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M$1 December 17, 2008 07:42 PM

Is it worth buying skis if I go skiing just couple times a year?

I usually go skiing for couple days once or twice a year, always rent equipment, ans always think that I should probably buy my own skis - is it worth spending money?
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December 17, 2008 07:47 PM
Renting equipment is like $40 a day.

Buying gear in this economy is probably, what, $500?

The resale value of the gear in three years might be 10-20%.

So, real cost is $400-450. If you go more than 10x it's worth it.

Also, if you go five times, but want a better experience, it's well worth to spend the $200.

Also, renting takes at least an hour a day at the mountain. If you value your time at $10 an hour and you ski 10 days over three years you can add $100 in value.
Asker's Rating:
• all these magic numbers.... OK you convinced me - it is well worth buying if you value your time, better experience and convenience - thank you!


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December 17, 2008 07:46 PM
Short answer: Probably not.

It depends on your skill level more than anything else. Rental skis and boots are going to typically be older equipment that is tuned and adjusted to work well for the majority of skiers, with little room for adjustment after that.

If you're a more advanced skier, it would make sense to have your own equipment, as your ability to adjust things becomes important when your skill increases.

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December 17, 2008 07:46 PM
As a Colorado skier, I'd suggest that you rent rather than purchase. Certainly, if you are considering buying new equipment. Here in Denver, you can rent for the whole winter for $90. That's a great bargain. If you fly to ski, you should most definitely continue to rent due to the baggage fees.

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December 17, 2008 07:47 PM
Unfortunately, no. I only go a few times a year, but yet I asked for skis for Christmas. 3 years later, I still have not gone enough times to make up for the cost difference in renting them.

On the other hand, if the rented boots really bother you, which they did for me, you are able to have your own if you buy.

Essentially, cost wise, it doesn't make sense. If you care a lot about comfort, spend the extra money and buy your own.
Source(s):
I myself was in this situation


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December 17, 2008 07:52 PM
I was in the same situation several years ago. You should check with your local ski area. Many places will let you buy their rental skis at a large discount. Sometimes part of the rental fee can even go toward the purchase of the skis. After renting three times one year I finally just bought the skis, and 75% of the rental price went toward my purchase.

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December 17, 2008 07:53 PM
First how close to you live to the mountain you will ski at? Do you have a car that will easily carry skis or have a ski rack? I would say in most cases it would be best to keep renting. You will be using newer models each year as they update the rental line and you don't need to worry about getting them tuned or storing them all year. It's also a cost factor how many years can you rent skis for the same price you will spend to buy them? in that amount of time will you be looking at buying updated equipment? if so then it is not worth it.

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December 17, 2008 08:22 PM
I ski probably 4-5 times a year. I used to rent, but now I own. I prefer having my own skis for a number of reasons. First, you can choose the type of ski that you want! Often, rentals are very boring, and don't have some of the different features available on other skis. For example, I used to to have "twin tip" skis which help with jumping and skiing backwards. Second, renting can be a hassle. I prefer just skiing to my car if possible. Waiting in lines to deal with teenage workers at a rental shop is not always the most appealing situation. Third, you can buy used skis from people at very affordable prices. Check out Craigslist, Ebay, or some local shop. I think you may want to rent for the first few times so that you can choose the proper length for you (some people prefer shorter, some prefer longer).

Hope this helps, and I look forward to seeing you on the slopes!

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December 17, 2008 08:33 PM
in my opinion,Yes, if you factor in all the time it takes to get rentals. That issue should make up part of your analysis since the time you have for leisure is reduced if you have to go through that process even a few times per year .
Source(s):
personal experience


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December 17, 2008 08:45 PM
in my opinion yes!

why? in Europe weekly rental is about 50 euros, and that equipment is already used by someone, for skis it's not big problem but for boots definitely is. Firstly, your foot shape is different and they are not comfortable enough, secondly and for me important, I doubt these are being washed every week.

If you cant afford whole ski equipment, possible solution can be buying your own boots only, they are cheaper than skis, and not so hard to travel with (comparing to skis, which are huge and require speciall car addons to be carried, without some kung fu skills). At least you will save some money from rental, and be sure that these are best for you.

In the end, whole ski equipment is not so expensive (max 500$ for normal package) and can be used in years, plus when you have your own you can spend your weekends more often on a mountain :)

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