Is it time to buy skis and boots?

If you’ve skied for a few seasons and love the sport, you may wonder if it’s time to buy your own skis and boots. Many skiers face this choice. They often feel torn between the ease of rentals and the appeal of owning gear that fits them perfectly.

Buying your equipment is a big deal. It’s a significant financial and logistical undertaking. However, it has its perks. Here, we’ll dive into when to buy your own skis and boots. We’ll weigh the pros and cons of owning your gear and offer some advice for making a good first purchase.

The case for renting

Renting gear makes a lot of sense when you’re new to skiing. It allows you to try different types of skis and boots without the upfront cost or commitment. Rentals give you flexibility if you’re still figuring out how often you’ll go skiing or for how long.

Renting saves you from the hassle of transporting and maintaining your own gear. This can be costly and cumbersome. When starting out, you don’t need top-quality equipment. As you progress from beginner to intermediate, your ideal skis may change. You might end up with skis that are still new but no longer fit your needs. If you’ve only skied once or twice or are unsure how often you’ll go, it’s best to continue renting for now.

The turning point: When to consider buying

There’s no hard-and-fast rule, but here are a few signs it might be time to make the jump:

1. Breaking even

If you ski more than five to ten days each winter, you’ll save money by buying your own gear. Rental costs can add up quickly. Boots, skis, poles, and a helmet cost about £50 per day. Over time, your gear can pay for itself.

2. You’ve found your ski style

Now that you know if you like all-mountain, freestyle, off-piste, or piste skiing, you can pick gear made for your style. Rental shops often lack that kind of specialisation.

3. You’re frustrated with rentals

Rental boots rarely fit like custom boots. Choosing rental boots and skis often depends on luck. Some shops offer premium options, but issues can still arise. If you’re fed up with uncomfortable boots, old skis, or the hassle of rentals, it might be time to buy your own.

4. You want better performance

Rental ski shops usually have a smaller selection of skis than what’s for sale. This is helpful for beginners, but it limits advanced skiers. If you want to challenge yourself on the mountain, owning your gear can improve your skiing experience. Personal skis offer better responsiveness and performance suited to your needs.

Why boots are the first thing to buy

If you buy just one piece of gear, make it boots.

Boots are the most crucial part of your ski setup. A good-fitting boot boosts comfort, warmth, control, and enjoyment. Rental boots aren’t custom-fit. They aim to fit many foot shapes and often have limited stiffness options.

When you buy your own boots, a boot fitter will assess your foot shape, arch, calf size, and skiing ability. Many shops offer heat moulding or custom insoles for a perfect fit. This can greatly enhance your experience on the mountain.

Buying skis: What to know

Once you’ve got your boots, the next step is skis.

When choosing skis, consider:

• Your skill level – Beginner skis are softer and more forgiving. Advanced skis are stiffer and more aggressive.
• What type of skiing you do most – All-mountain, freestyle, backcountry, or piste skiing? Each type has different design needs.
• Personal preferences – Some prefer longer skis, while others like shorter ones. The same applies to width and the ski’s radius (the arc size when you put it on edge to turn). Knowing your ski preferences is essential before you buy.

Buying last season’s skis can save you hundreds. They will likely be nearly indistinguishable from the latest models.

Stance W 80 Skis + M 10 GW Bindings – Check out Ellis Brigham website to find out more.

Pros and cons of buying your own gear

Pros:

• Better fit and comfort (especially boots)
• Improved performance and control
• Long-term cost savings
• No need to organise collecting or returning rentals

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost
• You’re responsible for maintenance (tuning, waxing, storage)
• Transporting  and storing skis and boots, especially if you travel
• Gear eventually needs replacing as your skills or preferences evolve
  

Final thoughts: So, should you buy?

If you ski often and know what you like, it’s time to get your own skis and boots. Start with boots to boost your comfort right away. If you can afford it, think about adding skis later for better performance.

However, renting is a great option if you’re still figuring things out or ski only occasionally.

Bonus tip: don’t forget about used gear

Second-hand marketplaces can offer high-quality gear at lower prices. Just make sure you know what you want and check for clear images and accurate descriptions. Keep in mind that used boots may not fit as well as new, custom-made ones, which can lessen the benefits of buying instead of renting. If you aren’t experienced in buying second-hand equipment, consult a buying guide before making a purchase.