Going skiing is, inarguably, a hugely privileged experience. Not everyone gets to up sticks and head to the slopes somewhere sunny, cold and otherwise fabulous in service of an adrenaline-fueled week of adventure sporting. This is why, when you do get the chance, you grab it with both hands, and hold it with the reverence it deserves.
And if this is your first rodeo, so to speak, you may already be on the back foot with regards to how exactly you prepare. Physical fitness is one thing, and logistics another; the tools of the trade, though, are crucial for a safe and comfortable time on the slopes. Here, I’ll argue that equipment doesn’t need to be on your pre-trip shopping list. Most resorts have ski gear available to rent, a practical provision that comes with several benefits. Here’s why renting ski gear makes last minute ski trips easier.
Renting Saves Time When Planning
Ski trips can be a lot to put together and sometimes, we don’t have the luxury of time to plot a trip with. Last-minute ski holidays are a spontaneous joy, but can also be a bit of a stress-fest to square away with only a matter of days or weeks to prepare. Renting your ski equipment, then is a huge time-saver, for multiple reasons. You don’t have to source bespoke equipment before you leave; you don’t have to pack it, and book extra luggage space on a flight accordingly; and you don’t have to test everything either.
Avoid Bulky Equipment
Speaking of luggage space, ski equipment is not known for its lightness and low profile. The skis themselves are longer than you are tall, and the specialist safety gear you need tantamount to packing a whole other human being (albeit a little lighter, and a little more foldable). Lugging all that around, from your home to the airport to your accommodation and back again, is a vexing prospect for anyone. Renting makes packing easier, and your journey lighter.
Access to Well Maintained Gear on Arrival
Buying gear means researching gear which means reading up on what you need, and how to maintain it. Renting removes this necessity entirely, as most chalets offer up-to-date equipment suited for sizes and abilities. Chalet staff are far more likely to know their stuff with respect to ski gear than you are as a relative newcomer; they’re also far more likely to keep their equipment in good nick!
Renting Helps Keep Trip Costs Manageable
Finally, and most importantly of all, renting gear is considerably cheaper than buying it on a number of fronts. Equipment like ski boots is specialised and expensive; transporting all that equipment can also be expensive, as explored above. Unless you intend to become a seasoned skiing enthusiast, you don’t need to own your equipment for skiing.
