Minnesota Ski Rentals
Save Money by Reserving OnlineWhether you’re shredding Lutsen Mountains or spending a quality family weekend at Hyland Ski and Snowboard Area, Minnesota ski rentals are on the trip planning to-do list for most everybody who doesn’t have their own. Even many people who have invested in their own goggle and helmet continue to rent skis year after year. Know that you’re not alone, and you don’t need to be apprehensive especially if you follow a few basic tips. With this in mind, here are a few things to consider before you plop down that hard-earned cash on a downhill extreme performance package at the resort.
Upgrade or No?
What is the difference between that performance upgrade and the standard rental package? Not a whole lot, really. And if you aren’t sure of the difference, will you miss it? Most ski resorts offer the upgrade by plying on your vanity, offering a board with a logo or a pair of skis that look flashier. Save your money and go with something a little less extravagant. You’re still going to have a blast.
On the other hand, if you’re a seasoned skier and your gear got delayed at the airport, there’s no harm in splurging for a day or two to get that extra edge. It’s your vacation and paying a little extra for a faster run isn’t the end of the world. Just be aware of what you’re paying for and what you aren’t.
Saving Money on Minnesota Ski Rentals
If you want to stretch your dollar, make sure to rent early. Plan ahead and book well in advance. Let us help you with your rental, and we can help you save up to 20% off your equipment. As an added bonus, booking online saves you the wait of standing in line to select your equipment. Most times you can just swing by the shop and head to the slopes. Additionally, you won’t be stuck getting your gear from just one place. The internet lets you comparison shop to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Also, don’t always rent from the resort. It’s just like lift tickets; when you’re renting from the resort, they know they have a captive audience. After all, you’re right there at the snow. Are you really going to drive away to rent from someplace else? For example, the standard ski package at Lutsen runs you $38/day when you rent at the resort. Sawtooth Outfitters, located about 8 miles south on SR61 has rentals for only $28/day. It’s easy to do the math on how much you can save just by renting offsite. If you’re driving in from Duluth or Minneapolis, stopping in and picking up equipment can save you a nice chunk of change.
As a side note, if you have kids and are planning on making skiing or snowboarding a regular event, leasing their equipment can save you some money as well. With as fast as kids grow, they change boot sizes almost every year. A lease is about $200/season, however when you consider that a pair of kid’s ski boots costs about that much, leasing for the season makes a lot of sense.
Equipment at Stores vs Resort
There really isn’t a difference between the items that a resort rents and what a store has. In both cases the gear is going to be name brand. In most cases, so long as you provide accurate sizing, you’re going to be happy with the equipment you get.
The reason behind purchasing a helmet first instead of skis is that the helmet contacts your body directly. Start to imagine how many people’s sweaty heads have been in that rental gear and you begin to see why most people start with those. A good quality helmet will run about $50 to $100 bucks. Considering the cost of renting a helmet is about $5/day, this investment pays for itself over the length of a season.
Minnesota Ski Rental Shops
Here are a few of the places you can find ski rentals in Minnesota: