A while sine I travelled with Skis, but I always used to "protect" them in a soft bag by wrapping clothes around them.... Double benefit of protection, plus checking in some of the rather voluminous winter clothing at no extra cost... was never an nissue.

Now that my fitness/activity/energy level is somewhat lower than past years adn I have downgraded my sporting pretentions, I do the same with my golf bag (no luggage allowance but clothes stuffed in the golf bag that is allowed for free on AF metal up to 23kg).