Ski's..... to lock or not to lock... that is the question?

OK Everyone, here goes,....

So I finally bought my own ski's - and yes - paid a small fortune for them.

Also, yes, I have insurance against ski theft, via Winter Sports insurance, blah, blah,blah.

So my question is simple...... expensive ski's.... do they generally get knicked? Stolen? Borrowed ;-) - I am more worried about the Hotel Boot Room over night than I am about the actual ski slopes....... right?

Am I being paranoid, or do you think its a case of better safe than sorry?

And if so - can anyone suggest a ski lock that works?

Yes ,,ski theft is on the increase!
Yes you must watch at all times your skis!

First the one error all skiers are told. Separate skis when going in chalet ! Wrong!!!!
If you have great skis,,,smart robbers will wait at base. Watch you place one ski,,,then follow you to next placement!

I often have 4-6 pairs to test so I always place them near lift attendant and since I bring a bottle of wine with me at beginning of season,,,,my skis are safe!

When I must leave skis at top ( to compare lines of various skis) I have made myself a 1meter wire loop which can go into a ski brake. I can lock 3-4 pairs of skis around a tree or fence !

Here is another "hint" ! Never place your skis with all others against wall, fence or table! My skis are always away from all others and away from traffic flow! So person has to walk alone, away from crowds to my skis which are on snow bank away from crowd flow!

One last point. If you have great skis, never place them in your parked car in full view while you are inside drinking! I have a Thule. Cover your skis if inside your car. Many car windows have been shattered,,just for the skis!

Hope this helps you!

Definately lock them! I had a friend who had his taken from the locker room. not nice finding they are gone just as you are leaving for the slopes. Another guy had his taken while having a drink at the bottom of the mountain at the end of the day.
for the sake of a simple lock which will deter all but the most determind thief, it has to be worth it just for the peace of mind.....your ski's sound fantastic so i expect there will be some envious eye's admiring them......No brainer :)

Lock them in the hotel room, although I never do in chalets.

On the slopes, split them with someone elses and move them around, people wont bother stealing one ski.

On mountain would suggest lock two pairs of skis together through ski brake,

Have known locker room doors to be broken down, only you can judge, take skis to room if worried !

Tony_H wrote:people wont bother stealing one ski.

The BBR is a pretty obvious ski and it won't take a tea-leaf long to locate them both... even if they're not watching you as you arrive.

I would've thought it'd be top of the list of skis to nick - definitely lock, or don't leave unattended.

I always lock mine or leave one member of the group standing with them whilst the others go inside for whatever reason. I have a lock which is on a spring wheel so the cord pulls/retracts in to a nice small lock making it easy to have with you. It's not fantastic and probably could be cut with clips but hopefully someone would see this and stop them.

There is always someone that will take your stuff given half a chance.

you can buy a little cable-lock

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Retractable-Cable-3-Digits-Combination-Lock-Bike-/190608931157?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_BikeLocks_SR&hash=item2c612d7955

which you can put in your pocket...deters the casual thief on the slopes
I got one from a shop called Home Bargains...

mind you no ones going to pinch mine ...they're 190's