Buy vs. Hire

I agree...buy a good set of boots, properly fitted, and they'll do you for years.
Don't bother with the skis. They're not dear to rent, and you can get the latest models.
A friend of mine takes his own skis every year. They're now about seven years old, the shape is old hat, and they don't perform anything like the newer rental ones. He pays through the eyes for flight carriage, struggles to cart them through the airport along with the rest of his kit, and on top of that has to get them serviced every year. And if he breaks them, he'll have to cough up for new or rented anyway. I just can't see the sense in it myself. Unless you're skiing ten times a year, and travel by car there's little point. Good boots though...that's the key. Get the boots right and your whole world chages for the better....

randyrat wrote:I agree...buy a good set of boots, properly fitted, and they'll do you for years.
Don't bother with the skis. They're not dear to rent, and you can get the latest models.
A friend of mine takes his own skis every year. They're now about seven years old, the shape is old hat, and they don't perform anything like the newer rental ones. He pays through the eyes for flight carriage, struggles to cart them through the airport along with the rest of his kit, and on top of that has to get them serviced every year. And if he breaks them, he'll have to cough up for new or rented anyway. I just can't see the sense in it myself. Unless you're skiing ten times a year, and travel by car there's little point. Good boots though...that's the key. Get the boots right and your whole world chages for the better....

Totally disagree. I bought my current skis 2 years ago. I have reached an ability level where they will be perfect for me for the rest of my life possibly. I paid half price for them, £300, so no rental costs ever again, so they pay for themselves in 3 weeks skiing, ie for me one season.
I pay £35 this season for ski carriage, but can take a load more gear in the ski bag.
I dont struggle to carry them, I have a sensible padded ski bag with good padded shoulder straps, although I wish I had a wheelie bag!
The shape isnt old hat on mine, in fact more skis are going to the snout shape tips that Scott have.
Servicing can be done yourself for almost no cost at all if you're confident enough to do it. Otherwise its £20 when you take them in, which I tend to do at the end of a week away whilst still in resort.
I really dont see anything telling me I should have rented and not bought, as in addition I know my skis inside out and how they handle on varying conditions.

But yes, its the boots that need to be right first and foremost.

Well, for a single weeks skiing, having your own means £35 carriage, £20 service, whatever percentage of the purchase cost (Say £300 divided over five years, so £60 a year). Thats £105 by my calculator. I can rent the best brand new pair for £70 for the week. And if they break, or I don't like them, or I want to try a different type, or I want them rewaxed, I take them back to the shop. OK, if you're going for three weeks at a trot, the sums sway in favour of having your own skis, but are you really saying you are going to keep your skis for the rest of your skiing life?

randyrat wrote:Well, for a single weeks skiing, having your own means £35 carriage, £20 service, whatever percentage of the purchase cost (Say £300 divided over five years, so £60 a year). Thats £105 by my calculator. I can rent the best brand new pair for £70 for the week. And if they break, or I don't like them, or I want to try a different type, or I want them rewaxed, I take them back to the shop. OK, if you're going for three weeks at a trot, the sums sway in favour of having your own skis, but are you really saying you are going to keep your skis for the rest of your skiing life?

No, probably not, but they'll do for the next 5 seasons I reckon. And skiing min twice sometimes 3 times a season then its a no brainer for me. You can have a relationship with your own skis as well, you know?

Pretty much agree with everything that has been said, boots are a must first and foremost, ski's it depends on wether you will be travelling by car on pretty much every trip and which resorts you intend to visit as rental prices vary so much, also getting 2 sets skis into 1 bag makes a big difference on ski carriage, and you do get to know your ski's, yes maintenance can make a difference, if you plan to make several trips every season but DIY as TH says is very easy and more often than not a better job, I think the term is horses for courses it is definately not a straightforward decision

I'ts just a personal preference ...
My advice to early years skiers is simply not to be sold on "owning" too soon.
I've owned loads of skis, and dragged them around the airports and enjoyed tuning them up.
Now .....
Can't be bpthered - going to a decent shop, having a chat, asking what they advise for the present conditions and maybe trying a couple of skis out is very appealing and suits me today.
Mind you - I am a sucker for some pretty kit :oops:
So who knows next year?

Agree about not buying skis if youre a new or inexperienced skier, as you'll probably end up with skis that you wont be able to use in a couple of years.

I personally have not hired skis since 1993 and have always enjoyed owning my own, I only ski two times per year and either fly with BA which still does not charge ski carriage or drive, It really is up
to the individual what they want to do, if you get the ski bug and are going to ski for the fore seeable future then cost wise buy your own if you are the occasional skier then it may not be worth your while.
But there is nothing better than putting on your own planks and by the way service your own skis
you not only have a bit of fun you save a bit of money and you will notice the difference.