Need to rent winter gear for a family ski vacation?
Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Family ski vacations easily cost anywhere from $4,000 to over $16,000 depending on location and choices. The big ticket one? Gear.
Here’s the deal…
Buying winter gear for the whole family is expensive. And when your kids outgrow their equipment every season before they even touch the bunny hill it just feels like flushing money down the toilet.
Enter the smart family who rents winter gear instead.
What you’ll learn:
- Why renting winter gear makes sense
- What gear should be rented vs bought
- How to find the best rental options
- Tips for getting the perfect fit
Why Renting Winter Gear Makes Financial Sense
Okay – let’s do the math.
A basic ski setup including skis, boots, bindings, and poles runs $700 to $1,500 for brand new equipment. Times that by however many people are in your family and you’re already in the thousands of dollars before you even set foot on the slopes.
Rentals for a day are going to run you from $40 to $70 per day on average depending on resort and equipment quality. Rentals for the season are even better, some rental shops even offer kids packages as low as just $99 for the entire winter.
If you’re coming from a non-winter state like Arizona it pays to scope out some of these winter gear rentals in Phoenix before your trip to save both money and headache at the resort. You’ll avoid all of the long rental lines and can just relax on vacation.
But the real game changer for families with kids is this fact…
Kids grow fast. Like really fast. That $1,500 equipment you bought last year? It’s not fitting them this year. Renting solves that problem completely as you’ll get properly sized equipment every season.
Most rental programs even allow you to change sizes in the middle of the season if your kid goes through a growth spurt. Try doing that when you own your own gear.
What Gear Should Be Rented vs Bought
Guess what? Not everything should be rented. Some things make sense to buy while others make more sense to leave at the rental shop.
Rent These Items
- Skis and snowboards
- Ski boots (especially for kids who grow every season)
- Helmets (unless you are a frequent skier)
- Poles
Buy These Items
- Goggles that fit your face just right
- Base layers and thermal underwear
- Good quality gloves or mittens
- Ski socks
The logic behind this is simple. Rental shops are great at providing the more technical equipment that needs professional fitting and regular maintenance. But more personal items like goggles and gloves feel better when they’re your own.
Ski boots deserve special mention here. For adults that ski regularly owning boots makes sense as a custom fit really improves comfort and performance. But kids? Rent them every season. Their feet grow too quickly to justify the expense.
How To Find The Best Rental Options
Renting good gear isn’t hard but it does take a little advance planning.
Compare These Options
- Resort rentals are convenient but expensive
- Local shops near resorts usually have lower prices
- Hometown rentals let you get fitted before leaving home
- Season-long rental programs for frequent skiers
The smart play is always to book rentals online and in advance. Many shops offer 15-20% discounts for early reservations. This also guarantees your sizes will be available during the busiest times like the holidays.
Make sure to check the rental package details. Some bundles will include helmets at no additional charge. Others will charge for everything separately. Pay attention to the fine print before you book.
Pro tip: Ask about multi-day discounts. Most rental shops discount by $10 or more per day when you rent for multiple days instead of a single day rate.
Tips For Getting The Perfect Fit
Poor fitting gear can ruin your whole vacation. Here’s how to ensure everything fits properly.
Ski Boots
Your boots should feel snug but not painful. With buckles fastened your toes should just touch the front of the boot when you’re standing straight up. Then when you flex forward into a ski stance your toes should pull back away from the front of the boot.
Rental shops usually size boots for comfort over performance. So if the boots feel too loose don’t hesitate to ask for a smaller size. A sloppy fit results in cold feet and less control.
Skis
Kids skis should generally reach between their chest and nose when they’re standing upright. Shorter skis are better for beginners while more advanced young skiers can handle longer skis.
Helmets
A proper helmet should sit level on the head and not wobble when shaken. Leave about one finger width between your eyebrows and the helmet’s edge. If the helmet sits too high on your child’s head then it’s time to size up.
Making The Most Of Your Rental Experience
A little preparation will go a long way towards a smooth rental experience.
Show up at the rental shop with your ski socks already on. This way you can ensure you get the best possible boot fit. Bring a list of each person’s height, weight, and shoe size to speed up the fitting process.
Know your ability level and be honest. Rental technicians use this information to set up your equipment. Overestimating your skills could result in equipment that is harder to control.
Don’t forget to bring these rental day essentials:
- Photo ID for each adult renter
- Credit card for the security deposit
- Reservation confirmation if you booked online
- Patience if it’s busy
If something doesn’t feel right when you’re on the mountain then return to the shop. Good rental operations will make adjustments or swap out your equipment for free. Don’t suffer through a day on uncomfortable boots or the wrong ski length.
Wrapping It All Up
Renting winter gear for family vacations just makes sense. It saves you money, avoids storage hassles, and makes sure your family has properly fitted equipment every trip.
Here are the takeaways to keep in mind:
- Rent technical equipment like skis and boots
- Book early for the best selection and prices
- Get fitted properly and never settle for bad-fitting gear
- Consider hometown rentals to skip resort lines
Whether you ski once a year or multiple trips a season renting keeps costs manageable while giving your family access to quality gear. Stop worrying about equipment and focus on the important stuff like family memories on the mountain.
