Lease Your Kid's Skiing or Snowboarding Equipment

It's early fall - school is back in session, the air is crisp, and the leaves are just starting to turn. It must be time to think about skiing and snowboarding!

Kids being kids, they're going to start clamoring for the newest equipment with the latest technology and cool graphics. But you know before the first flake flies, they may already outgrow those expensive boots and you've spent a small fortune - and the stuff doesn't yet fit little brother or sister.

What can a savvy parent do?

Lease the equipment for the season. It's really pretty simple and the hassle is minimal. You can rent the use of the ski and snowboarding equipment for the season, giving you all the convenience of owning at a significantly lower cost. It also allows your family to:

• Get the right equipment without the risk of
  going broke, at the fraction of buying costs.
  
• Not worry if child outgrows anything during the season.
  
• Eliminate the dangerous practice of "sizing up" in hopes of getting more than one season out of the equipment.
  
• Use gear that is safe, fits properly, and is high quality.
  
• Not waste time in the rental line (expect 1-2 hours during prime time).
  

How does leasing work?

1. In the fall, select a high quality ski or snowboard package. You'll pay an upfront lease fee (some shops also take a security deposit or ask for your credit card number to hold).
   
2. Go to a quality ski shop to let the highly trained staff prepare your equipment for the best and safest fit for your kids.
   
3. Ski and ride all you like as there is no limit to the number of times you use the equipment during the season. [If something goes at any time with the equipment's function, or if your child outgrows the gear (in size or skills), the shop will replace it (most often for free).]
   
4. At the end of the season, return your equipment. Or, if you simply loved the stuff too much to give it up, some shops allow you to buy it (most often at a healthy discount).
   
5. Do it again next season and reserve your equipment early!
   
6. In all cases, try to make your equipment arrangements in early- to mid-fall. That's because the best equipment and most popular sizes are often gone by Thanksgiving, and shop employees have far less time for you in the busy season.
   

What are Some Typical Costs?

Lease pricing often varies, depending on the skill level, child's size and age, and the equipment's age. You'll find that most used packages average from around $100, while new equipment averages $150 per season. Note that:

• Snowboarding equipment tends to run more expensive than ski packages.
  
• Sometimes mounting / binding adjustment is included; sometimes it's extra.
  
• In some cases, poles are not included for the very young (who don't tend to use them anyway).
  
• Ask if you can upgrade your package to more high-end equipment, particularly boots tend to be pretty basic.
  
• You are responsibility for damage to the equipment while it's in your care.
  
• Be aware that policies may not include lost or stolen equipment.
  

How to Get the Most Out of Leasing

Most quality ski/snowboard shops offer kids' equipment leasing programs. But before you go shopping, call ahead to your area's shops and ask for full details such as:

• Lease terms
  
• Ages included in the lease programs
  
• Damage policies
  
• Brands of equipment
  
• Insurance availability/coverage
  
• Return policies
  
• Options to buy

When is leasing the most cost effective? When your children skis or rides at least 7-10 days (or more) during season. If you only plan to take them skiing once or twice, then it's probably not worthwhile.

So, take your little ones to the slopes this winter to ride and ski. Show them the love of the sport (without taking out a loan) and enjoy the season together.