How to Rent Your Gear

HOW TO

RENT YOUR GEAR

Whether you’re a skier or a snowboarder, a trip to the snow does require plenty of ‘stuff’. And not just any stuff, you’ll need the right stuff. And, of course, by stuff, we mean equipment. It’s important to have the right type of skis or board, boots and poles to suit you. Helmets are also recommended and are now compulsory for kids taking lessons. And although you’ll feel pretty warm in full sun at the top of the mountain, especially after you’ve worked up a healthy sweat, you still need to be prepared for all weather conditions.

All this ‘stuff’ can become quite expensive, especially if you’re kitting yourself out for the first time. Luckily, there are easy ways around this. You can hire equipment either in the city before you leave or at the snow. If it’s your first time to the snow, it probably makes more sense to hire gear once you’re at the snow – either at your resort or from the nearby towns. The flexibility of renting on the mountains and being able to chat to rental shop experts will make life easier all round. You’ll be able to try out different gear and swap it if needed. Plus, you won’t need to haul it all the way there and back.

If you decide, after your first trip to the snow, that you’re going to be a regular visitor, you may want to consider buying your own gear. A good way to do this is to buy a piece or two each time you take a trip to the snow. That way you can add to your collection without spending a lot of money upfront.

And don’t forget, to save on costs you can organise your clothing before you arrive at the snow. If this is your first trip to the snow, it’s often a good idea to borrow gear from friends or family so you can get an idea what you’ll need before deciding to purchase your own. Just be sure to pack clothing that you can layer, such as long underwear tops and bottoms (or thermals), fleeced vests and sweaters.

*TIP

Once you know your size, the brands you like and what you need, why not look on eBay or other websites, you may be able to pick up some great second-hand bargains.