Does the idea of a family ski vacation fill you with dread?
The high cost of renting or buying equipment can make you abandon your plans for a family getaway in the snow.
Right before you start that expensive excursion to Aspen or Vail, you might decide it’s too expensive and go skiing with the family in Arizona or Tahoe instead.
Costs aside, you should totally go on a family ski trip!
That’s why you should rent winter gear!
Family ski vacations cost $4,000 to $16,000 or more, depending on where you go and how you travel and eat.
One of the biggest costs to factor in is equipment.
The bottom line…
Purchasing winter equipment for the whole family is expensive.
And as any parent knows, kids outgrow their ski equipment in a season. If not a month!
Don’t invest in winter equipment that won’t even last a full ski vacation. Rent it instead!
In This Article
- Why Renting Winter Gear Makes Financial Sense
- What Gear Should You Rent vs. Buy?
- How To Find The Best Rental Options
- Tips For Getting The Perfect Fit
- Wrapping Things Up
Why Renting Winter Gear Makes Financial Sense
Think about it.
Skis, boots, bindings, and poles can cost anywhere from $700 to $1,500 for brand new equipment.
That’s just one set. What if you have a spouse and two kids? Now you’re looking at thousands of dollars before you even step foot on the slopes.
Renting daily equipment can cost $40 to $70 per day depending on the resort and the quality of equipment.
Renting for the whole season is even cheaper, with some rental shops offering discounted packages for kids starting at just $99 for the entire winter.
Check for winter gear rentals near you if you live in a warm state like Arizona. If you can find quality rentals in Phoenix, you can rent winter gear before leaving on vacation. By getting everything at home before you head to a ski resort, you can avoid the long lines to rent on vacation. Plus, you save money by avoiding higher resort prices!
But wait, there’s more…
If you have kids, they grow fast.
That top-of-the-line equipment that you purchased just last winter may not fit at all by this season.
Rentals solve that problem. By renting equipment, you ensure that your child is always getting properly-sized gear on every vacation.
Did your kid experience a growth spurt and need larger equipment mid-season? Most rental programs will allow you to trade up to a larger size in the middle of the season. What a concept. Try that with purchased gear.
What Gear Should You Rent vs. Buy?
The good news is you don’t need to rent everything!
Some gear is better purchased for winter family vacations while other equipment is better left to the rental shop.
Rent these items:
- Skis and snowboards
- Ski boots for kids
- Helmets (unless you’re an avid skier)
- Poles
Purchase these items:
- Goggles that fit your face
- Base layers and thermal underwear
- Quality gloves or mittens
- Ski socks
The reason for this division between rental vs. purchase items is simple. Rental shops do a great job at renting technical equipment that needs to be professionally fitted and regularly serviced. But personal gear such as goggles and gloves perform better when they are your own.
Ski boots get a special mention here.
For an adult skier who skis several times per year, boots are a great investment. A custom fit ski boot dramatically improves comfort and skier performance. But for a child who is still growing? Rent the boots every year. Their feet grow too quickly to warrant the investment in new boots every season.
How To Find The Best Rental Options
The good news is rental gear is widely available. The challenge is finding the best value and service for your family.
Compare the following options before committing to a rental source:
- Resort rentals (inconvenient but convenient)
- Rental shops near the resort (good prices)
- Rentals in your hometown (fit before traveling)
- Season-long rental programs (great for frequent skiers)
Book your rentals in advance online when possible. Many ski rental shops offer a 15-20% discount for early bookings. That means you can save a bundle just for planning ahead.
Booking also helps ensure that your child has the correct equipment sizes during busy holiday weeks. With pre-bookings, you don’t have to worry about a size being sold out.
Look at what is included in the package. Helmets are often included at no extra cost in ski rental bundles. Or you could pay extra for each individual piece of equipment. Read the fine print on rental shops’ websites before making your choice.
Pro tip: Ask about discounts for multiple days. Rental shops often discount $10 or more per day for multi-day rentals instead of daily rates.
Tips For Getting The Perfect Fit
Nothing is worse than not having the correct size or fit of winter equipment. Take the time to get the right fit on your ski vacation.
Boot fitting tips:
- Boots should be snug but not painful
- When buckled, your toes should lightly touch the front of the boot in a standing position
- Once in a flexed forward ski position, your toes should pull back into the boot slightly
Rental shops often size boots for comfort over performance. If a boot is a little loose, it’s OK to ask for a smaller size to try. Better to have a tighter fit than ski boots that are too loose. Loose boots lead to cold feet and loss of control.
Kids ski length tips:
Kids skis should typically be somewhere between their nose and chest height when they stand next to their skis while upright.
Beginners do better with shorter skis, so they have an easier time turning. More experienced young skiers can take on longer skis as they develop more skill.
Helmet fitting tips:
A properly sized helmet should sit level on the head and not wiggle back and forth when you shake your head.
There should be a gap of about one finger width between your eyebrows and the edge of the helmet. If the helmet sits too high on your child’s head, you need a larger size.
Making The Most Of Your Rental Experience
Renting can be a great experience, provided you take a few extra steps to make the process easy.
Show up at the rental shop with your ski socks on. The socks already on your feet will ensure the most accurate boot fit possible.
Bring along a list of your family members’ heights, weights, and shoe sizes. This will make the rental fitting process more efficient.
Know your ability level and be honest about it. Rental technicians use this information to set up your bindings, boots, skis, or snowboards.
Overestimating your skills will land you on steeper, faster gear that is more difficult to control.
Don’t forget these items on rental day:
- Photo ID for each adult renter
- Credit card for a security deposit
- Confirmation of reservation if you pre-booked online
- Patience during peak rental periods
One last tip: if something doesn’t feel right when you hit the slopes, return to the rental shop. Good rental operations will make adjustments or exchange your equipment free of charge. Never risk another day of painful boots or the wrong size skis. Return them to the shop for a proper fit.
Wrapping Things Up
Renting winter gear for family vacations just makes sense.
Renting is cheaper, saves space, and ensures everyone has well-fitted equipment for each trip.
Let’s recap the key points:
- Rent skis, boots, snowboards, and other technical equipment
- Book rentals early to get the best selection and prices
- Make sure each family member has properly fitting equipment
- Consider renting equipment before your trip to skip long lines
Renting keeps costs low even if you ski several times a year. It also means your family has access to high-quality gear. Forget about the equipment and focus on the fun of making family memories on the mountain.
