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Ski Rentals for Family

We will be in Steamboat late February skiing 4 days. It is the first trip for the kids (5&7) so I want to make sure their gear fits. Plus my wife and I have not been skiing in almost 10 years since we were in our early 20s (and never out west) so I expect there are lots of changes.

Our last trip was to SnowShoe, WV. There you basically walked through a line and they said what size shoe do you wear and handed you a pair of boots. How tall are you? here are your skis, Have fun.

I noticed some of the kids rent free deals from the rental shops require 5 day rentals, but if you go directly through Steamboat for their rentals it applies if you rent for more than 3 days. Is it worth the extra money to rent from one of the shops like Fleischer (where it appears I will have to pay for the kids rentals) to get better boots, service, etc or is the equipment and service from Steamboat Ski & Sport just as good? Also do they take the time to make sure the boots fit properly as I have read so much on here about how boot fit can make or break the trip.

We are staying at the Snowflower and I am sure I will be the one lugging everyones gear so location is also a concern.

I want to make this a great trip so hopefully after this trip we will start making it an annual trip.

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Permalink Reply by James on December 4, 2009 at 11:22pm

My family all met at Snowshoe a few years back and had a great time. I remember doing about 20 laps on a run called Widowmaker (if memory serves). It's funny how the "base" is at the top of the mountain, but great fun was had by all. Regarding rentals..I'll let the community respond, since I've purchased all my gear since moving here and don't have much to add on that account.

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Permalink Reply by Barry Goldkind(TeachToSki) on December 5, 2009 at 6:14am

I have worked with several adult students this season that had rentals from Ski and Sport, the boots were great fitting 4 buckle design and the skis were appropriate new models.
And Ski and Sport offers free nightly ski storage right in Gondola Square.

Here is the link to details of our rental program. http://steamboat.com/plan-vacation/ski-rentals/

Enjoy your stay here and my favorites at Snowshoe are Cup Run and Shays Revenge.

Barry Goldkind
Ski Instructor

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Permalink Reply by Luv2Ski007 on December 5, 2009 at 7:42am

re: equipment

if they complain about the boots pinching or hurting in any way the rental shop should make the adjustment or give you another pair to try out. Same with the skis. Sometimes your child won't know how they really feel until they've been on the snow for awhile.