Vail Resorts, the world's largest ski resort operator with a global portfolio of 41 resorts, mostly in the US, is reported to be planning to pilot a new gear rental subscription program next season.
My Epic Gear will initially operate at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone resorts for a limited number of pass holders during the 2023/2024 ski season.
Projected to cost $50 for the full season, the My Epic Gear service will be an add-on to the company's highly-successful Epic Pass season pass scheme and allow participants to rent skis, snowboards and boots and have the gear delivered to them when and where needed, with slope-side pick-up and drop off included in the rate.
"We are investing in gear to be a part of the program, but life of that gear and our ability to use the gear in My Epic Gear and then also use it through our rental stores makes that also very attractive capital investment for us," said Vail Resorts CEO, Kirsten Lynch, who added, "And then the intention of My Epic Gear overall is, how do you create loyalty and higher retention within our owned and operated resort network, consistent with our subscription strategy approach?"
My Epic Gear will be backed by Vail's 200+ retail rental locations, distribution centres and its rental delivery business, Gear Valley Service.