Buying or Renting Ski Equipment

So, skis, boots and poles — to buy or not to buy? A difficult choice? Not necessarily.

It depends on three things:

• How often you ski
• What level of skier you are
• How important the 'cool' factor is
• Money

About the last one...money. When you're a complete beginner (child or adult), ski equipment rentals make sense. Why? Resorts offer package deals that include ski equipment rental, ski lift tickets and ski lessons.

And the gear beginners use is different to that for intermediates and advanced skiers.


Why Rent?

To be honest, I don't like rental equipment, especially ski boots. If you go skiing at the end of the season (March or April), hundreds of feet have stretched them out.

However, when you are new to the sport and want to learn to ski, it is still best to rent. Mainly because you won't be sure what you want or need yet.

If you've skied a few times and are beginning to think about buying skis or boots, consider this before making the final decision to buy:

• It's great after the skiing is done to take your skis and boots off and hand them back. No carrying, no drying, no hassle.


• You have one less thing to remember to take to the resort/ski mountain.


• If you keep renting and find a pair you love, you can probably buy them from the shop at a used price.


• Any problems or breakages — you can take them back and exchange for a different pair during the day.

Renting takes up time — every time you go to the slopes. And, rental skis and boots are usually the most basic on the market.

Buying ski equipment is costly, yes. But having a pair of skis and especially boots that are comfortable and fitted to you can greatly enhance your skiing.

And if you're planning to ski a lot, then buying ski equipment can end up being cost-effective and a lot more convenient.

Tip: One way to get a great deal is rent the first season you learn. Then, at the end of the winter, when shops heavily discount skis and boots, buy your equipment for next year. Or consider buying a pair of demos from a ski or rental shop. Demos are of better quality than basic rentals and they've been used throughout the season so you get good equipment but for even more of a bargain.

If you're thinking of buying, head to our Ski page for what length and type of ski you should go for. (Skis & Ski Length page)

And check out the Boots page too for some advice about how to get great fitting ski boots. (Ski Boots page)


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