Preparing for your ski holidays can be one of the most exciting parts of the trip! But if you’re an occasional skier working through our list of things to take on a skiing holiday, you might realise you’re not quite equipped for the cool Alpine air once you hit the slopes. You may also be asking yourself: “Should I rent or buy ski clothes?”, and luckily, our guide is here to help you decide if this is the right choice for you – read on to find out more…
The Pros of Renting Ski Clothes
1. Great for first-time or infrequent skiers
If you’re new to skiing, or you’re not a regular skier, then renting ski clothes might be the right choice for you! Packing ski clothes along with your casual wear for when you’re off the slopes is likely to be a tight fit for your suitcase. And if you live far from the slopes and only go skiing once every few years, then renting ski clothes can be a reasonable option for you. Not only does it save space, but it also saves you from breaking the bank buying ski clothes for everyone in your family!
2. Convenience
There are many companies out there that offer bargain deals including items like ski jackets, trousers, and gloves. Simply select the number of days you will be on the slopes, and enter your address for delivery.
One great site to do this on is Ski-Chic, which offers delivery services everywhere in France. Plus, you save on washing – definitely worthwhile!
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3. Try out different brands & products
Another great perk about renting ski clothes is the ability to experiment with different brands and products. Renting will allow you to try out different sizes, brands, and items on the slopes before you invest. It’s a less permanent choice that will help you get (re)acquainted with skiing in a budget-friendly way!
4. Kids outgrow their clothes
If you have kids, you’ll be familiar with the frustrating feeling of buying nice clothes and equipment, only to have your child wear it once before they’ve outgrown it. And ski clothing is no different! To avoid breaking the bank by buying (and re-buying) items for your kids, you should rent your ski clothes from a local or online company.
5. Pay less money upfront
Lastly – the cost! Like we said earlier, if you’re not a regular skier, then renting your ski clothing is probably the most budget-friendly option for you. Ski clothing can be expensive to buy, but cheaper in the long run. However, if you’re not planning on going skiing very often, then renting your items will mean you pay less money upfront.
The Cons of Renting Ski Clothes
1. It costs more in the long run
Unfortunately, renting ski clothes might not be a viable option if you live closer to the slopes, or you’re a frequent skier. Renting clothes is a good idea if you’re planning short stays once or twice every season – however, the cost will quickly add up if you go more often. Although buying ski clothing means a higher cost upfront, it will be worth the investment for keen skiers.
2. Fit, style & personalisation
Although many sites have the latest gear on offer, renting ski clothing often means you will have to choose between a selection of basic items. The priority here is practicality! Although this isn’t much of a problem, it can be frustrating for some, especially if the clothing you rent isn’t flattering. If you want to express your style and/or find the perfect fit for you, then buying ski clothes will be a much better option.
Final Thoughts …
Are you still torn on whether you should rent or buy ski clothes?
Our recommendation: if you’re a first-time skier, you should definitely consider renting ski clothes. With the convenience of renting and lower pricing upfront, this is a great option for you to discover the world of skiing.
On the other hand, if you’ve been skiing before or plan on visiting the Alps more than once, it’s probably worth buying your ski clothes.
Although intermediates might choose to buy their ski clothes, remember that renting your ski equipment is still a good idea if you’re not a frequent skier! Have a look at our article on the cost of renting ski equipment to see if this is the right option for you.
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