Ski trips are perfect time to rent
I’m seasoned enough as a skier to have (more than one pair of) skis I absolutely adore. But here’s something that surprises some: When I head off to a ski destination that involves flying, I never bring skis. Why? Because the quality of equipment available for rent at resorts today, and the ease with which you can complete the rental process, make it a no-brainer to leave my beloved sticks behind and try some new ones. Oh, and it’s fun, too.
Here are some things to consider while planning a distant ski trip when it comes to you gear:
• Always bring your own boots. Not just because they are custom-fit (they are, right? You’ve been listening, right?), but the one area rental equipment can never quite match your own gear is in footwear. It’s obvious why: We all have such unique feet, and there’s little chance a rental shop can match the feel of a boot carefully selected and crafted for your foot. So pack your boots and use them.
• Consider door-to-door (and even on-slope) service. There are companies now that come right to where you are with a van of equipment, pick the right ski out for you and set you up. Here’s the extra bonus: They’ll switch out your skis any time you want. Say you take two runs and conditions change. You give them a call, and they literally meet you at the lift. Black Tie Ski Rentals is a popular one, as is Ski Butlers, a company started by Sugarloafer by birth Bryn Carey. You can find them at www.blacktieskis.com and www.skibutlers.com.
• When renting on site, opt for the “performance” or “demo” package. The slightly higher price than basic rentals is totally worth it. And then, don’t be shy about asking the rental guys to let you have a peek at what they have in stock, and chat about the conditions and what new, hot ski they might suggest for them. Then, trade out from time to time. It’s so quick and easy to change out a binding now, it will just take you a few minutes to try more skis, which is so fun.
• Use the experience to shop: No one should ever, ever buy skis without trying them out first, at least once and perhaps even twice. Renting via demo package on a ski trip gives you a chance to do just that. Research ahead of time and then try out a few you might want take home. Not only will you get a chance to fall in love again with a pair of skis, you might even find a deal. Often, the shops are amped up to sell not just new stock but the actual demos you ski on. If you love them, ask what kind of deals they have. At Steamboat Springs this week, I tried out the K2 OohLaLoves I’ve had my eye on for a bit. Loved them! When I let the demo guy know, he gave me a great offer: 20 percent off a new pair or a sweet deal for the demos.
“But I didn’t bring a ski bag,” I lamented.
“We’ve got you covered,” he said, letting me know they’d ship them to my house for $40, less than it would cost me to check them on most flights.
Did I buy them? I’m heading back out today to test them. And even if I don’t but, I’m glad I stuck with my “always rent when far away” practice. The skis I love at home truly understand.