To buy or not to buy? This is the question often asked by skiers of varying skill levels when it comes to skis, especially when coming to popular winter activity spots like Mammoth Mountain. There’s no single right answer when it comes to the debate over buying skis versus renting them. Ultimately, there are several things to consider as you make this decision. Below, we run through some of these factors so you can determine what’s best for you.
Cost
The biggest incentive to rent skis rather than buying them is cost. According to Skitripguide.com, the average cost of buying skis and related essentials (e.g., boots, bindings, and poles) is close to $800. On the other hand, the average daily rental cost is around $40 or so. With skis you own, extra costs on top of the initial purchase price can be involved as well, including expenses related to:
• Repair needs
• Professional adjustments or tune-ups
• Storage if you prefer to free up space at home and use a remote storage facility
On the flip side, you can always opt for used skis if cost is a concern for you and you prefer to buy rather than rent. You can also mix things up by buying skis and renting the various accessories when you get to the Mammoth area.
Experience Level
If you’re at the beginner or intermediate level with skiing, renting tends to be more beneficial and cost-effective. Renting skis also gives newer skiers the opportunity to:
• Try out different types of skis
• Get personalized advice about fit and style from the Mammoth ski rental shop
• Determine for sure whether or not skiing is an activity they enjoy
However, if you’re an avid skier and you know you’ll be coming to Mammoth Mountain on a fairly regular basis, buying your own skis can be worth the investment. According to some estimates, it will take about 18–20 ski trips within a season to offset your initial investment costs.
Frequency of Skiing
Avid skiers are more likely than occasional skiers to benefit from buying instead of renting. Plus, if you buy skis and only occasionally use them, the skis could end up damaged from prolonged periods of storage and non-use.
Benefits of Buying
With buying, the top benefit for many skiers is being able to get customized skis or ones perfectly tailored for style and fit. Additionally, you’ll be able to use the same skis each time you hit the powder. You also won’t have to worry about getting your skis first before you can head to Mammoth’s ski areas.
Advantages of Renting
Saving money up front is the main advantage of renting skis. On top of this, you can try out various styles and experiment with width, length, and other touches that make skis different. Also, you won’t have to worry about bringing skis with you to Mammoth as you travel, nor will you have to find storage space for your skis or worry about maintenance and upkeep.
Skiers can have a blast on the slopes at Mammoth if they get the skis that suit their purposes best, whether that means buying them or renting what they need at the mountain. Whether they need accessories or ski rental in Mammoth, visitors can rely on the team at Mammoth Bound for high-quality service and great advice from snow sports experts. Drop by our shop or contact us at [email protected].
It can get very cold in Mammoth. Beanies are the perfect way to stay warm while skiing, snowboarding, or enjoying all that Mammoth Mountain has to offer. Stop by Mammoth Bound to pick up what you need!