Vail Resorts launched Epic Mountain Rentals last year, which offers free delivery to many of its resorts.
Spank and save
Generally speaking, the further you are from the ski resort, the cheaper the rental.
Two winters ago, I appreciated a ski trip rental in Taos, New Mexico from a Christy Sports-related store in Santa Fe and elsewhere at the foot of Taos Ski Valley. The difference in rates, about $ 5 per day, was based on a week of skiing for a family of three. In the end, an early flight made it impossible to return the skis to Santa Fe when the store was open, so we opted for the more expensive option.
“We strive to meet skiers and customers where they are,” said Matt Gold, CEO of Christy Sports. According to him, compared to retail outlets at resort bases, “city and mountain stores will be slightly smaller, but then you will have to transport the equipment yourself.”
Sometimes it’s worth it. Last ski season, I drove to Aspen via Glenwood Springs, Colorado where it was convenient to rent from a local Brian’s Bench store. By paying $ 24 a day, I saved about half of what I would have spent at the resort’s rental shops.
For those who live here or travel around the region, many REI stores in the northern regions rent out downhill and cross-country skis and snowshoes. Prices for classic cross-country ski packages with skis, boots and poles start at $ 22 for the first night and $ 13 for each additional night. Downhill packages start at $ 28 for the first night and $ 17 for each additional night.
Runway rental
The supply shortage may be felt most in winter clothing, much of which is produced in Asia, where the pandemic has slowed factories and goods have been delayed in delivery.
If your old parka doesn’t fit or don’t need one, try a used item like Geartrade, which has an extensive list of jackets searchable by size. As a more temporary solution, the outdoor industry has its own version of Rent the Runway in the outerwear supply service.
