What to Consider When Deciding Whether to Rent or Buy Ski and Snowboard Equipment

One of the main considerations for a ski or snowboard trip is whether your family should rent or buy your equipment. The right decision for you will depend on a variety of factors, including your current skill level, your passion for the activity, and the age of your family members.

Skill Level

If this is your first time on the slopes, it is best to seek ski rentals in Whistler. By renting first, you’ll find out what brands you like, and then you can purchase the same later. Plus, there’s always the chance that you’ll enjoy the activity less than you thought you would. For instance, you may be interested in skiing but actually find snowboarding more your thing. This is particularly common for kids.

In the case you do have some experience, purchasing equipment could make sense. However, a better option may still be to buy some pieces of equipment and rent others. For example, whereas you may want to own the basics, you may prefer to rent some specialized gear to try out in specific snow conditions.

How Often You Ski or Snowboard

If you ski or snowboard often in a location near where you live, purchasing equipment could be convenient. In all other situations, not so much. If you go no more than a couple times a year, owning equipment may just be a hassle. This is particularly true if you fly out to different places. You need to pay extra for luggage and transport everything to your destination. There’s also the risk that something could go missing or be delayed and you’ll end up needing to rent anyway.

Age of Family Members

Unless your kids ski or snowboard all the time (or if they have younger siblings to use the gear after them), it may be better to rent equipment for the younger members of your family. If you purchase boots or a helmet one year, you’ll likely find that they no longer fit the next year — which is a huge expense for such little usage. Plus, should your kids want to try both skiing and snowboarding, they’ll need two sets of boots.

You can rent everything you need for your trip at the Whistler snowboard shop, Coastal Culture. Pick up just the few extras you need or receive full gear for everyone in your group. With premium snowboards available, this is an ideal option for trying out the best equipment before you buy.