| Ski vacations will require ski equipment. But | | | | to or not. There is always a chance when the |
| whether you buy your ski equipment or rent it will | | | | slopes are full that accidents and collisions will |
| depend, for the most part, on whether you're a | | | | happen. |
| beginning skier or a pro on the slopes. If you're a | | | | Keep in mind that when you sign up for ski |
| beginner or just trying out the sport, it will | | | | lessons at a resort, many packages will include |
| probably make more sense for you to rent the | | | | the price for equipment that you can use all day. |
| equipment before investing your money in what | | | | Most instructors will make sure that you are |
| can be an expensive purchase. | | | | completely outfitted before taking you out to the |
| Many local ski shops rent ski equipment, and they | | | | slopes. Ski vacations that include lessons for |
| may even have lease packages where you can | | | | beginners can be fun for the whole family! |
| lease everything you need for an entire season of | | | | Rental equipment usually includes skis, ski boots, |
| skiing. This can be an excellent option of those | | | | ski poles and helmets. |
| who take several ski vacations a year. One | | | | Skiers will usually have the option of renting items |
| advantage of renting at a local shop near you is | | | | individually or as a package. Many resorts also |
| that it'll probably be less expensive and you can | | | | offer combinations of different ski equipment |
| pick up your equipment ahead of time instead of | | | | items such as skis and boots, helmets and poles, |
| waiting in long lines and paying higher rental prices | | | | skis and poles, etc. Some ski resorts will offer |
| when you get to the ski resort. The downside of | | | | full-day prices or prices for afternoon-only skiing. |
| renting locally is transporting your ski equipment | | | | Some packages will cost as little as $20 per day, |
| from home to the resort. Some ski resort shops | | | | others can cost $50 or more for 24 hours. Some |
| allow their customers to store their equipment | | | | ski resorts automatically add on damage insurance |
| during the day or overnight for free, which is a | | | | for a few dollars per day; it may be worthwhile |
| nice benefit when you return from a tiring day on | | | | to take the insurance if you are a beginning skier. |
| the slopes. | | | | If you refuse insurance, just a minor accident |
| Most rental packages will include skis, boots and | | | | could cost you much more than it would have |
| poles. You should have a choice of beginner or | | | | cost if you had paid for the insurance to begin |
| performance skis. Most shops have equipment for | | | | with. |
| junior skiers. Skiing helmets may be available for | | | | Plan ahead and reserve your ski rental equipment |
| an additional charge. That extra expense is well | | | | in advance, especially during peak season. That |
| worth the safety you'll enjoy by wearing a | | | | way you'll know for sure that the equipment you |
| helmet. Many parents make sure their children | | | | want is available and ready when you get there |
| who are skiing wear helmets whether they want | | | | to pick it up. |