Should I Rent Performance Skis or Ship My Skis?

OK, so you’ve planned that big skiing or snowboarding vacation, and now you’re trying to figure out what to do about ski gear. Maybe you have a pair of skis or a snowboard a couple of years old sitting in the closet at home, but you are eager to try something new. Nobody wants to lug sub-par gear 1,000 miles to the ski resort, either schlepping through a busy airport with excessive baggage fees for oversized luggage or taking up 85 percent of your vehicle’s back seat and trunk. And, you want to feel comfortable (and let’s face it – look good) on the slopes. There are only two logical solutions: Ship your existing ski equipment to your destination or rent performance skis when you get there.

Should you bring your skis from home or rent ski gear at the resort? Here, we discuss the pros and cons.

Flying With Ski Gear

If you’re still considering flying with your existing ski gear, don’t. There is a long list of horror stories we could cull from, but let’s start with excessive baggage fees and no guarantee that your equipment will arrive on time. Because of its size and weight, ski luggage is often the first bag removed from a pending flight when there are weight issues. If that happens, that means your bags just got bumped. Maybe they will catch the next flight? Either way, you’ll spend the first part of your vacation standing at the airport luggage carousel instead of passing through the ski lift turnstile.

Shipping Ski Gear

In today’s competitive marketplace, there are plenty of affordable options for shipping your skis or snowboard. Conveniently, several shipping companies specialize in ski and snowboard gear. Popular companies like Luggage Forward, Ship Skis, Lugless, and Luggage Free offer full-service, door-to-door delivery to all major ski destinations worldwide. In many instances, skiers and snowboarders can get their gear to the most prominent resorts in North America for less than $150 each way. These companies specialize in shipping items, including skis and snowboards, golf clubs, bikes, and even regular travel luggage. That’s right! If you ship your skis and gear, why not add on your standard luggage for a completely hands-free travel experience?

Luggage Forward

Luggage Forward has shipping plans for overnight, two-day, three-day, five-day, and seven-day delivery options. Those who plan and ship with the seven-day program will see the most significant savings. The company offers a money-back-plus-$500 guarantee if your bag is delayed (a full refund plus up to $500 for incurred expenses).

Ship Skis

Shipping your gear through Ship Skis is simple with its easy-to-use website. At ShipSkis.com, you can specify your pick-up and delivery options and even print shipping labels. Choose your favorite carrier (FedEx, UPS, etc.) and select drop-off or pick-up service. It’s as easy as scheduling, packing, labeling, and shipping.

Lugless

Lugless is a popular shipping option that allows you to travel lightly and arrive relaxed. The shipping company uses providers like FedEx and UPS to get your gear to its destination on time. Print your labels and send your bags; it’s as easy as that. Lugless has accessible drop-off/pick-up locations, including most major hotels and ski resorts.

Luggage Free

Luggage Free will ship your skis for only $70 each way to any ski destination in North America. The company offers an on-time guarantee, worldwide shipping, and $1,000 insurance on each shipment. Luggage Free currently provides white-glove service to more than 150 countries worldwide.

International Ski Vacations

If you are traveling internationally and choose one of these shipping providers, they will ensure that your gear clears customs in the arriving country and shows up to your destination on time.

If you ship your gear, remember that it may need a tune-up before you hit the slopes, or you might be eating some corduroy. Find a local ski shop to get your gear in tip-top condition before you hit the lifts.

Most resort ski shops carry a wide selection of equipment to rent, from basic skis and snowboards to high-performance gear.

Shipping Vs. Renting Ski Boots

Before we go any further, let’s take a sidebar to discuss your boots. Nothing beats the comfort and feel of a pair of ski or snowboard boots that fit perfectly. If you have a great pair of boots, you should bring them. Yes, even if you fly. They are much easier to pack and carry, and you’ll be glad you did. You don’t want to spend your ski vacation (or the weeks after) fighting blisters and other feet irritations from settling on a pair of rental boots. If you do rent, pick a pair that fits the best. You’re ski pro at the resort should be able to give you some great recommendations.

Ski goggles, gloves, layers, outerwear, and a reliable helmet are other items you could bring from home if you have them.

Benefits of Renting Ski Gear at the Resort

Put together a list of everything you need for your ski vacation. Once you’ve figured out what you can bring with you, you’ll know what you need to plan on renting at the resort ski shop. Every ski resort should have gear available to rent at a reasonable price.

Most resorts in North America will charge around $40 to $60 per day for ski rental (sometimes less if you rent for longer than a few days). This would include skis, poles, boots for skiers, a snowboard, bindings, and boots for those who want to ride. Those looking to add a little edge to their game should be able to rent ultra-high-performance and other specialty gear for an additional cost. This is your best bet if you want to try out the latest and greatest equipment.

Ski Rental Delivery

Companies such as Ski Butlers, Door 2 Door, and Black Tie Ski Rental Delivery will bring the newest ski equipment to your hotel room, resort, condominium, or private home. Ski pros can do custom fittings and adjustments on-site and hassle-free. They will also return a pick up your gear when you’re vacation is over. Each company offers unique perks, but the overall quality and customer satisfaction are across the board.

Ski Butlers

Ski Butlers offers high-performance skis and snowboards at most major ski resorts in North America and Europe. A member of the Ski Butlers team will get your entire group set up for adventure on the slopes. Meet your Ski Butlers technician when you arrive at your destination, get fitted for your gear, and enjoy your vacation. When ready to leave, call Ski Butlers and schedule a gear pick-up. There are no hidden fees and no cancellation policy. Yes, you can cancel any time before your scheduled delivery.

Ski Butlers can outfit your group with skis or snowboards, or both! If you want to ski some and snowboard, that’s no problem. If you want to try something new, if equipment malfunctions or breaks, or if your boots don’t fit correctly, a Ski Butlers rep can meet up with you within 30 minutes in most cases.

Black Tie Ski Rental

Black Tie Ski Rental Delivery ensures you never wait in line at the ski shop. Make your reservation online, schedule free delivery and in-room fitting time, and get ready to hit the slopes. Black Tie provides slopeside service for all your equipment needs during your getaway and after-hours service. When your vacation is over, Black Tie will gather your gear and get you on your way.

Christy Sports Delivered

If you’re skiing or riding in Colorado, Idaho, Utah, or Jackson Hole, try Christy Sports Delivered. A local favorite, Christy Sports offers quality ski gear and a personal fitting for each renter. Skiers and snowboarders rave about Christy Sports because they offer complimentary delivery and reservations when you book online in advance of your arrival.

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