Advice on ski rental and snowboard rental - skis, boots, clothing

Buying equipment is not always the best option, even if you're doing a season. But if you're taking anything less than two weeks holiday a year, you'll probably be better off renting. Here's our advice and tips on ski rental.

Advantages

- save the hassle of schlepping another bag around
- save on possible air carriage costs
- save on maintenance/repair costs
- you can rent equipment to suit the conditions
- you can try out the latest models

Renting in Resort
Most people who rent tend to do so out in resort. Keep an eye on the prices - although tour operator deals typically offer a genuine discount, there are sometimes better deals if you shop around.

The other issue to watch out for is being given duff equipment ie poorly serviced, no edges. This can be a problem in high season with less 'customer focussed' shops.

An alternative is to book your hire online from the UK. This can save time and money, as well as guaranteeing your choice and size of equipment. Snowrental is an excellent website that offers online ski hire booking in advance of your holiday.

Renting in the UK
Another option to consider is renting in the UK. Edge2Edge offer a rental service that includes very convenient pick up and drop off points, including Gatwick, Heathrow and Waterloo.

This will save you time when you get into resort (no ski shop scrum for you on arrival), confirms your choice of equipment and comes with a price promise, so that if you can hire identical equipment for less they will refund the difference

Fitting Rental Skis
Firstly be honest - when you are asked your weight and ability level, you might be tempted to talk the former down and the latter up. Bad idea! This information is important to get you the right equipment and also for setting the release weight (DIN setting) on your bindings.

Secondly, remember that ski sizing has changed a lot in recent years. No longer are there extra cred points for being out there on 2m+ skis. It's going to vary from ski to ski and your ability, but in general think about the tip of the ski being around eye-level.

Insurance
Many shops will offer optional 'insurance' on top of normal rental. This will typically cover all of the costs should you lose your skis, damage them or have them stolen.

Some people view this as a rip-off, but bear in mind that, unlike your holiday insurance, there is no excess. Consider how much at risk you will be during your holiday - if you are heading off-piste, then unless there is shed-loads of snow, we recommend insurance (skis are easy to trash on hidden rocks).

Clothing Rental
Another option that less frequent skiers or boarders might want to consider is renting clothing. As well as equipment, Edge2Edge also offer a large range of the latest skiing and snowboarding clothing, which you can hire at very competitive rates.

Their clothing is brand new each season, top quality and fully laundered between each rental.

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