Should You Rent or Buy Skis? A Decision Guide
How many days a season do you ski, where would you store the gear, how fast is your level changing? The real pros of renting and buying, with item-by-item advice.
Published: · 3 min read
After a few seasons, every skier asks the same question: "Should I buy my own gear now?" There's no single answer; it depends on how many days you ski a season, how you would carry and store the gear and how fast your level is changing. This guide works through the questions that settle it.
The case for renting
- No carrying or storage. Skis and boots are bulky and heavy. If you travel by plane or bus, renting is a big relief.
- Your gear changes with your level. In the first seasons your level improves quickly; skis that suit you today may feel short and soft next season. Renting gives you gear that fits your level every time.
- Maintenance is the shop's job. Base repairs, edge sharpening and binding checks are the shop's responsibility.
- You can try different gear. Carving skis one day, all-mountain or a snowboard the next — renting is the cheapest way to discover what you like.
- Match the conditions. Ask for wider skis on a powder day and carving skis on hard pistes.
The case for buying
- Always the same feel. You know your gear and don't have to readjust at the start of every season.
- No queue. You go straight to the slopes without waiting in the shop in the morning.
- Long-term cost. For someone who skis many days a season, owning can work out cheaper than renting within a few seasons.
- Hygiene and fit. Especially for boots, helmets and goggles, personal gear is more comfortable and hygienic.
Four questions to decide
- How many days a season do you ski? If you ski a week a year or less, renting is almost always the better choice. If you are on the mountain every weekend, buying is worth serious thought.
- Where would you store the gear? Skis should be kept somewhere dry at room temperature. Without space at home, owning becomes a burden.
- How do you travel? By car, carrying gear is easy; by plane, factor in extra baggage costs and hassle.
- How fast is your level improving? Skis bought in your first two or three seasons may soon lag behind your ability.
The smartest route: step by step
Most experienced skiers don't buy everything at once, but piece by piece:
- Boots first. Boots are the most personal piece of gear, and a boot that fits perfectly does more for your skiing than anything else. Owning boots and renting skis is a very common and sensible setup. See our ski boot guide to find the right pair.
- Then helmet and goggles. Personal ones are better for hygiene and fit. Our helmet and goggles guide helps you choose.
- Skis last. Once your level has settled and you know what kind of skiing you enjoy, buying skis is a far better-informed decision.
When you go to rent with your own boots, tell the shop: the binding must be adjusted to your boot's sole length.
If you've decided to rent
At resorts close to a city, such as Erciyes and Palandöken, you can rent in town or at the slopes; if you stay in town, pick a shop that offers storage. Find the shops at your resort in our list of rental shops, and if it's your first time, start with our step-by-step guide to renting skis.
Frequently asked questions
+Should someone who skis once a year buy gear?
Usually not. If you ski a week a year or less, renting makes more sense once you factor in carrying, storage and maintenance. You could buy just your own boots if you like.
+Which ski gear should I buy first?
Boots first. Boots that fit perfectly improve comfort more than anything else, and you can keep renting skis. Then a helmet and goggles, and skis last.
+Can I rent skis with my own boots?
Yes, it is very common. Tell the shop you are bringing your own boots; the binding must be adjusted to your boot's sole length and your details.