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Every ski trip starts with a deceptively simple question: What do you really need to bring, and what’s smarter to rent? After years of traveling to ski mountains with friends, I’ve learned that the right ski and snowboarding gear strategy can really transform a trip. And with resorts updating rental fleets, shops offering seasonal packages, and online reservations making ski lodge pickups effortless, choosing wisely is about more than saving money—it’s about maximizing time on the slopes, true comfort, and safety in every regard.
For occasional skiers, renting skis, snowboards, and boots is often the most practical move. Lodge-side rentals allow quick swaps or upgrades, and seasonal programs, like those at Paragon Sports, provide well-maintained, tuned equipment without the responsibility of ownership. Rentals also give you the freedom to adjust to changing conditions—a subtle detail that can make a long day on the mountain feel seamless.
Buying your own gear, though, can be transformative: Frequent riders benefit from ski or snowboard boots molded to their feet, skis tuned to their style, and, of course, no time lost waiting in rental lines. For frequent, committed skiers, the upfront investment in gear pays off in comfort, consistency, and more hours for fun runs on the mountain. As someone who has planned trips around skiing and snowboarding for more than a decade, I’ve become a bit of a pro at deciding what gear is actually worth trekking to the mountain. Consider this your guide to gear rentals, what to buy if you’re ready to invest, and how to approach ski season with ease.
In this article:
FAQ: Renting vs. buying gear
Is it better to rent ski and snowboard equipment on-site?
For travelers hitting US slopes, knowing what to expect from on-site rental services can make or break your experience. Gear rentals at resort counters or nearby shops are convenient for one-offs or short trips, but the level of service varies greatly. You’ll find that the best shops are those that handle peak-season crowds in a more organized flow—and allow you to reserve skis, snowboards, boots, and poles in advance. And if they do allow you to order them in advance, I highly suggest it: The process ensures the right sizes and models are waiting when you arrive. Expert staff take the time to adjust bindings and boots for your height, weight, and skill level, tune skis and boards, and offer guidance on gear suited to current snow conditions—whether powder, groomers, or mixed terrain.
Essentially, if you’re heading to the mountains and renting gear, treat it less like a convenience and more like a travel service: Book early, choose a reputable shop (ideally a local outfitter rather than the crowded resort desk), and think ahead about the conditions and duration of your stay. Many rental shops offer reserved‑gear pick‑up and drop‑off, with properly tuned skis, fresh boots, and adjustable bindings—ideal when you don’t want to lug awkwardly sized gear through airports or pay oversized‑baggage fees.
Rentals also give you flexibility—maybe you rent all‑mountain skis one day, powder boards the next if the snow dumps or conditions change. For longer stays or those skiing several times a season, consider a seasonal rental package: You get reliable equipment, maintained by pros, without the burden of storage or transport back home.
How do I rent seasonal ski and snowboard gear?
For frequent skiers or those planning extended trips, seasonal rentals and valet-style storage services offer unmatched convenience and efficiency. These programs store a dedicated set of skis, snowboards, and boots for the entire season, maintaining them with waxing, tuning, and binding adjustments. Some gear shipping services—like Ship Skis, Lugless, or SendMyGear—even deliver gear directly to your lodging and collect it when you leave, sparing any burden of transport, oversized-baggage fees, or off-season storage.
The best seasonal rental services also allow mid-season swaps or demo upgrades to match changing snow conditions or terrain, ensuring optimal performance without the expense of multiple equipment sets. Over several trips, seasonal rentals are often more cost-effective than repeated daily rentals and eliminate maintenance headaches.
What are the most reliable ski rental gear services?
REI has been leading the equipment rental game for years. You can rent nearly everything you need for skiing (whether that’s downhill, cross-country, or backcountry), snowboarding, and snowshoeing, and they offer almost every item in sizes for kids and adults. They also have accessories, like goggles and helmets, and items to get you to the mountain—from car-top ski racks and snow shovels to avalanche transceivers. Its prices are consistent nationwide and relatively competitive. A basic adult downhill ski package, which includes skis with bindings, boots, and poles, costs $28 for the first night and $17 for each additional night. Anyone who’s been outfitted within spitting distance of a chairlift can attest that the price is a fraction of what mountain lodges typically charge.
Rent the Runway, a clothing rental service that originally launched with designer dresses available to rent for special occasions, now rents everything from everyday denim to must-have bags to winter gear and athletic wear. Per usual, Rent the Runway pulled great pieces from designers we love: Halfdays ski pants and bibs, Rachel Antonoff puffers, and cute après-friendly Perfect Moment sweaters, proving once again that going eco-friendly can be chic as ever.
For a head-to-toe winter outfit, Kitlender‘s got you covered. Each of the rental “kits” includes snow pants or overalls, a ski jacket, gloves, goggles, and some also include boots, so one rental will fully outfit you for the snow. (There’s also the option to rent by item, if you only need one or two things.) All you have to do is log on, browse the kits available by color, size, brand, and warmth level, and they’ll ship it all straight to you—or to your destination, so you don’t even have to travel with your bulky clothes. All of Kitlender’s gear comes from reputable outdoors brands like The North Face and Patagonia, so you know you’re getting durable, high-quality gear.
More reliable seasonal ski rental services to consider:
Snow sports gear recommendations
Occasional skiers and snowboarders can rely on rentals—lodge-side or seasonal programs provide tuned, ready-to-go gear, boards, and bindings, so you can focus on the mountain and eliminate the hassle of shipping or storage. Ready to commit to your own kit? Here are my top picks across categories.
Skis and ski poles
Whether you’re carving your first groomer or chasing powder all season, the right skis and poles are the ultimate devices to make every run smoother. For those looking to invest, the Volkl M7 Mantra and Salomon QST 100 Cosmic Sky skis offer a design focused on precision, stability, and versatility, while the Nordica Santa Ana 97 provides a swift build for responsiveness and control. Poles matter too: The trendy and proven-to-be-worth-it Yardsale P1 and Scott Kira combine durability and ergonomic comfort, and the Salomon Northpole Lady ski poles are lightweight and reliable.
Snowboards and bindings
For riders of all levels, choosing the right snowboard setup shapes your day on the mountain. The Burton Cultivator Flat Top offers reliable, all-mountain versatility, while the Jones Howler and Salomon Assassin boast stability and responsiveness (for men) tackling mixed terrain.
Women can consider the Burton Citizen Re:Flex bindings for comfortable, responsive control or the Jones Mercury Fase snowboard for precise handling on challenging runs. The Rossignol Resurgence offers a well-rounded, approachable ride for all skill levels.
Ski boots and snowboard boots
Boots are our base, where comfort meets performance; finding the right pair can transform your day on the slopes. Invest in uber trustworthy brands, like the high-performance S/Pro MV 100 GW ski boots from Salomon, known to deliver precise control for advanced skiers. Meanwhile, the Lange LX 70 HV and Rossignol Pure Heat cater to women riders seeking a responsive fit and warmth.
