How to Rent Skis or a Snowboard: First-Timer's Guide

In most cases, renting a complete package is more affordable than renting each piece of equipment separately. While offerings vary by rental shop, here's what you can typically expect:

Standard Ski Rental Package Includes: 

• Skis
• Bindings
• Ski boots
• Poles

Standard Snowboard Rental Package Includes: 

• Snowboard
• Bindings
• Snowboard boots

Add-ons:

• Helmet: Most rental shops offer helmets, either included with your ski rental package or available as an add-on. Either way, this is one piece of gear you shouldn't skip. For $10 to 15 a day, it's cheap insurance for your skull. (Trust us, your future self will thank you.)
• Damage protection: Covers you if you scrape a ski on a rock or someone accidentally walks off with your gear at lunch (it happens!). If peace of mind matters to you, it's worth the add.

What’s not included:

• Clothing: Most rental shops don't include clothing, although outerwear rentals like waterproof jackets and pants are becoming more common at some resorts. If you're skiing for several days, renting clothing can sometimes cost as much as buying budget-friendly gear, so it's worth comparing your options. Secondhand and consignment shops are also great places to find quality outerwear at a lower price.
• Goggles: Goggles are almost never included in a rental package. Even if it's your first time on the slopes, they're worth bringing to protect your eyes from wind, snow, bright sun and glare.
• Gloves: Gloves or mittens aren't included with rentals, and you'll definitely want a warm, waterproof pair to stay comfortable throughout the day.
  

Read More: How to Plan Your First Ski Trip

Not all rental packages are the same. Most rental shops offer three equipment tiers based on your ability level, with newer, higher-performance gear costing a bit more. Package names (and prices) vary depending on where you're skiing, but you'll typically see beginner, intermediate and advanced options.

Here's what you can expect to pay.

• Sport/Beginner Package: $40-$60 per day
• Best for: first-time and beginner skiers or snowboarders.
• What you get: softer, more forgiving equipment that's easier to control at slower speeds and helps you learn to turn.
• Performance/Intermediate Package: $60-$85 per day
• Best for: intermediate skiers and riders looking for more responsiveness.
• What you get: stiffer boots and skis/boards that offer stability at higher speeds. Tip: If it's your first day on the slopes, you're usually better off sticking with a sport package.

• Demo/Premium Package: $85-$125+ per day
• Best for: advanced and expert skiers or snowboarders.
• What you get: Top-of-the-line, current-season models from premium brands great for experienced riders who want maximum performance or for anyone considering purchasing a specific ski or snowboard and wanting to try it first. 

Pro Tip: The prices above are walk-up rates at the resort window. You can easily shave big bucks off these prices by booking your gear online in advance, bundling up with our purchases like lodging, or by renting from an off-mountain shop in the nearest town. (Ask our Mountain Travel Experts how to get the best deals.)

The takeaway: If this is your first time on snow, skip the upgrade. Beginner gear isn't a downgrade; it's designed specifically to make learning easier.

Read More: How Much Does a Ski Vacation Really Cost?

One of the questions our Mountain Travel Experts hear most is: Should I rent my ski or snowboard gear at the resort or in town? The answer depends on what matters most to you: convenience or cost.

On-Mountain Ski Rentals

Pros

• Ultimate convenience: You can walk out of the rental shop and head straight to the lifts.
• If your boots don't fit quite right or your bindings need an adjustment, you can easily return during the day for a quick fix.

Cons

• On-mountain rentals typically cost more than shops in town.
• Rental lines can be busy, especially first thing in the morning and during holidays.

Off-Mountain Ski Rentals

Pros

• Lower prices. Rental shops in town (or even in your hometown before your trip) can often save you 25% to 40% compared to resort pricing.
• These shops also tend to have shorter wait times.

Cons

• You'll need to transport your equipment to and from the resort each day.
• If your boots become uncomfortable or your equipment needs adjusting, getting back to the rental shop mid-day can be inconvenient.

Verdict: For pure budget-seekers, off-mountain wins. For stress-free convenience, on-mountain wins.

Planning a ski trip often means juggling lodging, lift tickets, rental gear and transportation across multiple websites. Instead of piecing everything together yourself, let Ski.com's Mountain Travel Experts handle the details.

We'll build a customized vacation package based on your budget, travel style and destination, then bundle your lodging, lift tickets, rental gear and more, unlocking wholesale discounts you can't get by booking directly. The result is a stress-free ski trip that saves you money. It’s a win-win!