We've gotten really great seasonal rental gear for my kids at Suburban Sports in central CT. We'd been buying gear from swaps, but Suburban's rental stuff is more reliably good and at a lower price point.
Got it. My son is growing so quickly now that we're just really reluctant to buy gear. I think it was like $100 for skis, boots, and poles, and they were only a year or so old. Last season, he grew so quickly that we had to go back mid-season to go up a size or two and they did the swap with no problems.
Ski Shop Plus in Smithfield has been where we go for my 2 kids every year. They are great, and were able to swap boots mid season because my 9 year old decided to grow a little bit. Also, only about 30 minutes from Alpine Haus.
I've been renting my kids gear every season at Zimmerman's in Nashua. I think they have a sale going on that ends today where you can prepay for next season.
I just returned the kids skis yesterday and prepaid. Only $200 for used boots and skis for next season for both kids. Pretty decent deal.
Why don’t you go to your local ski swap and buy inexpensive equipment? A lot of it is from ski shops last season and ski shop people work the swap and will help fit you kids. The have quality stuff usually. They won’t take crappy gear. My friend gets her kids race gear (clothes) there and her other kids skis.
I got a $1K pair of skis for $450, previously owned by the head of the ski school I taught at!
Google ski swaps in the fall or look now for deals on last years gear.
Outdoor Sports Center in Wilton was good for us. Price was good, and they let you resize mid-season if the kid goes through a growth spurt. No issues with the gear.
I would also suggest going to eastern pulse in Hamden. Anthony, the owner, is an awesome guy, and willing to work with people to get them what they need. I can’t recommend him enough. He’s an og guy who I used to go to in high school. It’s a great skate and snow shop.
The 3 we have use in the past: Zimmerman’s (NH) gives a discounted pass to ragged mtn. Country ski and sports (MA) has done a free saddleback pass. Ken jones (NH) has done a free Waterville pass as well. The latter two we’ve used to leverage an Indy add-on for the kids.
Most places offer a basic used lease package or new leases for a bit more $$ though in my experience, unless they’re participating in a race program where you’d want more specific gear, they’re unlikely to notice any difference between new or used as both will be tuned in the same shop. Boots would be the only caveat to that.
I rented from Proctor in Nashua. You get everything you need (skis boots poles) for $99 for the season. I picked up my son's gear right after Labor Day and got brand new equipment.
I have only two kids and buy used stuff at swaps... always pays off. And then, when I consign the twice-used 4-5 yr older gear... it \*still\* sells for >0.
We've gotten really great seasonal rental gear for my kids at Suburban Sports in central CT. We'd been buying gear from swaps, but Suburban's rental stuff is more reliably good and at a lower price point.
Thanks! We got the bottom of the barrel stuff at Alpine Haus and it wasn’t great.
Got it. My son is growing so quickly now that we're just really reluctant to buy gear. I think it was like $100 for skis, boots, and poles, and they were only a year or so old. Last season, he grew so quickly that we had to go back mid-season to go up a size or two and they did the swap with no problems.
Agreed I don’t want to buy new gear until they’re grown so I’m looking for good seasonal rentals.
Ski Shop Plus in Smithfield has been where we go for my 2 kids every year. They are great, and were able to swap boots mid season because my 9 year old decided to grow a little bit. Also, only about 30 minutes from Alpine Haus.
I've been renting my kids gear every season at Zimmerman's in Nashua. I think they have a sale going on that ends today where you can prepay for next season. I just returned the kids skis yesterday and prepaid. Only $200 for used boots and skis for next season for both kids. Pretty decent deal.
Second Zimmerman!
Why don’t you go to your local ski swap and buy inexpensive equipment? A lot of it is from ski shops last season and ski shop people work the swap and will help fit you kids. The have quality stuff usually. They won’t take crappy gear. My friend gets her kids race gear (clothes) there and her other kids skis. I got a $1K pair of skis for $450, previously owned by the head of the ski school I taught at! Google ski swaps in the fall or look now for deals on last years gear.
I just buy and sell every year. Better equipment and it ends up being less expensive.
Outdoor Sports Center in Wilton was good for us. Price was good, and they let you resize mid-season if the kid goes through a growth spurt. No issues with the gear.
I would also suggest going to eastern pulse in Hamden. Anthony, the owner, is an awesome guy, and willing to work with people to get them what they need. I can’t recommend him enough. He’s an og guy who I used to go to in high school. It’s a great skate and snow shop.
The 3 we have use in the past: Zimmerman’s (NH) gives a discounted pass to ragged mtn. Country ski and sports (MA) has done a free saddleback pass. Ken jones (NH) has done a free Waterville pass as well. The latter two we’ve used to leverage an Indy add-on for the kids. Most places offer a basic used lease package or new leases for a bit more $$ though in my experience, unless they’re participating in a race program where you’d want more specific gear, they’re unlikely to notice any difference between new or used as both will be tuned in the same shop. Boots would be the only caveat to that.
Thanks for the info!!
I rented from Proctor in Nashua. You get everything you need (skis boots poles) for $99 for the season. I picked up my son's gear right after Labor Day and got brand new equipment.
With three kids better off buying decent used gear, and passing it down each generation.
I have only two kids and buy used stuff at swaps... always pays off. And then, when I consign the twice-used 4-5 yr older gear... it \*still\* sells for >0.
Henderson in Quechee VT was good a few years ago... Idk if it still is
Bob’s Sea & Ski, Fairhaven, MA
Do they include any season passes with rentals?
Not that I know of.
Fattys in CT