How to Rent Ski Gear for a Family Vacation: Top Tips & Tricks

Renting ski gear for a family vacation doesn’t have to be stressful (or expensive). With a little planning and the right rental shop, you can get everyone — kids, parents, and maybe even grandparents — fitted for safe, comfortable, and affordable gear in no time.

This guide will walk you through how to rent ski gear efficiently, what to bring, and how to make the whole process smooth for your family. We’ll also share why so many local families trust Ski Barn — from season-long rentals and affordable junior prices to bib and jacket rentals that keep everyone warm and ready to go.

Key Takeaways

• Choose a local rental shop like Ski Barn for better deals, friendlier service, and gear that’s ready for the mountain.
• Renting saves money and lets families test out gear before buying.
• Book early to secure the best equipment and discounts.
• Ski Barn offers season-long rentals, the most affordable junior pricing, and even outerwear rentals if you need bibs or jackets.

Choose the Right Rental Shop

The rental shop you pick can make or break your ski trip.

Local shops like Ski Barn usually offer more personalized service than big resort rental counters — plus, they’re often more affordable and flexible. You can get your gear fitted ahead of time, skip the morning lift-line chaos, and even take advantage of perks like overnight ski storage and early-bird discounts.
Here’s what to look for:

• Location: Choose a shop near the slopes (like Ski Barn’s five convenient Mid-Atlantic locations) so you can grab your gear, ski all day, and drop it off easily.
• Customer Service: Look for knowledgeable staff who take time to fit your family properly.
• Extra Perks: Overnight storage, multiple boot models for better fits, and outerwear rentals all make family trips smoother.

Ski Barn has been family-owned for over 40 years, so we know what it takes to keep kids warm, comfortable, and happy on the slopes — which is the real win for parents.

What to Rent (and Why)

Renting makes perfect sense for families, especially when kids are still growing. Instead of buying gear that won’t fit next season, you can rent high-quality equipment that’s perfectly adjusted for everyone.
Here’s what you’ll want to rent:

• Skis or Snowboards – matched to height, weight, and ability.
• Boots – fitted by a pro for comfort and safety. They are included with your rental for both skis and snowboard. Don't need boots? That's cool, some shops like Ski Barn will give you a discount for bringing your own.
• Poles – usually included with ski packages.
• Helmets – available for all ages and strongly recommended.
• Clothing – Ski Barn even rents bibs and jackets, so you don’t have to buy pricey outerwear for fast-growing kids or one-time trips.

For families who plan to ski more than a few times a season, Ski Barn’s season-long rentals are a game-changer. You can keep the equipment all winter, skip the re-fitting hassle, and save big compared to daily rentals.

Book in Advance

One of the easiest ways to save time (and money) is to reserve your rentals ahead of time. During busy weekends and holidays, shops get crowded fast — and nothing’s worse than standing in line with tired kids before first chair.

Ski Barn offers 10% off when you book online early, and advance reservations guarantee your sizes are ready when you arrive.
Early booking also helps you:

• Avoid long wait times
• Secure the best equipment
• Access perks like tune-ups or upgraded gear

Get the Fit Right

A good fit is everything — especially for kids. Properly fitted boots and bindings make skiing safer, warmer, and way more enjoyable.

At Ski Barn, each boot is sized and adjusted by hand, ensuring the perfect balance between comfort and performance. They’ll double-check that bindings match your child’s weight and skill level, and can swap out sizes mid-season if your kids grow (which, let’s be honest, they will).
It’s also smart to bring:

• The socks you’ll ski in (preferably wool or synthetic)
• A little patience — fitting kids can take a few extra minutes, but it’s worth it

Take Advantage of Discounts and Packages

Ski Barn makes it easy to save with bundle deals, early-booking discounts, and affordable junior packages. If you’re a military family, there’s an extra discount available as well.

By booking early and renting together as a family, you’ll often save more than if you rent individually at the resort. Plus, local shops like Ski Barn frequently tune and maintain their gear — so you’re always getting high-quality, safe equipment that performs well.

What to Bring from Home

Most of your heavy gear can be rented, but a few small items make all the difference in keeping your family comfortable:

• Goggles or Sunglasses (bring your own to ensure a perfect fit with your helmet)
• Waterproof Gloves or Mittens
• Neck Warmers or Balaclavas
• Warm Socks (no cotton!)
• Base Layers — synthetic or wool are best
• Snacks and Water — kids ski longer (and happier) with fuel

If you forget something, Ski Barn has outerwear for rent and sells goggles, gloves, and accessories on-site.

Safety First

Safety starts with the right gear. Make sure everyone in your family — especially kids — wears a helmet. Most rental packages at Ski Barn include helmets, and they’re properly fitted to stay in place if someone takes a tumble.

For extra peace of mind, consider wrist guards or padded shorts for new skiers or snowboarders. Skiing is a lot more fun when everyone feels protected.

Tips for a Smooth Rental Experience

Here are a few mom-tested tips to make your rental process seamless:

• Pick up gear the day before you ski to avoid morning chaos.
• Label everything — especially kids’ gear.
• Communicate return dates to avoid fees.
• Ask about damage insurance if you plan to ski multiple weekends.
• Please Return on time — season rentals are due by April 15th.

Ski Barn’s team is great about working with families — if weather delays or emergencies happen, they’ll usually help you work something out.

Why Families Love Ski Barn

Families come back to Ski Barn year after year because it’s easy, affordable, and family-focused. You get expert help, gear that fits right, and prices that don’t make you cringe.

• Five convenient locations near top West Virginia resorts
• Season-long rentals for families who ski multiple weekends
• Affordable junior pricing that helps parents save
• Outerwear rentals for when you need bibs or jackets in a pinch

With Ski Barn, you can spend less time worrying about gear and more time making memories on the mountain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do ski resorts rent equipment?

Yes! Most resorts offer on-site rentals, but you’ll often save time and money renting locally from Ski Barn.

How long has Ski Barn been independently owned?

Ski Barn has been family-owned and operated for over 40 years.

How many locations does Ski Barn have?

There are 5 Ski Barn locations across West Virginia for easy access near all major resorts.

What discounts does Ski Barn offer?

You can save 10% by booking online early. Ski Barn also offers military discounts and affordable junior pricing.

When do I need to return my gear?

Season rentals are due around April 15th. Late returns may renew at next season’s rate, so mark your calendar!