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Rent Vs. Buy — Which Ski Gear Do You and the Kids Need?

by Mommy Frog on October 1, 2023 7 Breckenridge

Rent Vs. Buy — Which Ski Gear Do You and the Kids Need? - pinterestWelcome to the world of skiing and snowboarding! We know learning any new sport can be intimidating, but it can be especially so with skiing. That's why we're so hoppy to be sharing our Frog Family expertise! Once you've decided to make a family ski trip, one of the big decisions involves equipment. It can be a bit overwhelming to think of everything you need, let alone decide whether you should rent or buy. Don't fret, frog friends! We're here to help. We've got trusted tips to help you decide whether to rent or buy ski equipment. Before we hop to it, we should also mention that we're now selling Epic Passes, the Ikon Pass and hotels bundled with lift tickets (and car rentals) to save you some green on your next ski trip.

Factor in Skill Level Before You Rent or Buy Ski Equipment

If you're brand new, we highly recommend you rent ski equipment. Even if you've been skiing a few times, it's probably better to rent. By renting, you can get familiar with the equipment and learn what you like or don’t like before actually making that large purchase. If you find a rental ski boot that is really comfortable or a rental ski that makes it all seem easier, then you might decide to go out and purchase that brand or style. This way, you will have a chance to demo gear and make comparisons. Many ski resorts and rental shops have demo shops for just that reason. At Vail Resorts, you can swap out equipment as the conditions change or if you want to try a new demo. We love that flexibility with rentals.

Rent or Buy Ski Equipment - Leap Outside Ski Rental Shop

If you are a more experienced skier, it makes financial sense to buy. However, you still might like the option of renting the right equipment for the conditions. For example, you might want to try powder skis on a fresh snow day or try out some new technology by renting a demo.

If you are an experienced skier, definitely upgrade your rental skis. You likely won't be happy with basic rentals, which are slower and geared toward beginners.

Rent Vs. Buy — Which Ski Gear Do You and the Kids Need? - powder day

On a trip to Utah, we were blessed with fresh powder. I made the mistake of renting basic skis. They were sticky and made me miserable in the deep snow. I brought them back to the shop and upgraded to powder skis. What a difference it made. I was like a completely different skier when I used the correct ski for the conditions and my skill level. So do not be afraid to go back to the rental shop to upgrade or switch out equipment if is not working for you. Pay more for better skis. It's worth it.

Even as an experienced skier, I once bought the worst pair of boots ever because I never had a chance to try them out on the mountain before purchasing them. They gave me hot spots no matter what I did. My older skis needed to go at that point, so I sold the boots and rented different equipment for two seasons until I found a boot and ski that I was really hoppy with. Then, I went out and purchased them. The boot was heated and custom-molded to my foot, which was a big plus! As that equipment ages, I'll continue to rent a for a while since ski technology has changed a lot since my last purchase. Renting will give me a sense of what I like before purchasing again.

Consider Cost and Convenience Before You Rent or Buy Ski Equipment

Rent or Buy Ski Equipment - Northstar Wagons

Where and how often you ski may determine whether you should rent or buy equipment. Many learn-to-ski lessons readily include rentals. Another factor to consider in your decision is the cost of checking ski equipment when flying. When you check skis and boots, you have to pay a fee for checking the oversized equipment both ways. Depending on the airline, the fee can be as much as $100 per person per trip. You need to borrow or purchase a ski bag and boot bag (but the airline should count them as one item). Snowboard bags usually can fit boots too. But when you rent, you do not have to pay to check equipment, haul it through the airport or figure out how to fit it in the car with all your luggage. We have some hopful tips for flying with skis (including ways to save money and avoid paying fees).

Renting is a smart choice if you ski internationally because you may have to collect your skis or snowboard at customs before making a connection. We have missed a connection more than once due to a slow-arriving ski bag when flying back from Canada. Not fun! Lugging equipment through the airport and trying to fit it into a rental car is physically challenging. Renting removes all that headache. Plus, rental equipment is likely to be newer and offer the latest models. You can buy the latest model, but in 10 years, technology will have moved on.

Rent or Buy Ski Equipment - On the Slopes

On the other hand, if you will be making several ski trips each year and can drive to a ski resort, bringing your own equipment has its advantages. It's nice to be familiar and comfortable with how it performs. You don't have to wait in line and pay for rental equipment. With your own skis and an Epic Pass, Ikon Pass or other multi-day lift tickets in hand, you are ready to hit the slopes without any stops. Plus, if you want to try out a new ski or adjust to changing conditions, the option to demo something different is there.

If you are going to rent, one way to save money with rentals is to reserve in advance. Sometimes you can get pre-season pricing for a mid-season trip if you book early enough. When you book your trip, consider any rentals or lessons you need. We recommend renting in advance to save time. You can rent junior skis, sport skis, performance skis, helmets and more! Always opt to protect your noggin! Many ski resorts have expanded their ski delivery services. If that interests you, you might be able to skip a visit to the shop entirely!

What You Need Whether You Rent or Buy Ski and Snowboard Equipment

Ski Equipment for Adults

When you go to the rental shop, you will want to pick up skis, poles and boots. Be sure to get a helmet! The shop employees will help you find the right size and fit. They will set the bindings for your weight and skiing ability. That way, your beginner settings will help skis pop off more easily if you fall so you don’t get hurt. The advantage to renting is that everything is set up and customized for you and your level that day. If you discover that you love skiing and want to ski more often, then you can look into purchasing. But in the beginning, it just doesn’t make sense to buy until you get a feel for what you like and know that you will use it.

Ski and Snowboard Equipment for Kids

Rent or Buy Ski Equipment - Ski Masses

The best plan for new skiers is to rent equipment. Kids grow fast, so you may not want to invest in purchasing equipment. Give it some time so you'll know if they like the sport and get a sense of their skiing style. They may also switch from skiing to snowboarding. If you have several children who want to ski, consider buying equipment that can be handed down to younger siblings.

You want to keep your tadpoles hoppy. That means using good equipment that fits properly. Rentals always fit. If you choose a ski school that includes rentals or even has rentals on-site, it can make the process of going to and from ski school even easier. One thing to consider when choosing a ski school is how they do rentals and if they will let you leave your skis there overnight if you have multi-day lessons. It saves a lot of time and effort on your part if the ski school handles the equipment.

Whether you rent or bring your own equipment, kids need boots, skis, a helmet and maybe poles. Snowboarders need a snowboard, boots and helmet. Young and new skiers may not need poles. Check with the ski school. If you do decide to purchase new skis, you will also need to purchase bindings and have them attached, so be sure to get those if you are purchasing.

Equipment for Snowboarders

Rent or Buy Ski Equipment - Snowboard Equipment

Snowboarders need a snowboard, snowboard boots (which are completely different from ski boots) and a helmet. It is a smart investment to purchase some other safety equipment. You can purchase wrist guards (there are gloves with built-in wrist guards). Wearing wrist guards and body armor to protect wrists, tailbones, hips and other parts can mean the difference between popping back up virtually pain-free after a fall or causing some real damage, such as a wrist fracture or very bruised bottom.

Buy or Rent Ski Equipment - Snowboarding

Are you goofy or regular? You should also know the answer to that question and what it means because it affects how you set up the equipment. Most people are regular, which means their left leg is dominant and the left foot is closer to the front of the snowboard. Goofy riders have their right foot towards the front of the board. To decide if you are goofy or regular, stand still on the ground (not on a snowboard). If someone pushes you from behind, pay attention to which leg goes out in front of you to support you. That leg should be closer to the front of your board. 

If you are buying, know that a brand-new snowboard will need bindings. Some bindings are easier to get in and out of than others. Make it easy on yourself or your tadpoles by buying easy-entry bindings that are easier to click in and out of. The correct bindings can save a lot of time and frustration when strapping back in after getting off of the lift or gondola. There's no sitting for a while in the cold snow getting reconnected. (Nobody likes to wait for the boarder who can’t strap in efficiently.)

Tips for Whether You Rent or Buy Ski Equipment

Rent Vs. Buy — Which Ski Gear Do You and the Kids Need? - rentalsIf You Rent Ski Gear ...

Always try on both boots — I learned that the hard way. Find out in advance if there are discounts for rentals with lessons. Some off-site locations will even meet you at the ski resorts or your hotel for easy pick-up and drop-off, so do your research on the rental prices and services offered.

There are advantages and disadvantages to renting at a ski resort or off-site. You can often save a lot of money by renting off-site. But if there is a problem with the equipment or you get the wrong size, then you are out of luck.

When renting ski gear, find out if you can pick up your skis the day before. If you can pick up your skis after 3:00 p.m. the day before you need them, that's one less stop you need to make in the morning. If the tadpoles are taking lessons or any family members are taking beginner lessons, find out if you can acquire your rentals at the ski school. Some places take care of fitting the kids after you drop them off, which, again, saves time and effort in the morning. Nobody likes to start the day by standing in lines! We frogs are toadally into making skiing as effortless as possible. If the school keeps skis overnight, then that saves you from having to schlep them around. You'll probably take the boots with you overnight. Make sure they are warm and dry for the next day!

If You Buy or Own Ski Gear ...

Once you are ready to take the plunge and buy your own equipment, we have tips! Boot fit is one of the most important aspects of skiing, so it is important to find a good boot fitter. Generally, you will find them at specialty or smaller ski shops. My current pair of boots was heat molded to my flipper, so it fits like a glove. These boots have kept my feet happy for many years. I do not recommend getting used adult boots or even letting people borrow your boots. I’m a good sharer, but I put my frog foot down — literally — on sharing ski boots.

Take care of your boots. Dry them out and strap them up properly for storage. Some people buy a boot they love (keeping that familiarity of equipment) but rent skis at the resort, especially if they are flying to their destination. You may be able to carry on your boots and save checking fees. Whenever we store our skis on the rack, when we stop for lunch, we split up our poles. We've had our poles stolen too many times! I find if I place one of my poles with my skis and one with Leap's, they are less likely to disappear. If you have very expensive equipment, you can bring a lock or pay for a service to watch them (at some resorts). That can be the downside of owning your own equipment.

Rent or Buy Ski Equipment - Skis outside the Lodge

When buying skis, the best way to know what you like is to demo them first. Talk to the store employees and other avid skiers to get their feedback. Wipe down and dry your skis after use, store them in a bag, and get them waxed and the edges sharpened regularly. If you take care of your equipment, you can enjoy it for years to come.

Beyond Skis, What Do You Need?

Rent or Buy Ski Equipment - Mom and Child at Ski School DropoffIn addition to hard equipment, you will need to rent, borrow or buy clothing to protect yourself from the elements.

You need:

  • Goggles
  • Thermals (tops and bottoms)
  • A face shield or neck gaiter.
  • A hat or ear cover (some helmets act as both a hat and noggin protector)
  • A mid-layer
  • An outer waterproof shell or jacket with vents (they make different ones for skiing versus snowboarding)
  • Waterproof outer pants
  • Good quality ski socks that wick away moisture
  • Gloves or mittens (may vary based on snowboarding or skiing)

I prefer the gloves with an attached internal layer so if I pull off my glove to get a tissue or lip balm, my hands are still covered, but I won’t risk losing or dropping the outer part of my glove because it is attached to me. On a warm day, you can ski with a thin layer. I prefer to have two pairs of gloves in case the first one gets wet. I also recommend having a few packs of hand warmers or toe warmers for very cold days.

Hopfully, you now have a better idea as to whether you should rent or buy ski equipment. If you're new to skiing or snowboarding, I have a few more secrets for new skiers so that you're outfitted for success on the mountain. We frogs are always excited to save some “green” and pass the tips to you, so if you need to book lodging at ski resort hotels or purchase lift tickets, the Epic Pass or the Ikon Pass, be sure to check out our hoppin’ deals.

Related: Tips for Skiing During Peak Times

Related: When Is the Best Time to Book a Ski Vacation

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
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Nov 24, 2020 at 7:13 p.m. Pietro Says...

Thanks for the info! You make me hoppy

Reply
Nov 24, 2020 at 1:26 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

You are so welcome, Pietro - thanks for hopping by! You make us hoppy too :)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 12, 2019 at 5:51 a.m. Premier Alpine Centre Says...

Thanks

Reply
Jun 13, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. Comor Sports Says...

Thanks for the information ! well i was pretty confused what to do. This blog helps me to find the way. Keep sharing stuff like this.

Reply
Jun 19, 2019 at 6:26 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Comor Sports,

We are so "hoppy" to hear this!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
May 10, 2019 at 9:52 p.m. Sam Says...

Awesome, thanks. I'm thinking about a ski trip but have never been on snow before

Reply
Jan 10, 2018 at 10:24 a.m. Ian Says...

So when you say goofy or regular for snowboarding ???? it means the way you stand on the board. If you have your left foot closest to the forward part of the board when pointing downhill you are regular. Most people are regular. You can find out by Standing still (you don’t need a board or anything) With legs slightly apart (in shoes or without) and have someone push you from behind. Whichever leg goes forward to stop you from falling (dominant leg) is the one you want to have closest to the front of the board!

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