Ski Equipment: Is it Time You Bought Your Own Set of Skis?

Don’t own your own skies? You’re not alone. Plenty of people prefer to rent over making the big decision to buy. But which is better?

Really, it depends on who you are, how you ski and what you want out of your ski trip. We’ve weighed up the pros and cons of renting and buying so you can make an informed decision ready for your next ski holiday.

Are you a beginner or a pro?

This is the first question to ask yourself before making up your mind.

If you’re a complete beginner, and you’re not sure what to expect, it’s definitely worth renting skis so you can get a feel for the sport before taking the plunge. If you go for the rental option, you can try out different styles and brands on the slopes to find your favourite.

Intermediates with some more experience under their belts might want to more seriously consider buying. However, if you want to experiment with off-piste skiing or something a bit more adventurous, you might need different equipment. Renting means you can try out different skiing styles without putting too much pressure on your wallet.

If you’re a serious skier who hits the mountain year after year, it’s probably time to buy your own set.

Which option is cheaper?

You need to weigh up costs per usage, so the more often you ski, the more cost-effective buying your own skis becomes.

Don’t forget travel

If you’re planning on reaching your resort by plane, don’t neglect to consider baggage fees at the airport! Especially for budget airlines, these can be high, and ski equipment isn’t always included in your standard allowance. Renting avoids this issue altogether!

If you do want to travel with your own ski equipment, you can always leave them at a long-term ski storage service at the end of your trip and pick them up on your next visit.

Think about maintenance

It’s important to maintain your ski equipment in-between seasons to make it last the distance, especially if you’ve invested in your own.

If you’re confident with practical tasks, you won’t find it too difficult to maintain your own skis or snowboard from home with wax.

If you’d prefer to save time for other things, renting equipment is a better option. Reputable rental shops will have expert technicians to make sure all the equipment is safe and in tip top condition, so you don’t have to worry about it.

What about the fit?

Some people worry that rental skis won’t fit right and will feel uncomfortable on the slopes. However, this is a misconception. Any good ski rental shop will have trained staff available to fit you with your perfect skis.

If you’ve decided it’s time to buy your own, make sure you get properly fitted in store rather than buying online. Badly fitting ski equipment can be dangerous, not to mention painful!

The right option for you

Hopefully you now have a better idea of which option is best for you. The general conclusion is the less experience and time spent on the slopes, the more likely you should hold off on buying.