Even though the ski season is still in its infancy, some skiers and cross-country skiers may still be hesitant to buy (new or used) or rent (seasonal or daily) the equipment that will get them on the slopes. A reflection is necessary!
Seasonal rental
Seasonal rentals have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among families. Children grow so quickly that they sometimes need new equipment almost every year. By renting, parents can then save money and “ensure that their children have appropriate and well-fitting equipment every season,” says Raphaël Guillemette, owner of Liquida Sport.
“To ensure good progress, having the right size equipment is essential,” says Philippe Bélanger, co-owner of the D-Structure and Génétik stores and rental manager at Le Relais ski center.
“Skis that are too long are much more difficult to control, while skis that are too short become very unstable at high speed,” claims Jean-Frédéric Vermette, deputy director at Sports Experts de Rimouski, specifying that putting on boots if they are too big will the skier has difficulty “turning his skis”.
Choosing the right shoe size allows you to feel comfortable and have more control on the slopes. Photo provided by Echo Sports/Jacynthe Héroux and Génétik
If you want to take the time to learn this sport or get back into the activity before purchasing the equipment, you can also turn to seasonal rentals. They then benefit from up-to-date basic equipment with sharpened and waxed skis, selected according to weight, size and experience, explains Alexandre Laporte, general director of Écho Sports. At the end of the season, they would simply have to return them to the landlord without having to worry about storing them for the summer or selling them, he adds. Although seasonal rentals began with the arrival of autumn, it is still possible to find equipment to take advantage of the beginning season.
Rent by the day
For those who plan to make very few excursions this season, for those who are taking their first steps on the slopes, for tourists visiting the region, for school groups making outdoor excursions, etc., the daily rental proves to be in a ski center as interesting. It also gives experienced skiers the opportunity to try out performance skis to find out if it's time to take the plunge.
Rental is a popular service for a one-day ski holiday. Photo provided by Echo Sports/Jacynthe Héroux and Génétik
The prices displayed and the number of planned excursions determine the right choice between daily and seasonal rental. In addition, some cross-country skiing destinations offer free day rentals for children. When the day comes to an end, simply return the gear to the store without even having to put it in the car.
Choose used
If the equipment can be passed from one child to another, purchasing a used set is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice. Especially since “junior skis don’t lose much value and practically don’t break,” says Mr. Guillemette.
Even occasional adult skiers might be well served by purchasing used equipment, which is cheaper than new equipment but doesn't have the latest technology.
Mr. Laporte then suggests going to a store that offers the necessary equipment in different sizes and professional advice under one roof, rather than consulting online resale sites that sometimes require you to visit multiple locations to get the boots, poles, etc. you want Try on skis and then buy them.
When buying or renting, it is important to be well advised when choosing the right equipment. Photo provided by Echo Sports/Jacynthe Héroux and Génétik
In addition, Mr. Vermette reminds that “each set of skis must pass through the hands of a certified technician who can determine whether it is suitable for its owner or not” to ensure pleasant and safe skiing.
Brand new equipment
Buying new ski equipment provides access to the latest models, the latest technology and guarantees. But above all, it allows you to make an individual choice depending on the type of practice and the progress you want to achieve, says Mr. Bélanger.
If the budget and frequency of practice don't justify purchasing equipment for the year, Mr. Vermette suggests buying just the boots and then supplementing with rental services or the used market. “The skier gains control with his own shoes,” he says.
For young people who have a passion for skiing, strive for performance or compete, buying their own equipment is often preferred, even if they have to change it after a few seasons.
As with adult gear, if you can't offer it to a family member, you can sell it or return it to a store that offers used gear, such as: B. Écho Sports, which gives you credit for an in-store purchase.
For its part, Sports Experts offers an alpine ski exchange program. Children's or junior skis purchased in their stores that need to be replaced the following year will be exchanged for a credit equal to half the purchase price (or 25% if exchanged two years later). “What we want to avoid is a child having devices that are too big so that they last longer. Not only is it unsafe, but the young person also runs the risk of no longer liking skiing,” emphasizes Mr. Vermette.
In order to make good progress in both alpine and cross-country skiing, the equipment must be perfectly adjusted to its owner with the help of an expert. Photo provided by Echo Sports/Jacynthe Héroux and Génétik
Since the price of each of the options offered and the range of products offered vary from dealer to dealer, it is important to shop around for your purchase or rental.