Ski shops: Should I buy or rent my ski gear?

Should you hire gear in resort ski shops or buy your own in the UK? A skier with 12 winter seasons under his belt, James Young weighs up the pros and cons.

Ski shops: Should I buy or rent my ski gear?

On my first trip to the Alps, I hired skis and boots. Big mistake. The boots were torture devices—impossible to get into and smelled like someone with Camembert feet had skied through Dante’s Inferno. The skis? Edges so blunt that even a snowplough was a challenge. And the poles looked like relics from an archaeological dig.

Despite all that, I was hooked. But I swore I’d never hire again. Spoiler alert: that vow didn’t last long.

The pros and cons of buying your own ski gear

What are the downsides of buying your own ski gear? I’ve spent a fortune on skis and boots, most of which ended up in a skip or nailed to an Alpine bar ceiling for “retro chic.” With slopeside shops now offering high-quality rentals and airlines charging hefty baggage fees, buying new gear isn’t always the smartest move.

Getting your kit to the airport is a workout in itself. Then there’s lugging it onto transfer buses or cramming it into a hire car. I even tried taking the train once—nearly missed my connection and became public enemy number one with fellow passengers. At the hotel, you’re left haggling for a locker or hoping no “first lift” enthusiast mistakes your skis for theirs.

On the other hand, heading to the Alps with your own ski gear is a comfort some skiers won’t live without. It can take time to get used to skis and how they handle different conditions. Therefore, even if hire gear is top-notch, there is a peace of mind about being able to eliminate the unknowns and pick up where you left off last year. If you’re skiing for more than a couple of weeks or doing a season, buying makes sense. Pro tip: buy in resort at the end of the season—shops offer deals on last year’s stock that you won’t find at home. Checkout our Gear section to read tips on what to look for when investing in ski gear.

The pros and cons of renting from resort ski shops

Personally, I enjoy the variety for renting in resort ski shops. Models change every couple of years, and some shops let you swap skis midweek for a small fee. Beginners should stick with rentals, but if you’re buying, wait until you’re intermediate or advanced—you’ll choose gear that helps you progress. Hiring gear in resort is convenient and saves time, effort and money at the airport.

However, renting is not without drawbacks. Rental equipment often comes with limited availability during peak weeks, meaning you might not get the exact skis or boots you want. Even high-quality hire shops can’t guarantee the perfect fit, and uncomfortable boots can ruin your day on the slopes.

There’s also the time factor— sometimes queuing for fittings in resort ski shops can eat into valuable ski time, especially if adjustments are needed later. Plus, rental costs add up over multiple trips, and you never truly get the consistency of using gear you know and trust. For those who ski regularly, these compromises can feel frustrating compared to the familiarity and reliability of owning your own kit.

Which is better value?

Airline charges vary, but easyJet, for example, charges over £70 return for one piece of sports luggage. That’s a big extra cost—and your gear might not even arrive. I’ve had brand-new skis show up damaged.

Compare that to ski hire: some shops charge as little as £65 for skis and boots for a week—just £15 more than easyJet’s fee. Plus, most resorts now have modern rental operations offering current or last-season models, expertly serviced and ready to go.

What’s the middle ground?

I still buy my own boots, but hire everything else. Ski boots mould to your feet, last for years, and fit in your suitcase—no sports baggage fee.

One last warning

Theft happens—on the slopes and in accommodation. Even with insurance, it’s a hassle. Invest in a pocket-sized lock for coffee stops, and keep an eye on your gear during après-ski.