Why experienced skiers should rent skis at all?
Most ski vacationers have stopped bringing their skis with them on their journey. This is not just due to increased baggage fees on the airlines. It is also due to the complexity and variability of skis that are now available to suit any type of conditions and provide the best experience possible on each day of the trip. The cost of the best equipment is high and even maintaining it can be a hassle to deal with before or during a winter sports vacation.
More and more winter sports vacations itinerary looks something like this:
Monday – Ski the existing hard pack with a great carving or all-mountain ski. Off-trail is not great at this point from wind, sun, and over-skiing.
Tuesday – Same ski conditions, same type of ski would be best, but maybe it would be good to try a different brand today to see if there is a ski you would enjoy a bit more today, or be more suitable for what you enjoyed the most on Monday.
Wednesday – The snow Gods came through and there is a foot of fresh snow today. The ski used the last two days is far from the best option today. Grab a great new powder ski that is light and wide. This will not only be more fun increasing flotation all day, your legs will last longer in the powder with this type of ski.
Thursday – Still some great snow, but now harder to find. Yesterday’s powder ski should be replaced with something a little more versatile, but still wide in case you come across some terrain that still hasn’t been skied out.
Friday – maybe you need a break today with snowshoes or a hike in the backcountry where some of the fresh snow two days ago could still be inviting. An AT set-up would be the way to go today. Recruit some friends that have experience in the backcountry if you aren’t 100% comfortable with your knowledge and experience in the backcountry.
Saturday – The powder was great, but now we’re back to packed powder and harder conditions off-trail. The all mountain ski from Monday should be great again today as well.
You get the point. Equipment is getting better every year and makes skiing more fun for those who open themselves up to the fact that renting or using demo skis is a better way to go. Saving money in the long run is usually the result. Ski rental shops like AJ Motion Sports will let you swap skis out each day with no additional cost for a multi-day demo package.
Rent at the resort, or at a city shop?
Renting at a shop in the city has many advantages. The prices are usually better on everything from demo skis to gloves, helmets, and goggles. AJ Motion Sports uses a paperless system that is fast and efficient. There is also a discount available for reserving in advance that will make the process even faster with no skier data needing to be entered. Re-renters are actually captured in their system for years and equipment can be ready and waiting for pick-up. 
Renting in a city shop also carries the value of purchasing discount lift tickets. All shops have to sell discount lift tickets for the same price even though some make claims of “best price” and many locals use this service as well. The shops make close to nothing on these tickets and love it when customers pay in cash.
Renting at the resorts is usually more expensive and the quality of the equipment varies greatly depending on the resort shop and how many other skiers are in town that week consuming the best layer of equipment ahead of you. Most resorts around the Salt Lake City area have slower procedures for renting equipment which can cut into your ski day if there is a line ahead of you. However, it is nice to not have to transport your equipment up the canyon in a vehicle or get an equipment issue addressed while at the resort. AJ Motion Sports close to the base of the canyon offers free delivery to skiers renting for at least three days who want city shop value, but don’t want to transport their equipment up to the resorts. They will also run up the canyon for an equipment issue if they have available staff, or pay the cost of something addressed at a resort shop if there is an issue with their equipment.
Overall we believe it makes much more sense in the Salt Lake City area to rent from a City Shop.
Tips that make renting skis easier
1- Don’t judge your boot fitting too quickly. Many renters initially feel their boot size is too small. Wait until it is buckled up with a decent ski sock to feel pressure points. Many shop employees are forced by the customer to bring out a larger size even though they know the performance will be better with the correct size that feels less comfortable in the shop.
2- Rent or buy a helmet. In the near future helmets will most likely be required at resorts. Even though you may be completely in control at all times and not risk your health, you are at risk from other riders just by being on the mountain. One out of control skier or boarder crashing into you could have surprising results. Plus, helmets get more comfortable each year with better lining, venting, adjustment, etc. There are also many great options at very low prices in several city shops.
3- Don’t just rent the cheapest ski if you are a decent skier. For a few dollars more you can be in the right ski instead of a beginner ski that is too soft for you. There are other areas to sacrifice cash that won’t have such a negative impact on your skiing experience.
4- Use a good sock that isn’t too thick and has the right composition. It seems like a small detail to some skiers or an add-on sale for the shop, but a good sock can make the day more enjoyable in many ways. Comfort, warmth, performance, etc. A great sock we recommend is the Bridgedale Lightweight Control Fit. These are around $20, but have a three year warranty and should last much longer for the typical skier.
5- Make sure your skis are waxed before you leave the shop. If the shop has missed a pair coming back that has been put back in the rack on a busy day you might not have the performance they were hoping to offer you.
6- Make sure you ask questions about the bindings if you aren’t comfortable with something. Even the best shop employees will forget to cover something they feel is routine or common knowledge. It is their job to politely cover anything you’d like to ask regarding the equipment including performance, operation, safety features, etc.
Where to rent skis?
In the city AJ Motion Sports has many advantages over other shops. Fastest process to check equipment out, as well as quickly scan back in. Many newer boots and skis than other shops, great demo selection (including try before you buy for demo sales), great locations, good deals
AJ Motion Sports is conveniently located is close proximity to the Cottonwood Canyon ski resorts and lodging. Ski Rentals for any resorts can be picked up at the shop or delivered. In addition to ski rentals and snowboard rentals, we also sell discount lift tickets in the shop.
