Name labels for skis, ski boots, and poles
The easiest way to label skis is with a self-adhesive name label on the top surface of each ski, a short distance in front of the binding where nothing rubs. Put a label on the poles just below the handle and on the plastic shell of the ski boots, and never put a label on the sole, steel edges or binding. Apply the labels to clean, dry equipment at room temperature and wait one day before the first run.
Here we explain where to put the label on skis, poles and ski boots, why both skis need their own name, what applies to rented equipment and where a name label is not enough.
Labeling skis: where the label should go
A ski has a plastic top surface (known as the topsheet), a sole that glides over the snow, and steel edges along the sides. The sole and edges wear against snow, ice and stone and are waxed or sharpened, so a label has no place there. The top surface takes less wear. Choose a flat section of it, a short distance in front of the binding, where the skis do not rub against each other when carried together.
Also leave the area where the numbers are free. The length in centimeters is often printed on the ski, and an alpine binding has a window showing the setting. The sports shop and rental service need to see both.
| Equipment | Best location | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Alpine and cross-country skis | The top surface, a flat area a short distance in front of the binding | The sole, steel edges, binding, printed length |
| Ski poles | The pole itself just below the handle, where the hand does not grip | The handle and strap, the basket near the tip |
| Alpine ski boots | The plastic shell at the back, above the heel | The sole and the toe and heel lugs that fit into the binding |
| Cross-country ski boots | Inside the boot, as with ordinary shoes | The sole and the binding attachment under the toe |
| Ski bag and ski boot bag | On the outside, on a smooth coated surface or on a label | Zippers and folds |
The inner boot in an alpine ski boot is often removed to dry and can end up in the wrong shell. It is made of foam and fabric without a care label, so a sticker there is unreliable. Instead, write the name on the inner boot with a waterproof pen and put the name label on the shell.
Label both skis and both poles
A pair of skis is not always kept together. In the ski school's racks, by the lift and outside the restaurant, children's skis and poles end up in a jumble, and many look alike. The police advice on preventing theft at ski resorts is also to place skis in different locations, not in pairs. Each ski and each pole must therefore be recognizable on its own.
Therefore, put a label on each of the four items, not just on one ski. If you have several children with the same brand of skis, the surname or first name plus a phone number on the second line is a good choice, so whoever finds a ski can call.
Which name labels are suitable for skis, poles and ski boots
Large name labels are made for sports equipment, bags, and bottles. A set contains 30 labels in different shapes, and the oblong ones fit on a narrow ski or along a pole. For thin poles and children's small items, there are small name labels. The name labels adhere to plastic, metal, and leather, including shells, topsheets, and poles.
All labels in a set have the same text. You choose the design, color, and font in the design tool and see the result immediately.
How to apply the label to skis
- Bring the equipment indoors and let it reach room temperature. Cold skis and ski boots brought indoors become damp on the surface. Wait until they are dry.
- Wipe the surface. Remove dirt, snow, and old wax from the topsheet with a dry cloth. The surface should be clean and dry.
- Peel off the label and place it. Lay it flat on a part of the ski or pole that does not bend much.
- Press firmly for about 10 seconds. Pay extra attention to the corners; that is where a label starts to come loose.
- Wait one day. The adhesive needs approximately 24 hours. Apply the labels the evening before you pack the car, not on the slopes.
What the label can and cannot withstand
Lappus specifications cover washing up to 60°C, tumble drying and dishwashing up to 60°C; see what name labels can withstand. Snow, cold, and skis rubbing against each other all day are not included in those specifications, and we have no test results for that. Therefore, expect a label on a ski to be subject to wear. Check the labels when the season begins and replace any that have started to come loose at the edges.
Keep the labels away from the base when waxing. The wax and heat from the waxing iron belong on the base, and a label on the topsheet does not affect the glide.
Rule of thumb: a name label solves mix-ups, not thefts. It sits on the surface and can be peeled off. If you want to protect expensive skis against theft, you need proper theft protection marking, as well as photos and receipts for the insurance company.
Theft or mix-up: what a name label helps with
A ski that is missing after ski school has not necessarily been stolen. It may have been taken by mistake by another child, left by the lift, or ended up in the wrong drying room. That is where a clearly visible name makes all the difference, because anyone holding an identical pair of skis can immediately see that they are the wrong ones.
The police have warned about thefts at ski resorts near restaurants, après-ski venues, rest huts, and outside accommodation. The police recommend visible theft protection marking of your belongings, making them easier to recover and harder to sell. A name label is not such a marking. Therefore, do the following when it comes to more expensive equipment:
- Photograph the skis, ski boots, and bindings, and keep the receipts.
- Put the skis in different places when you go inside to eat.
- Don't take the equipment to après-ski; leave it at the accommodation.
- Let the name label do its job: distinguish the children's identical belongings.
Rental skis, ski bag, and straps
Rental skis, poles, and ski boots belong to the rental company, so don't put adhesive labels on them. Instead, label the items that belong to you: the ski bag, ski boot bag, ski strap that holds the pair together, and the child's own helmet. A large label on the bag makes it easier to find after the bus ride or in the storage room. Label ski clothing on the care label; read more about this in our guide to gloves and small items and in the packing list for the family's ski holiday.
Calculation example: how many labels does a child need?
A calculation example for one child with their own slalom equipment:
| Item | Number of labels |
|---|---|
| Skis (one per ski) | 2 |
| Poles (one per pole) | 2 |
| Ski boots (one per shell) | 2 |
| Ski bag and ski boot bag | 2 |
| Total | 8 |
A set of large name labels contains 30 labels and costs SEK 139, or around SEK 4.63 per label. That's enough for three children's ski equipment, with labels left over, or for one season plus spare labels for those that wear out. If you want to label them with the surname, the same set is enough for siblings.
Frequently asked questions
How do you label skis?
Place a self-adhesive name label on the top of each ski, a little in front of the binding. The surface should be clean, dry, and at room temperature, and the label needs 24 hours before use. Avoid the sole, steel edges, and binding.
Where do you put the name label on ski boots?
On slalom ski boots, the label sticks best to the plastic shell at the back, above the heel. The inner boot is made of foam and fabric and has no care label, so write the name on it with a waterproof pen instead. Label cross-country ski boots on the inside, like regular shoes.
Can you label rental skis?
No, rented equipment belongs to the rental company and shouldn't have adhesive labels on it. Instead, label the ski bag, ski strap, and the child's own belongings so you'll still find the right items in the ski school's rack.
How do you measure ski length?
The length in centimeters is often printed on the ski, so don't place the name label over that number. The length a child needs depends on their height, weight, and skiing ability, and that's a question for the sports shop. We don't provide measurements here.
What should you do with old skis when your child has outgrown them?
Many people pass them on to a sibling or sell them. Peel off the old label, wipe away any adhesive residue, and add a new one with the next child's name, or label them with the surname from the start. Have a sports shop check and adjust the bindings before anyone new skis on them.