Rent or Buy Ski Equipment?

Are you confused about whether you should buy your own ski equipment or rent skis in resort? Both have their advantages and disadvantages, we help you explore these in more detail.

When it comes to planning a ski holiday, many people often consider renting vs. buying ski equipment. The equipment itself can initially be very expensive but if you plan to ski every year and pay rental costs every year then the costs will eventually even themselves out.

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So what are the arguments for and against?

How Many Ski Holidays?

One of the first things that you need to think about when it comes down to deciding between renting vs buying ski equipment is how many ski holidays you think you will find yourself taking. If you are an avid skier and intend to ski on a regular basis throughout the winter months, then it may be simply more cost efficient to purchase ski equipment, because the cost of hiring gear every holiday can quickly add up.

However, if you only travel out of the country for a ski holiday once every two years then hiring equipment may be much more reasonable. In this case making the purchase is less practical since the skis will only be sitting in your garage gathering dust while you are not on holiday. They will be a high cost purchase that you cannot really justify since you cannot simply use them when you want to. It will also take the pressure off you while travelling if you hire skis and don’t have to take them to and from your destination.

Carriage Costs

Transporting skies while travelling, especially if you plan on taking a flight, can be tiresome and costly, as most airlines now require you to pay extra to check in every item of baggage.

So hiring skis in resort will mean you spend less money on your luggage. You also will not have the added worry of your skis getting damaged in transit.

Buying Some, But Not All, Equipment

Another consideration is that you consider buying ski boots which can be moulded to your feet for comfort and a ski helmet which fits you properly but you consider renting your skis or snowboard in resort.

In other words you don't need to buy all the equipment but you buy those items that guarantee hygiene and comfort. This will work out cheaper and ski boots can be so uncomfortable if the fit is not right.

Post Season Sales

Do check out the ski shops at the end of each ski season as you may get a bargain. In recent sales, we saw boots at 40% off the original price. Or check out websites like e bay and gumtree for ski or snowboard equipment that people have maybe used once and then changed their mind on. You may pick up a bargain.

In Summary

If you are a new skier or snowboarder we would advise you not to buy any equipment unless you are sure that you love it and you want to go again. Then we would advise that you dip your toe in and maybe just buy the boots and helmet.

If you're committed to skiing holidays buying your own equipment may be a big investment initially but if you add up the years of renting vs a one off payment you may be surprised how it evens out.