Want to get into the swing of skiing without spending every dollar you have?
Countless skiers across the country ask themselves this question each year. Buying gear or renting gear?
The answer may surprise you.
Don’t let prepping for ski season stress you out. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned pro, getting your gear together can be easy and affordable if you know how.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about ski rentals so you can spend more time skiing and less time worrying about your gear.
The Ski Equipment Lowdown:
- Rentals make sense for most skiers
- Purchasing vs renting ski equipment
- Season rentals – The best rental solution
- Matching ski equipment to skill level
- Tips to getting the best ski rental package deal
Rentals Make Sense for Most Skiers
Ski areas nationwide are seeing increased traffic on their slopes this year.
The National Ski Areas Association reports American ski areas saw 61.5 million skier visits last season (2024-25), which ranked second-highest ever.
But what many industry insiders aren’t talking about…
Is that not every skier needs to own their equipment. Families with small children who grow quickly and casual skiers who only hit the mountain a few times a year can save big bucks by renting ski gear instead of buying.
Plus… Park City ski rentals are very popular because they allow you flexibility without having to worry about selling or storing equipment after the season ends.
Quality skis, boots, bindings and poles range anywhere from $700-$1500+ dollars. Add on yearly tune-ups, bag fees and storage and that price tag gets significantly higher. Daily ski rentals average between $50-$80 per day based on the quality you desire.
However if you know you’ll be hitting the slopes multiple times this season, renting seasonally is your best bet. Learn how Park City seasonal ski and snowboard rentals work during the various seasons. Rentals allow you to lock in your equipment at one affordable price and ski all winter long without the dreaded daily rental lines!
Purchasing vs Renting Ski Equipment
Hold on to your ski pants… Let’s talk about costs.
A good pair of skis with bindings can cost around $500. Boots are usually about $250. Ski poles might be $50. That’s $800 on entry-level gear that will hold you down.
But wait… there’s more:
- Upkeep/tuning costs ($50-100/season)
- Storage at home/travel to mountains
- Baggage fees ($50-100 each way)
- Outdated tech that needs replacing every few years
Parking season rental packages are usually cheaper than buying your own equipment or a few days of daily rentals. Rentals typically include maintenance, equipment swaps if something doesn’t feel right and even free size exchanges if your kids grow out of boot sizes!
If you only plan to ski five days or less per year then renting your ski equipment is the obvious choice. However, as you ski more throughout the year, purchasing your equipment may be more cost effective. But, the majority of avid skiers rent when visiting different resorts or skiing out of state.
Season Rentals – The Best Rental Solution
Season ski rentals are your best friend.
Here’s why…
Pay one price up front. That’s it. Pick up your equipment and ski all winter long. Return it when you’re done skiing and say goodbye to rentals.
No waiting in line at your rental shop every morning before your first lift. Simply grab your gear and go!
Seasonals are a lifesaver for families too. Kids grow like weeds and boots that fit perfectly at the beginning of the season may not by March. Plus, most seasonal rental packages allow for free size exchanges if your kids grow.
Park City ski rentals through a seasonal package are also guaranteed to always have up-to-date gear in great condition. Rental shops take care of their equipment by tuning and waxing after every use.
Not having to worry about renting equipment every day is worth it alone. Just hop past the rental counter on crazy powder days and make it straight to your lift ticket. That’s more skiing time you gain!
Matching Ski Equipment To Skill Level
Did you know there’s different quality levels of ski equipment for rent?
When visiting the rental shop you will usually be given 3 different options. Beginner rental packages, sport or intermediate and demo or performance.
Beginners… rent the beginner gear.
It’s as simple as that. When you’re just starting out, go for the cheap stuff. You’ll be fine and can always upgrade later once you’re improving. Spend the money you save on lessons instead. They help you progress quicker than fancy skis.
Sport/Intermediate
If you know how to ski and are just looking to get better, bump your equipment rental up to the “sport” level. You’ll feel the difference in edge control and overall feel which will help you gain confidence on all types of terrain. It’s the best of both worlds.
Advanced / Demo
Only once you’re confident in your skiing ability should you consider renting demo or performance gear. Not only will you have the latest technology, it’s also a great way to try different brands of skis before making a purchase.
Stick with gear that matches your skill level. Trying to ski harder terrain with entry level gear only slows you down and causes frustration. Rent what you need and save money!
Tips To Getting The Best Ski Rental Package Deal
Want to know how to save more money? Follow these tips!
- Book online ahead of time – Many shops offer 10-20% off if you reserve your equipment online before you arrive at the mountain. This also ensures you get your desired equipment during holiday weeks.
- Shop in town. – Rental shops located in town are usually cheaper than the ones right at the ski area. The extra drive into town can be well worth it if you’re skiing for multiple days.
- Inquire about multi-day discounts. – Rental packages typically get cheaper per day the longer you rent. Very rarely will a week-long rental cost you 7 times the price of a single day.
- Bundle your package. – Many rental shops offer lift ticket or lesson discounts when you purchase your equipment through them. You save money by bundling your packages versus purchasing them separately.
- Inspect Equipment Before Leaving. – Don’t be afraid to test out the boots before you leave. Do the bindings work? Any damaged edges on your skis? Staff want you to be happy so they will switch out anything you don’t like about your equipment.
The NSAA also reports season pass holders now make up 49% of all skier visits nationwide. Once committed, these dedicated skiers understand planning ahead and buying in bulk to save money and enhance the experience.
Wrapping It All Up…
Figuring out what ski equipment you’ll use this winter shouldn’t be stressful. Renting vs buying comes down to one thing…
Knowing yourself.
Will you really be skiing that much this year? Do you have easy access to storage and transportation? Are you skiing with kids or newbies that may need to switch equipment? How much do you want to spend on quality gear plus maintenance?
Rentals win every time for the average skier. Seasonal rentals give you the best bang for your buck by eliminating daily rental fees and locking in your rates.
At the end of the day it doesn’t matter where your equipment comes from. Just get out there and ski! Don’t let your equipment be the reason you stay home.
