Skis

We are starting our 3.5 year old on skis this year...but we are conflicted about buying her new skis, buying good condition used skis, or just doing a seasonal rental. If you have little ones who ski, what have you chosen to do and where did you find the best deals?

We plan on bringing her every other weekend for the day, and we will be away skiing for a full week as well. I also have a 2 year old who will start next year, so we will be able to at least reuse the skis and bindings if we do purchase.

Re: Skis

DH is an expert in this question because he is a ski and snowboard tech. He was just talking about this the other day regarding our DS (who is 4.5 months and will not be skiing anytime soon lol) He recommends not buying skis or snowboards for children because they grow out of them every single year. He says the cheaper option is to rent every time. You don't only have to rent at the mountain, Sports Authority rents skis, bindings, the whole nine yards. If you have anymore questions about anything, ask me and I'll ask him.

Re: Skis

ITA with the PP.

Also, depending on which mountain(s) you are going to, many of them offer great package deals with ski school. I know Hunter and Camelback used to have a package where it was like $79 or $99 for 3 visits including the rentals, ski school lesson and lift tickets. Check that out before you go.

Re: Skis

I've heard a lot of people say that, but cost-wise, I feel like its not that much more to own, then sell back at a ski-swap when we don't need that size anymore...a seasonal rental is about $120, and we can buy for not too much more (probably about $200, maybe less). If we are able to get 2 years out of the skis (2 kids), then it would pay to buy, right?

Message edited 1/9/2011 11:22:56 AM.

Re: Skis

We have stuck with seasonal rentals so far, but we only have one DC. Friends that have more than one have bought, usually at swaps. I have usually been able to get something along with the rental that really made it worth it - free lift tickets or a discount coupon book or something like that.