Whether you are planning your first ski holiday or a trip to an indoor or dry ski slope near you, an important thing to think about before you go is the equipment you need!
You might then wonder what ski equipment you are able to rent, and what you need to buy and bring with you. If you find yourself wondering this, then keep reading for everything you need to know!
It is possible to rent skis, poles, boots and helmets from a skiing resort, slope or hotel however it varies between locations.
What Ski Equipment can you usually Rent?
It is important to know exactly what you will be able to rent when you get to your ski resort, hotel or ski slope. But first, make sure you know where the nearest ski rental will be, as not all ski resorts or hotels will have them and you may have to plan to get them from somewhere else nearby!
It is also always worth contacting the rental before your trip of holiday. This will allow you to double check what ski equipment they offer to be rented, and also the prices and deals you can get for the day or duration of your holiday!
Here is a list of ski equipment which you will be likely to be able to rent at a ski rental (although this may vary slightly between different rentals, so always call ahead to make sure!):
- Skis
- Poles
- Ski boots
- Helmet
- Ski jacket (at some specific rentals)
What can you NOT Rent?
While there is a wide range of equipment that you are able to rent when you arrive at the slopes of ski rental, it is likely that the correct clothing and some of the equipment you will have to buy and bring along with you.
Luckily, it is often the most expensive equipment like skis and boots that you are able to rent. However, it is important to know what you will be unlikely to be able to rent to make sure you are prepared in advance to go out onto the slopes.
It is always a good idea to check with the specific indoor/dry ski slope or ski rental you plan to go to in order to double check what equipment you will be able to rent, for how long and at what price, as this can be different between different rentals.
In general, this is a list of things you may not be able to rent at ski rentals:
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Salopettes/ski trousers
- Ski jacket
- Thermal clothing
- Ski socks
Where to Rent
Before your trip, it is always recommended to plan where to hire ski equipment from in advance. Rentals can vary in their price, deals, quality of equipment, range of equipment types (beginner vs. advanced skis and boots for example), and what equipment is actually available to rent.
For example, some rentals, may offer specific deals where you can get boots, skis and poles together at a reduced price for a certain amount of time. This can be an amazing money saving tool, as renting equipment like this can get pretty pricey if you want to be using it for a long time.
Therefore, always compare deals from nearby rentals before you travel to make sure you are getting the best deal.
You also need to take into account the location of the rental you are choosing. If you are going to a dry/indoor ski slope, there is often a rental as part of the facility. However, if you are going on a ski holiday, there might be a bit more choice.
There may even be a rental in your hotel, or a number of rental shops in nearby towns. Make sure you have a way to transport your equipment back to where you are staying though.
This might mean going to a rental which is not too far away, unless you have an easy way to transport your skis and boots if you are using them for more than one day and you don’t mind the extra distance.
When to Rent
It is recommended to make sure you have planned where and what you are going to rent before you go on your trip. This is to make sure you know exactly what you are ABLE to rent and what equipment is available to avoid any disappointment-especially during peak times.
This can also mean that you could save money by securing the best deals in advance if you pre-book your equipment, and simply pick it up when you want to start skiing. This can really reduce hassle, as well as making sure you get the best price by looking at costings in advance.
Rent or Buy?
This is an important question when you begin skiing or if you have been on a number of ski holidays.
A detailed answer on this can be found on our blog post: Should you Rent or Boy Ski Equipment, so be sure to check it out.
To Conclude
To conclude, there is normally a standard list of equipment you will be able to rent from a ski rental. However, it’s important to remember that the price, availability and quality of equipment can vary between different rentals.
The main take away message is- do your research. My calling ahead and booking equipment in advance, you can prevent disappointment and make sure you are getting the very best deals.
