your energy for skiing. There are four main ways to carry your skis:- Hold skis vertically
- Hold skis by your side.
- Hold skis over your shoulder.
- Use a carrying strap.
For ski boots, you can either wear them (not recommended for long distances) or carry them using a carry strap or ski boot bag. Ski boots have loops at the top that can be used to carry them, but it is easier when they're tied together and carried in one place.
For all your other ski gear like thermals, ski jackets and ski trousers put them on before you leave your accommodation. Wear your helmet and goggles and have your backpack with all your snacks, water and suncream.
If your resort has lockers you can store your carrying straps and extra unneeded gear here to collect later, otherwise, you'll need to hold it inside your backpack while you ski.
Further reading: Everything You Need to Pack Skiing: List of Essentials
About Us
Hello, I'm Simon & I love skiing. I started skiing in 2007 and I founded this website to help new skiers learn everything there is to know about skiing. NewToSki.com has grown to be a trusted resource for over a million skiers to plan their ski trips each year and learn more about every aspect of skiing. Be sure to join my email list for the best tips and handpicked deals each week.
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