Top 4 Questions You Should Ask When Renting Your Skis or Snowboard

A premium Rental experience like My Epic Gear lets you select a Rental package matched to your ability and terrain preference. They also have a Pick Your Own Demo package that lets you pick the exact ski, board, or boot combo you want—a complete custom package designed by you.  
 
Here are some questions to ask yourself when picking out your perfect setup. 
 
1. What kind of a skier/rider am I?
 
First things first, it helps to know what kind of slope persona you have. Are you a speed demon? A captain of control? Or a bit-timid-but-still-willing-to-go-for-it type? 
 
How you define your ski or ride style will go a long way toward determining what Rental gear you choose. There are three ways to break down what kind of skier or rider you are: 1) ability, 2) conditions and 3) preference. For ability, it’s pretty standard: beginner, intermediate, or advanced. For conditions, it can vary daily: powder, hard pack, groomer, ice. And preference boils down to a few things. Are you looking for speed, control or confidence?  
 
My Epic Gear Rental packages are set up for all these factors, so you can feel confident that the equipment you’re on is right for you. Their expert fitters will be able to answer all your questions and ensure you have a perfect fit.  
 
2. What’s the difference between Sport, Performance and Demo packages?
 
My Epic Gear offers Sport, Performance and Demo packages to suit different abilities, terrain and snow conditions. Not all skis and boards are made the same, and it’s crucial that you get equipment that suits your ability level and the conditions you’ll encounter.  
 
For first-timers or few-timers, Sport is the best. The skis in this package are shorter and have a more forgiving flex. These two things make it easier to turn and control especially at slower speeds. Softer skis also absorb bumps on the mountain a bit better than stiffer ones, making it easier to manage any bumps you might run over along the trail.  
 
Our Performance package is the ultimate combination of versatility and stability—without sacrificing response. Whether cruising groomers at moderate speeds or navigating challenging, more variable terrain, you’ll be able to dive into turns and carve with confidence or stay light on your feet as needed while navigating any run. 
 
Lastly, is the Demo tier. This option offers a more personalized selection for skiers and riders of all levels. When you choose Demo, you get Pick Your Own Demo, meaning you can handpick the exact ski, snowboard, or boot you want. It lets you design a setup matched perfectly to your ability, favorite terrain and the day’s snow conditions—a premium package dialed in for you and the mountain. And while more advanced skiers and riders who know exactly what they’re looking for tend to gravitate toward this level of personalization, it’s not a bad choice for gear-curious beginners, too. Because even though you might not have the experience to know what’s right for you, My Epic Gear experts are there to help you pick out the perfect setup. So it’s both a great option for those who already know what gear they want and for those who want to learn more. 
 
3. How should my boots fit?
 
A lot of skiers and riders know that ill-fitting boots make for a bad day on the slopes. Blisters, numbness and cold, cramped feet are not things you want to deal with when you’re trying to get your shred on. When you rent your skis from My Epic Gear, their expert fitters will make sure that the boots you get fit properly and are comfortable. If for some reason they don’t feel right after a couple of runs, you can swap them out for others that are more comfortable. 
 
In general, your boots should fit snugly. They should be super snug if you’re going for a performance fit and sort-of-snug if you’re optimizing for more comfort. Too much room gives way to sliding around, which can cause blisters and loss of control. If boots are too tight, they can cause unwelcome hot spots and squeeze pressure points. A snug middle-ground is best.  
 
Pro tip: Socks can play a big role in how your boot fits. Try sticking to the same style and thickness each day so your boot fit doesn’t change. 
 
4. Where can I rent skis?
 
The answer to this one is easy: My Epic Gear. They offer cutting-edge Rental services and high-quality gear for every level in more than 100 shops at multiple resorts across the country. You can easily rent and reserve online and either have your skis delivered for FREE to your room or pick them up in person, depending on the resort. It’s a smooth and efficient way for you and your family to rent skis for your winter trips. 
 
There are so many different reasons to rent gear. First and foremost, you get a guaranteed fit matched to your ability level and the conditions. Add on FREE delivery and it’s pretty much a no-brainer. Read more about the benefits of renting your gear.