Anyone who’s planned a family ski vacation knows that getting your people out on the slopes takes not only some work, but also a fair amount of cash. When your kids are still growing, sometimes it seems like money is flying out the minivan window faster than you can say, “Overpriced lodge food.” What’s a parent to do?
Luckily, there are many ways to save money when outfitting your kids for skiing and snowboarding. One of the first considerations most parents look at is whether to rent or buy. These days that goes for outerwear as well as skis and snowboards. Another thing to think about is how many days you’re going to be on the slopes this season. If it’s just one or two days, or for first-timers, daily rentals are a no-brainer. If you’ll be on the mountain more often, there are various options to consider.
First Things First: Never-Ever Skiers or Snowboarders Should Always Get the Full Package
For first-timers, the choice is an easy one. Most resorts have a lift, lesson and rental package for first timers that offers deep discounts on all three things. It’s a great way to get your kids started and help them get used to sliding on the snow at a cost-effective price.
First timers should also not worry too much about what to wear, as long as whatever the kids wear keeps them warm and dry. You can borrow a ski jacket and pants and some warm waterproof gloves and goggles from a friend or relative or ask around for hand-me-downs. Helmets are often part of a rental package or can be added on, so no need to even worry about hats (until after the helmet comes off of course!).
The main thing to consider is, for kids to have fun learning to ski or snowboard they need to be comfortable. Make sure they’re dressed in layers, and that whatever they’re wearing doesn’t ride up and let snow down their pants or isn’t made of a material (like cotton) that will get soaked in the first ten minutes they’re outside. Check out our post about how to dress for skiing and snowboarding here.
Next Steps: To Rent or To Buy, That is the Question
Once the kids get past the first-timer lesson, that deeply discounted rentals-included package goes away. Now you’re hooked! What to do? This is where the rent versus buy decision comes in.
The Big Purchase: You can always buy skis, snowboards and boots at a ski swap or at a discount at the end of the season. The problem is, your kids will grow and this gear may only be good for one season. It’s also sometimes hard to tell if the gear you’ve found at a deep discount will actually work for your child. It’s a personal decision and can be a great option if you go in knowing what you’re looking for and can talk to a well-informed shop employee about your purchase. If you do decide to buy boots for your child, several brands are making adjustable boots which can grow up to three sizes. The Roces Idea Up and the Full Tilt Growth Spurt are two to check out.
Season Rentals Save Big Bucks: Unless your child needs a higher-performance set-up for racing or other situations where a purchase is necessary, a better alternative may be a season rental, also known as a Junior Lease program. Most locally owned specialty snow sport shops have a Junior Lease program, and they’re an excellent way to make sure your children have well-fitted, updated gear every season.
“My kids get often get brand new or nearly new equipment with their season rentals, and I appreciate that the shop makes sure they’ve got the right fit and settings for their new weight, size and skier level at the start of every season,” said Susy Nichols, a customer at Alpine Options in Warren, VT.
For larger families, the Junior Lease program saves money and headaches. “This program is absolutely the best thing for our family,” said Rick Brown, a customer who was getting his son Thomas’ season rentals at Alpine Ski and Snowboard Shop in Fairfax, VA.
“We have three kids, so it’s extremely economical and they all get what they need each year,” Brown said. “Plus, I love to come into the shop. I feel at home here because it reminds me of the shop my parents used to take me to in my home town. We come in each year and make sure the kids have the right size gear, and my wife and I can also update our equipment with whatever we need at the same time. It’s a great way to get the season started – we have a big trip to Utah planned, so now we’re all set up and we’re excited.”
Stylin’ On The Slopes: Finding Kids Snow Sports Clothing That Won’t Break the Bank
After you get that first-time lesson under your belt and you know your kids are going to want to ski or snowboard more often, it’s definitely worth it to make sure your kids have a well-fitted snow outfit that will keep them warm, dry and happy all day on the mountain. If you managed to score some hand-me-downs, then you’re all set with a no-cost solution. But if you’re not lucky enough to have older nieces and nephews who can give you their outgrown stuff, there are loads of other ways to save money outfitting your kids.
Swap it Out: Ski Swaps are a great way to find new or nearly new kids clothes at a deep discount. Most kids can only wear their snow clothes for one season and many only ski a few days, so a swap is the place to find some great deals. Check out this list of swaps across the country.
Wait It Out: Buying at the end of the season when apparel goes on sale is also a smart move – just make sure you don’t wait too long because the selection will be limited. Most sales on ski and snowboard apparel begin in February. Of course, then there’s the tricky part of predicting what size your kids will be next winter!
Buy Season-Extending Kids Wear: If you buy new, opt for brands that include a feature to extend wear and accommodate growth. Many brands have hems you can let out, or Velcro at the waist to adjust the sizing, allowing you to get several seasons out of each garment.
For example, the Obermeyer I-Grow System has a red thread you snip at the cuff and it lets the hem out so the jacket or pants can be worn for another season. “The Obermeyer jackets and pants have been a great find for my kids,” said Nichols, a New Jersey mom of two girls. “My oldest got two seasons out of hers, and they were still in great shape, so my youngest is wearing them now.” Other brands that have good adjustable sizing for kids include Columbia, Burton and Roxy.
Rent the Runway: These days, outerwear rentals are becoming increasingly popular. This is a great option if you’re heading out on a ski vacation and won’t need the clothing at any other time. Companies like KitLender and Mountain Threads will ship stylish, warm and waterproof jackets, pants and gloves to your hotel – could not be more easy peasy!
Protect Those Noggins: No matter what route you take to outfit your kids, one purchase that should always be made to complete your child’s ensemble is a helmet. This is the one area where hand-me-downs or buying used isn’t recommended because safety standards call for helmets to be replaced every three years. New kids’ helmets normally run under $100 – a wise investment to ensure your child’s safety. One great option is the $79 Marker Vijo, which has adjustable sizing and a cool retractable visor, eliminating the need for goggles.
As with anything we do for our family vacations and activities, it’s going to take some cash outlay to prep your kids for skiing or snowboarding, but with a little creativity, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Once you figure out which choices work for you, your whole family will be having fun on the slopes in no time – hopefully with a minimum of cash out the minivan window.
