Skiing has grown to become quite an expensive sport. The majority of the individuals who want to try the sport rightly wonder how much it would cost them to get skiing equipment. You have two choices when it comes to choosing skiing equipment. You may decide to either buy or rent.
The total skiing equipment costs you between $400 to 500. However, slightly better skiing gear could cost you between $600 to 700 if you’re looking to buy all equipment at once from the same shop.
Renting skiing equipment familiarizes you with the equipment before making that large purchase. This way you have a chance to compare different brands and sizes that work for you. Rental equipment is often new and the latest.
For beginners, it’s advisable to rent one where the equipment is set and ready for use. You may decide to rent skiing gear at the resorts or an off-site rental shop. However, you should always consider getting the right size when renting.
Whenever you are ready to make huge investments. You should consider the size of the gear. Finding the best fit is the most crucial aspect of skiing equipment.
Making a purchase means that you are ready for the commitment of getting skiing equipment which you will use for a while. Some ski resorts charge for the safekeeping of your gear whenever you are taking breaks during lunch hours. You may opt to lock or pay a service watch for your expensive equipment.
In this article, we will have a look at some of the ski equipment you will require if you are looking to partake in this sport. We will also give you our recommendations for the best equipment and how much it will probably cost you. So stick around and read on to find out more. This will be an insightful read for you!
How Much Does Ski Equipment Cost?
Most ski shops offer the beginner package where they hook you with everything for a decent discount. The total skiing equipment costs you between $400 to 500. However, slightly better skiing gear could cost you between $600 to 700 if you’re looking to buy all equipment at once from the same shop.
Shops outside the city will offer you a city mark up while those not near the skiing resorts/mountains will offer you a convenience markup. Shops that are quite far from the skiing areas but near the towns are usually a good bet. The best prices of ski equipment happen at the end of the winter season. That’s when the shops close out their inventory.
So let’s have a look at the equipment and how much each will cost you.
1. Skis
Stopping by a skiing shop should be your priority. For a beginner, you will find it quite difficult to choose your first pair of skis. The appropriate skis will change a lot as your skills progress. When purchasing skis you should consider doing a demo first.
Skis consist of semi-rigid materials worn underfoot to glide over the snow. Ski bindings are used to attach the skis to skiing boots. You should consider the type of terrain before purchasing ski boots. Mountain skis however work with almost all types of terrains.
In most cases, the average cost of a new pair of skis will be approximately $400 and may rise to $1000. If you decide to rent skis for a day in the USA it will cost you approximately $25-45 and €20-30 in Europe.
You will need to fork out at least $350 to purchase a pair of new skis in the USA and €200 in Europe. It may be wise to purchase rather than rent due to the overtime renting costs. There are however different skis brands that fit a range of budgets.
Renting skis quite early is a great option since you do not have to spend money on a single pair while you are figuring things out. In some areas like Colorado, ski shops offer season rentals (you can pay a reasonable fee for skis and can change them whenever you want).
Compared to the costs of buying skis, the cost of renting skis is difficult to predict and mostly dependent on the ski shop or ski resort you are renting from. Some resorts will charge you $20 per day for rental packages whereas some will charge you $80 a day for high-end rental packages.
The recommended skis of choice for most people are the Rossignol Black Ops Skis. They have a balance between affordability, durability, and overall ease of use. At $380 they are reasonably priced for the range of use they can be put to. So why not try them out?
You can find the Rossignol Black Ops Men’s Skis on Amazon.
2. Ski Poles
For beginners, poles are important for balancing and easy maneuvering around obstacles. You should choose a pole that matches your height. Sizing charts can help you pick the right ones. When purchasing, you will find out that Aluminum (composite) poles are heavier than other poles.
Generally, Ski poles cost an average of $50. Some skiers, though, suggest that you should not spend more than $10 on a pair of poles. However, you can spend more if you are buying backcountry specialty poles ($200 or more).
If you are considering getting standard resort poles, from cruise thrift shops consider one with the right length to keep your body positioning and help with turning. You shouldn’t be paying $100 or more for poles unless you need them specialized or love the look of a certain pair.
Scott Punisher poles are normally recommended. This is because their durability is quite impressive. The quality of the S3 aluminum and the 18-millimeter shaft makes it a robust pole for aggressive skiers.
The strap system disconnects itself if it’s trapped by a tree/object. The $90 price makes the Scott Punisher a worthwhile choice if you are looking for long term use. So why not try the Scott Punisher poles out and see for yourself?
3. Ski Boots
You should take caution and invest in Ski Boots that fit you properly. The cost of the boots will likely be determined by your age or the quality you are looking for. Kids grow fast and you may want to rent instead of purchasing skiing boots.
You may need to visit a professional boot fitter to get a perfect size. Some Ski resorts have pro boot fitters on-site and it will be wise to rent ski boots from such resorts.
Ski boots are categorized into four; alpine, telemark, alpine touring, and cross-country. Alpine ski boots work in hand with alpine skis and bindings that offer protection for the toes and heels of the boot. They are fitted with liners to protect feet from the cold and absorb vibrations. Telemark ski boots have a unique feature known as bellows.
The boots are compatible with Nordic Norm bindings. Alpine touring ski boots combine both elements of telemark and alpine skiing boots. Cross-Country ski boots are lighter, use traditional laces, and have a waterproof outer cover.
In case you are wondering, intermediate boots are made of relatively softer plastic while the expert boots are hard- required to be very subtle.
You should be cautious not to spend a lot on ski boots that are beyond your skiing ability. As a recreational skier, you are likely to be charged anywhere between $200-500 for a good pair of boots.
As a beginner, you will likely fork out about $200 for ski boots. Intermediate skiers may pay up to $400 for ski boots. Experts on the other hand can get boots of up to $500.
The recommended ski boots are Rossignol Evo 70 Ski Boots which will require you to fork out about $230 for a pair. This is an amazing deal if you think about it. So try them out and see for yourself.
4. Ski Bindings
Ski bindings connect to your skis. They keep your boots attached to your skis and they also let go and release your feet in case of accidents so that you don’t injure your feet.
The width of your skis determines the size of the bindings you will buy. You should have a pro mount to your bindings and skis to help you determine the right DIN setting (release force setting).
Ski bindings consist of alpine, alpine touring, and backcountry bindings. Standard alpine skiing consists of two main parts:
- Toe piece-The front section of a ski binding that secures the front of your boot to your ski.
- Heel piece– The rear section of your ski binding that secures the rear of your boot to your ski.
They work together to ensure that they perform in precision as they are designed to. Alpine touring bindings differ from telemark bindings and are less common. Bindings have brakes to make sure that you do not lose your skis if they come off.
Ski bindings are often expensive. Why? Because to match your skis and ski boots’ intended ability, bindings worth $100-200 are needed (for beginners). Expert level ski bindings can be over $500. The bindings have a lot of insurance and liability with them. In case of an accident, someone has to be liable when they fail.
Never hesitate to ask for professional help if you are unsure which ski binding are best suited for your needs. Bindings are an important piece and you have to make sure that you are going for something safe. Certified technicians can aid you to mount your bindings onto skis. It’s an easy process.
You can drill holes into the skis, add a dab of glue in the holes, and screw the bindings down. The paper jigs or universal jigs can help with self-mounting. The cost of mounting ski bindings however will depend on the ski shop. Bigger ski shops with a lot of workers will tend to charge more and vice versa.
You should always consider getting new skis after 80-100 days of use in a season. Vast changes in technology and your ability and growth in kids will dictate if you need new skis that will require new bindings.
The recommended ski bindings of choice that are reliable and work perfectly for most skiers, both experts, and beginners, are the Tyrolia Attack 13 GW. This is a downhill skiing binding that is compatible with all downhill skiing boots. So why don’t you try the Tyrolia Attack 13 GW out and see just how well they work for you.
You can find the Tyrolia Attack 13 GW on Amazon.
5. Snow Jackets and Pants
You should consider where you will be spending a larger chunk of time during winter before purchasing a snow jacket. You should abstain from choosing your outwear based on looks. Put more emphasis on the fit, design, and comfortability. Also consider whether they do enough to protect you from the elements whenever you are skiing.
For a beginner, renting your skiing jackets and pants will be the best option. For the snow jackets and pants, you will have to fork out at least $30 a day. If you decide to go long-term skiing then buying should be your preferred option. Both the snow jackets and pants will cost you an average of approximately $200
Modern ski snow jackets are 99% waterproof and will keep you warm and come in different price ranges. If you are an avid skier and do so often then you should get yourself a snow jacket instead of renting one. If you rent snow jackets in the USA you will have to spend at least $30 and €15 in Europe. It will cost you an average of $400 to get new snow jackets and pants.
In the case of ski jackets, there are amazing deals. The recommended pick for ski jackets is the Moerdeng Ski jackets. You’ll find jackets for either men or women, reasonably priced at $70. You can also find the Moerdeng ski pants for either men or women, reasonably priced at $40.
You can find Ski jackets and ski pants sets on Amazon.
6. Neck Gaiter and Face Mask
You may need additional skiing clothing like a face shield or neck gaiter. Most ski resorts require skiers to put on a face covering that covers the mouth and nose. These will protect you from the chilling winds as well as the snow.
Luckily, these are not that expensive. You can find Neck Gaiters and Face Masks on Amazon.
7. Ski Gloves / Mittens.
Before purchasing ski gloves, you will need to ask yourself several questions. How easily do your hands get cold? In what type of conditions will you be using gloves or mittens? What activities will you be doing? How much dexterity will you need?
Mittens that are properly sized are found to be warmer than ski gloves. The mittens tend to keep fingers together to generate and retain more body heat. You should prioritize keeping warm in the chilly and cold snow mountains with the choice of your gloves. Ski gloves offer a little more dexterity whereas mittens are needed if you tend to have cold hands.
There are two types of gloves and mittens.
- Short cuffs (under cuff)-comprise of more minimalist cuffs that are versatile enough to fit below the sleeves of the jacket and the sleeves. They are smaller, less bulky, and lighter.
- Long-cuffs –are made of forearm closures that are designed to the only g over the jacket sleeves.
Regular ski gloves will always work anywhere. Waterproof gloves are also unique. These gloves will go for about $50. If you decide to rent the gloves in the USA you will spend $10 while €8 in Europe. Before purchasing any ski gloves, consider the following:
- Warm and Light– The gloves should be padded fleece lined with insulation cotton and 180 grams warm cotton gloves. This traps the body heat efficiently and provides nearly twice the warmth of the other objects. Such gloves are highly breathable and moisture-wicking.
- Should be waterproof and breathable– Fan Tex membrane technology that keeps hands dry and allows sweat out under snowy, sweaty, and rainy conditions.
- Touch screen design – The thermal gloves are touchscreen available in thumbs and index fingers. You could wear them to answer the phone or read messages without taking out your hands. The sensitive touch screen gloves will be a great convenience for you to play the phone even in the chill winter. The palms are reinforced with a cowhide leather patch, which is non-slip and provides a firm grip.
- Ergonomic Design– Bendable fingers give you more flexibility and movement; Adjustable wrist straps and Elastic band effectively prevent the wind or snow from entering inside; tie the two gloves together with the convenient lock buckle to prevent loss.
- Embossed super–fiber wear-resistant design-Embossed microfiber design, more wear-resistant, and more comfortable.
- Size– Ski Gloves come in different sizes. So it’s important to consider which size is appropriate for you whether small, large, or extra-large.
There are a lot of choices of ski gloves you can choose from so before deciding on one, consider the above. All in all, they will cost you anywhere around $15-20.
You can find Ski Gloves on Amazon.
8. Ski Goggles
This is perhaps one of the most important skiing equipment. Visibility is crucial. The light conditions will determine the type of lenses. Many ski goggles have an interchangeable lens system. You should probably go for goggles with anti-fog and anti-scratch features. It’s advisable to carry your helmets when trying out for goggles.
There is a wide range of ski goggles you can choose from and they include:
- Medium Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop goggles – Have spherical lenses. Its ChromaPop features offer HD-like color quality that translates to the mountain slopes with fantastic clarity in a wide range of conditions. The lenses can highlight finer details like bumps and debris. They cost $250- $280
- Atomic Revent HD Goggles– They have a fused double lens that provides a wider viewing of the surroundings and acts as a preventive mechanism for reflection between the two lenses. Has an interchangeable system that allows room for protection in all lighting conditions. You will have to fork out around $300.
- Bolle Z5 OTG Ski Goggles– makes use of the OTG technology (Over-The-Glasses Technology), Lens type-double vented pc with p-80 and anti-fog feature. It will cost you $90.66 to get a pair of these goggles.
- Smith I/O MAG Snow Goggles– have a MAG lens change system and a 5X anti-fog technology. Includes the ChromaPop performance lens. This pair of goggles will cost you $250-$280.
- Zeal Portal RLS Snow Goggles– Uses a Rail System that supplies the lenses with an automatic color that makes it possible for you to adjust lens tint as per the light conditions. Uses magnets to pull lenses back into place. This type of goggles will likely cost you $125- $249
- POC Retina Clarity Ski Goggles– Are made of polycarbonate material. Have a strap for a silicone grip and both anti-scratch and anti-fog features. Uses a high qualitative lens to increase the level of contrast. The tints are mirror coated hence referred to as a weather oriented lens. This pair of goggles will likely cost you $90.38
- Oakley Flight Deck Prizm Goggles– Lenses use a Plutonite material that shields the ultraviolet rays. They have anti-fog and anti-scratch features to allow skiers to have a clear vision of the surroundings. This pair will cost you approximately $170-$210.
- Anon M4 Toric Ski Goggles– Have a combination of two toric lenses. Have an anti-fog feature for effective visibility. Use a magnetic face integration system when replacing the lens. It will likely cost about $300 for this top-notch pair of goggles.
- Smith Range Goggles –Have cylindrical lenses, decent comfort, and performance at a great price. This pair of goggle will cost you about $75
- Giro Blok Goggles– Have a cylindrical lens and good peripheral vision for mid-range design. They are priced at $120.
Our recommended pick is the Anon M4 Toric Ski Goggles. They have the best features and will work best in all light conditions
You can find Anon M4 Toric Ski Goggles on Amazon.
9. Ski Helmets
Ski helmets are specially designed for winter sports. Most peoples never really used helmets until about the year 2000. However, by 2010, most skiers in the US and Europe adopted the culture of wearing helmets. Ski helmets are designed to withstand the impact of objects and protect your head from injuries.
When buying helmets you should ensure that the ski helmet fits snuggly all round with no spaces left in between the padding and your head. Some helmets have removable padding that allows room for adjustments for the best fit.
Helmet rental practices in the US vary by the region of the country and the size of the area. In most cases, the West, North East, and Rocky Mountain areas have been known to rent ski helmets while the South and Midwest do not offer helmet rental services.
The average cost of renting a ski helmet in the U.S. is $ 15 while it will cost you about €8 or more in Europe.
You will always get the value of your money when buying a ski helmet in the long run. You should consider the following when purchasing a ski helmet: Ski helmet safety, shell, padding and lining, and the aesthetics of your ski helmet.
It will cost you approximately $60 in the USA to purchase a ski helmet and €40 in Europe.
There are a variety of ski helmets to choose from. With the above recommendations in mind, the pick for the best ski helmet is the Outdoormaster KELVIN ski Helmet which will cost you $38. This is a reasonable price.
You can find the Outdoormaster KELVIN ski Helmet on Amazon.
10. Skiing Thermals (bottom and top)
It doesn’t matter if you are an experienced skier or a beginner, one thing always remains the same. To ski well, you have to keep warm. These are worn underneath and they insulate the bodies of skiers. Their prices vary depending on size and color but on average they will cost you anywhere from $20-$40.
You can find Skiing Thermals on Amazon.
All in all, skiing can be an expensive sport. The skiing equipment required varies from skill level to regions to seasons. But despite this, if you follow this guide you will be able to get the best ski equipment that will give you the best value for all your skiing endeavors.
So, invest in this equipment and enjoy this gracious sport. It’s definitely worth it.