Ski Rental Pick-Up Checklist: What to Check Before You Leave

The moment the rental gear is handed to you is the right moment to check it. A problem you notice on the slope costs you half a day; damage noticed at return turns into an argument. This checklist takes two minutes and prevents both.

1. Skis

• Base: turn the ski over. Are there deep gouges, cracks or scratches running to the edge? Light surface scratches are normal; deep damage affects gliding.
• Edges: run your eye along the metal edges from tip to tail. Rusty, broken or clearly dull edges reduce grip, especially on hard and icy snow.
• Top sheet and ends: any delamination or cracks at the tip or tail?
• A matching pair: make sure both skis are the same model and length. It sounds odd, but it can happen at busy times.

2. Bindings

• Step into the binding: toe first, then heel. The heel piece should lock with a clear "click".
• The boot should have no play forwards, backwards or sideways in the binding.
• DIN value: the setting is shown in a window on the binding. Have the technician confirm it was set from the height, weight, age and level on your rental form. Never change the binding setting yourself.
• The ski brake (the two arms on the binding) should drop down when the boot is out; it stops the ski sliding away when it comes off.

3. Boots

• Do all buckles open and close, and are any broken?
• Is the liner torn or wet?
• Are the soles heavily worn? A worn sole may not sit securely in the binding.
• Did you stand in the boots for at least five minutes? See our ski boot guide for fit rules.

4. Poles

• Right length? Turn the pole upside down and grip it under the basket; your elbow should be at roughly a right angle.
• Are the baskets in place and the tips intact?
• Are the wrist straps intact?

5. If you rented a snowboard

• Are the bindings set up for your stance (regular/goofy)? Are the binding screws tight?
• Do the straps and ratchets work properly?
• Any deep damage to the edges or base?

See our snowboard rental guide for more.

6. Helmet and goggles

• No cracks or deep impact marks on the helmet, and the adjustment dial works.
• No deep scratches on the goggle lens, and the strap is still elastic.
• You tried the helmet and goggles together.

7. Paperwork and rules

• Record existing damage. Show existing scratches to the staff and ask for them to be noted on the form if possible. Take a few photos with your phone.
• Return time: ask by what time you must return the gear.
• Damage and loss: ask what happens if something breaks or is stolen, and whether the shop offers damage cover.
• ID / deposit: if you leave one, remember to collect it at return.
• Swaps: confirm you can swap gear that doesn't fit.

On the slope

Get to know the gear on your first run: if the bindings release unexpectedly or a boot pinches, go back to the shop without delay. At busy resorts like Uludağ and Kartepe, going back after the morning queue may feel annoying, but no queue is worth skiing on a wrongly set binding.

If you haven't rented yet, start with our step-by-step guide to renting skis and find the shops at your resort in our list of rental shops.