Winter is here, and it’s the season to hit the slopes and feel the rush of wind on our faces as we speed downhill on a snowboard. If you’re planning a snowboarding trip, you may be wondering where you can rent snowboarding gear. Fear not, as we’re here to guide you through the best rental options out there.
The first place to check is your destination resort. Most ski and snowboard resorts offer rental gear, including snowboards, boots, bindings, and helmets. This option is convenient as you can rent everything you need at the same place you’ll be shredding. Many resorts offer online reservation systems, which will save you time and prevent you from waiting in long rental lines.
However, renting directly from the resort may not always be the most affordable option. If you’re on a tight budget, you may be able to find local rental shops that offer gear at a cheaper price. These shops are often located near the resort and can provide you with the same quality gear at a lower cost.
Another option is to rent from online retailers like REI, Backcountry, or evo. These retailers offer a wide selection of snowboards and gear, including high-end gear that may not be available at local rental shops. Renting from online retailers also means you can have your gear delivered to your home or resort, making it a convenient and hassle-free option.
However, keep in mind that renting from an online retailer may not allow you to try on the gear before renting. This means that the gear may not fit comfortably, which can hinder your snowboarding experience. Additionally, online rental fees may add up quickly, so make sure to compare prices before selecting this option.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty. Here are some of the best snowboarding rental shops and online retailers where you can rent top-quality gear.
1. Burton
Burton is a well-known brand in the snowboarding world and offers a wide selection of rental options, including boots, bindings, and snowboards. In addition, Burton has a “try before you buy” program, which allows you to demo the gear for the day and then apply the rental fee towards purchasing the gear if you decide to buy.
Burton also offers a unique program called the “Riglet Park,” which is designed for children aged 3-6. This program allows kids to learn the basics of snowboarding in a safe and fun environment, encouraging them to develop their skills as they grow.
2. Christy Sports
Christy Sports is a popular rental chain that offers snowboarding gear at over 50 locations across the United States. They offer a wide selection of snowboard models and brands, including Burton, Ride, and K2. In addition, Christy Sports offers a rental delivery service, where they will deliver the gear to your door or resort.
Christy Sports also offers a “Performance Package,” which includes a high-end snowboard, bindings, and boots. If you’re an intermediate or advanced snowboarder, this option is definitely worth considering.
3. Ski Butlers
Ski Butlers is a rental delivery service that provides high-quality snowboarding gear directly to your hotel, condo, or rental home. They offer a wide selection of gear for all levels of riders, including beginners and experts. Snowboarding gear from Ski Butlers includes K2, Burton, and Lib Tech.
Ski Butlers also offers a unique “Kid’s Ski Free Program,” where kids aged 12 and under can rent for free with a paying adult. If you’re traveling with young ones, this deal is sure to save you some money.
4. evo
evo is a top online retailer that offers a wide variety of snowboarding gear, including snowboards, boots, bindings, and helmets. They offer free shipping on orders over $50, making it a convenient choice if you’d rather rent remotely.
evo also has a “Demo Program,” where you can demo some of their most popular snowboards for a small fee. If you decide to purchase a snowboard from evo after trying it, they will apply the demo fee towards the purchase price. Additionally, evo offers a “Price Match Guarantee,” meaning they will match the price of any of their competitors, ensuring that you get the best deal possible.
5. Backcountry
Backcountry is another online retailer that offers a wide selection of snowboarding gear, including boards, boots, and bindings. They offer free shipping on orders over $50, making it convenient for remote rentals.
Backcountry has a “First Tracks Program,” which offers discounts for snowboard rentals and gear. The program also offers exclusive deals on lift tickets, lodging, and transportation to make your stay as affordable as possible.
6. REI
REI is a well-known outdoor retailer that offers a wide selection of snowboard rentals, including top-quality brands like Burton, K2, and Lib Tech. REI also offers “try before you buy” demos, allowing you to test the gear before making a purchase.
In addition, REI offers a unique guarantee called the “100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Program.” If you’re not satisfied with the gear you rented, REI will replace it free of charge.
In conclusion, there are many options available for renting snowboarding gear, so it’s important to research and compare prices before making your choice. Whether you choose to rent from the resort, local rental shops, or online retailers, make sure to have a blast shredding the slopes and catching some epic powder.
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