Once you’ve decided to make a family ski trip, one of the decisions comes to your mind. Should you rent or buy ski equipment? Here is a guide to help you decide whether to rent or buy, which is cheaper, what equipment you need, and how to choose.
Table of Contents
Shop Smart
Being an intelligent consumer is knowing the product information when you make a purchasing decision. Know the reasoning that led to the choice before we get into comparing the price.
Why Skis and Snowboards are So Expensive?
The production cost includes the facility, research team, marketing, advertising, raw materials, equipment, labor, packaging, and distribution costs.
When a company creates skis and snowboards, it typically uses a strict production process. First, they need to do research, marketing, design, and engineering tests. Second, establish the process. The raw materials include the base, edges, inserts, sidewalls, core, tip/tail spacers, glass fiber, epoxy, carbon fibers, and top sheet. Also, the tools and other equipment you need for making boards properly cost several thousand. Estimated 20% – 30% of the cost for process skis and Snowboards. Generally, the store pays the manufacturer 60% of the suggested retail price.
So What Makes the Price Range Widely?
Mostly, engineering!
The different models of skis and snowboards are significant differences. The cheaper one is likely to use the more affordable materials and copy other’s designs, and the performance is expected to suffer accordingly.
How Much Does Ski Equipment Cost
Below is the average price for beginner skis and snowboards. The better quality will cost you a bit more. Please notice market prices change frequently.
Cost of Rent Ski Equipment
The beginner quality ski boards and snowboards average price per day in several famous ski destinations globally.
| Telluride, U.S. | Whistler Mountain, Canada | St. Moritz, Switzerland | Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy | Niseko, Japan | St. Anton, Austria | Chamonix, France | |
| Adult Ski & Snowboard (Only board) | 41 USD | 40 CAD (31.84 USD) | 40 CHF (43.50 USD) | 20 EUR (23.54 USD) | 4,500 YEN (40.71 USD) | 24 EUR (28.25 USD) | 25 EUR (29.43 USD) |
| Kid Ski & Snowboard (Only board) | 31.95 USD | 25 CAD (19.90 USD) | 20 CHF (21.75 USD) | 13 EUR (15.30 USD) | 3,500 YEN (31.66 USD) | 12 EUR (14.13 USD) | 20 EUR (23.54 USD) |
Check the live currency exchange rate here. [Click Here]
Cost of Buy Ski Equipment
It is the average price of beginner-quality ski boards and snowboards on Amazon.
| Adult Ski & Snowboard (Only board) | 249 USD |
| Kid Ski & Snowboard (Only board) | 75.95 USD |
Rent Vs. Buy Ski Equipment Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons | |
| Rent Ski Equipment | ⬩Pick the latest ski ⬩Change ski anytime ⬩No flying cost ⬩Professionally maintained ⬩Don’t have to get skis to the resort ⬩Only pay when you use | ⬩No much choice on design ⬩Different feel each time ⬩Unpleasant smells ⬩Ski may be scratched or damaged ⬩Wait in the seething shop to store your ski ⬩Pay each time to use ⬩Return ski on time |
| Buy Ski Equipment | ⬩Get your favorite design and looks ⬩Every time same ski feel ⬩New! ⬩No other strangers smell ⬩Only pay once ⬩Time flexible | ⬩Extra baggage to carry ⬩May cost on fly ⬩Have to take them home ⬩Cost on maintenance ⬩Change often for growing kids ⬩Get skis to the resort |
Rent or Buy Skis Equipment?
It depends on your choice. But you can refer to the Rent vs. Buy pros and cons, your trip length, and your budget.
Let’s say if you’re a beginner and looking for cheap ski equipment to ski at Telluride, U.S. The ski board cost will be like this:
| 1 Day | 7 Day | 2 Weeks | |
| Rent (Adult) | 41 USD | 287 USD | 574 USD |
| Buy (Adult) | 249 USD | 249 USD | 249 USD |
Usually, the longer you rent, the more discount you get. On the other hand, you can buy ski equipment cheaper on sale. Therefore, calculate the days and rate with a deal to help you decide which ways suit you.
Again, the performance is likely to suffer accordingly on cheaper ski boards.
Ski Rentals at Copper Mountain>>
How to Save Money on Skiing?
You can get an attractive price with a discount if you buy or rent a Ski Equipment Package. Besides, what else can you do? [Click Here]
What You Need Whether to Buy or Rent?
Click each list to see the best ski equipment.
Basic Ski Equipment
- Men Ski Clothing
- Women Ski Clothing
- Kid’s Ski Clothing
- Sunglasses
- Ski Goggles / Prescription Ski Goggles / OTG goggles for small heads
- Bags
- Protective Gear
For Skiers
- Adult Ski Poles
- Kid Ski Poles
- Adult Ski Boots
- Kid Ski Boots
- Adult Ski Bindings
- Kid Ski Bindings
For Snowboarders
- Adult Snowboard
- Kid Snowboard
- Adult Snowboard Boots
- Kid Snowboard Boots
- Adult Snowboard Bindings
- Kid Snowboard Bindings
Insurance
Many people will have travel or holiday insurance for their family ski trip. It’s an excellent way to protect you and your family’s health and your trip expenses. Before you head to ski, make sure your insurance coverage includes replacement costs. It can provide peace of mind for your holiday even if your ski equipment is stolen or broken.
Travel Smart
Every flight has different checked baggage policies. Some allow two free checked bags so you could bring your equipment and a suitcase for free. Some Mileage Club members enjoy additional free checked bags. Check the free checked baggage allowance when you book flights.
Additionally, UPS and FedEx can ship ski equipment to your destination for less than airline fees. Some specialised ski shipping companies may offer you a budget price. You can compare the ski delivery services rates online and get your best deals.
Whether you rent or buy ski equipment, it’s all a matter of personal choice. It is just like some people like skiing, and some like snowboarding. This article is my option based on my research. I hope it can help you.
