How to Make a Shot Ski

Co-authored by Kady Richardson and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: July 26, 2022 References

Ah, the shot ski—every mountaineering party person’s favorite way to throw back a throat warming shot. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a frequent skier to enjoy this novelty item. If you’ve got an old ski and are in the mood to party, it’s a simple and straightforward process to make your own. That’s why we’ve put together a handy guide to making a shot ski (with permanently attached glasses or with removable glasses). Keep scrolling to see how it’s done and become the life of the next party!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Making a Shot Ski with Permanent Glasses

1
Prepare your ski by removing the bindings and cleaning it. First, use an electric drill to unscrew and remove the bindings (if they’re still attached).^{[1]
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Research source} Then, wipe down the entire ski with soapy water and a sponge to remove dirt and dust so your paint and glue adhere to the ski’s surface.^{[2]
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2
Measure the base of the ski. The base is the flat part of the ski that makes contact with the ground and is where you’ll place the shot glasses.^{[3]
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Research source} Exclude the tail and the tip from your measurement—they curve upward and don’t give shot ski users a good grip on the ski.
- Putting shot glasses on the curved tip or tail of the ski forces the shot ski user to drink at an angle (AKA, you’ll have to clean a puddle of liquor off the floor).
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3
Mark your shot glass placement with a permanent marker. First, divide the length of the base by the number of shot glasses you want to include on the ski. Then mark where the glasses will go, making sure the distance between glasses is equal.^{[4]
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- Leave at least 18 inches (46 cm) between glasses to avoid crowding.
- Most shot skis have 4 shot glasses on them, but you can include more or less depending on the length of the ski and your personal preference.
4
Use a Forstner bit to drill shallow holes over your markings. The bit should be the same size as the diameter of the base of your shot glasses—for most, a 1.5 in (3.8 cm) or 1.375 in (3.49 cm) drillbit works. Drill until you feel that you’ve hit the wooden core of the ski and stop (about 0.175 in (0.44 cm).^{[5]
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- Make sure not to drill all the way through the base.
- Clean out any dust or ski bits left in the hole.
- Drill safely outside or in a well-ventilated area. Wear goggles and a face mask to keep wood, plastic, or fiberglass particles out of your eyes and lungs.
5
Decorate your shot ski, if preferred. First, sand the surface of the ski to smooth it down and help the paint stick. Use paint or a paint pen to add any colors or designs you like, or add some fun stickers. Wait for the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next step.^{[6]
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- Decorating is easiest after you’ve made the holes but before you insert the shot glasses.
6
Glue your shot glasses into the holes. Spread epoxy or a heavy-duty, clear silicone glue into a hole, making sure to coat the entire bottom of the hole. Press a shot glass into the hole and hold it firmly for a few seconds. Repeat with the rest of the shot glasses.^{[7]
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7
Allow 24 hours for the glue or epoxy to cure before using the shot ski. Resist the urge to break in your brand new shot ski right away. Most glues or resins take up to 24 hours to cure (harden and dry) completely. Once it’s dry, you’re ready to party!^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Making a Shot Ski with Removable Glasses

1
Remove the binding from your ski and clean it. First, unattach the binding (if it’s still there) by unscrewing it with an electric drill.^{[9]
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Research source} Then remove any dust and dirt on the ski by wiping it down with mild soap and a sponge (this will help your glue or paint stick later).^{[10]
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2
Measure the base of the ski. The base is the long, flat portion of the ski where you’ll attach your shot glasses.^{[11]
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Research source} Keep the curved tail and tip out of your measurement. They’re angled and hard to grip or drink from, so they don’t make great spots for shot glasses.
3
Use a permanent marker to mark where the shot glasses will go. Divide your base measurement by the number of glasses you’re attaching—this is the amount of space that should go between them so they're equidistant from each other. Make a mark to indicate where each glass should go on the ski.^{[12]
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- If possible, leave at least 18 inches (46 cm) between glasses to avoid head bumps while the shot ski is in action.
- The number of shot glasses you attach is up to you, but most shot skis include 4 glasses. The longer the ski, the more glasses you can comfortably add.
4
Use a circular drill to make shallow holes over each marking. Drill with a Forstner, circular, or paddle drill bit that’s the same size as the diameter of the base of the shot glasses (probably about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)). Only drill about 0.175 inches (0.44 cm) deep.^{[13]
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- Clean out any dust or ski bits left in the hole.
- Wear goggles and a face mask to protect your eyes and lungs from flying bits of wood, fiberglass, or plastic while you drill.
- If possible, safely drill the ski outside or in a well-ventilated area indoors.
5
Decorate your shot ski if desired. If you want to personalize your ski, sand the surface smooth first. Then use paint, paint pens, or even just stickers to create your own unique designs. If you use paint, let it dry completely before moving on to the next part of the project.^{[14]
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6
Cut velcro circles to fit inside the holes and onto the shot glass bases. Trace a circle with the same diameter as the holes on the peel-away back of a sheet of velcro (one for each hole). Then, trace the bases of the shot glasses on the opposite velcro sheet. Cut out the circles to have a matching velcro pairing for each shot glass-hole combo.^{[15]
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- As an alternative to velcro, use circular magnets and washers to hold the shot glasses in place on the ski.
7
Adhere the velcro circles to the holes and shot glasses with glue. Instead of the adhesive on the back of the velcro, use epoxy or a heavy-duty, clear silicone glue to attach the circles. Cover the entire surface of the hole or shot glass bottom with glue and hold the velcro firmly in place for a few seconds.^{[16]
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- If you’re using magnets instead of velcro, glue circular magnets into the holes on the ski and metal washers onto the bottom of each shot glass. Ideally, the magnets should sit flush with the surface of the ski.
8
Let the glue or epoxy on the ski and shot glasses dry overnight. Wait to break in your new shot ski until the glue has completely set. An overnight rest should do it, but it may take up to 24 hours.^{[17]
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9
Velcro the shot glasses to the ski. Once the glue sets, you’re good to go! Attach the shot glasses to the shot ski holes by pressing the velcro surfaces together. After they’ve been used, just peel them off to wash them and set up for round 2.^{[18]
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10
Finished.