Are you hitting the slopes this winter? If you don’t own your own gear, renting skis is the way to go. But according to the experts at Canyon Sports, doing a ski rental the right way can make or break your time on the mountain.
Know Your Ability Level
Being honest about your skills is crucial when renting skis. Don’t try to be a hotshot; skis way above your level will just lead to struggles and risks injury. Most rental shops categorize by:
- Beginner: If you have never skied before or are just learning, you’ll want short, narrow skis that are easy to turn and control.
- Intermediate: If you can navigate green and some blue runs comfortably, look for mid-range width and length.
- Advanced: If you are an expert skier who can handle steep, challenging terrain, longer, wider skis provide better stability at higher speeds.
Be upfront so you get gear appropriate for your current abilities, not what you aspire to. The rental staff are experts at matching skis to skills.
When to Reserve
Many people book ski rentals well in advance, especially during peak periods like holidays and school breaks. Reserving online lets you lock in your gear before supplies dwindle of the right ski, boot and pole combinations.
But don’t reserve too early if you’re a progressing skier as you may over- or underestimate the level that you’ll reach by trip time. Plan for reserving 1-2 weeks before, if possible. Last-minute rentals are usually available too; just expect pickings to be slimmer and lines longer than if you booked ahead.
Boot Basics
Properly fitted boots are non-negotiable for an enjoyable ski day. When trying them on:
- Wear the socks you’ll ski in to check the real fit.
- Your toes shouldn’t jam against the front, but also not have too much wiggle room.
- The boot should feel snug overall around your foot and ankle, but not painfully tight.
- Walk around in them for a few minutes before finalizing.
Don’t try to tough it out with boots that don’t fit as this leads to blisters, lost circulation, and a bad experience after just a few runs. Talk to the rental staff if something doesn’t feel quite right.
Poles: Getting the Right Size
Having ill-fitted poles negates some of their balance and steering assistance. To get sized right:
- Stand with poles upright and your arms at a 90-degree angle.
- The handle should hit the middle of your forearm when holding the pole vertically.
- Kids will want poles that come up around their chests.
This allows proper pole planting for stability. Kids pole heights adjust as they grow taller season-to-season.
Ski Size Matters
Getting properly lengthened skis is critical for control and performance. The general guidelines are:
- For beginners, skis should measure somewhere between your weight and height.
- Intermediates are usually suited to skis slightly taller than their height.
- Experts can often handle skis around 15-20cm longer than their height.
Ski rental shops will use a measurement chart factoring height, weight, ability level and the current snow conditions to get you dialed in optimally.
Don’t Sweat Gear Maintenance
A key perk of ski rentals is that the shop handles all the labor-intensive chores like tunes, waxes, edge bevels and repairs. You just need to treat the gear reasonably well while ripping around then return as-is when you’re done.
Be sure to also rent a helmet for peace of mind on the slopes. The rental shops inspect their helmet inventory regularly and systems are designed for a snug, secure fit.
To conclude, with these tips in your back pocket, your next ski rental experience will be as smooth and easy.
