Park City Sport – Your trusted ski shop at Park City Resort since 1983
If you’ve never rented ski gear before or are new to skiing, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. This guide walks you through what to expect, what to wear, and how to choose the right ski rentals for a smooth and stress-free ski day.
What’s included in our guide:
- Why Rent Instead of Buy
- Choosing a Ski Rental Shop as a Beginner
- Essential Equipment: What to Rent, Bring, or Buy
- Boot Fitting: Key to a Great Ski Day
- What to Wear: Dress for the Conditions
- Choosing the Right Rental Package
- The Rental Process: What to Expect
- On Mountain Tips and Etiquette
- Tips for a Smooth First Day
Why Rent Instead of Buy
Renting ski equipment is the best choice for beginners. Beginner skis are shorter and more flexible, helping you learn to turn and stay in control. As you improve, you may want stiffer, performance-oriented skis – but you don’t need them yet.
Renting allows you to:
- Use equipment that is specifically designed to make learning easier
- Try different ski equipment as your skills develop
- Discover what you like before buying
- Access the latest technology and well-maintained equipment
- Focus on learning instead of worrying about equipment maintenance
Make the most of your learning experience with a beginner ski rental package.
Choosing a Ski Rental Shop as a Beginner
As a new skier, it helps to choose a rental shop that offers more than just equipment. The right shop will walk you through the process, help you feel comfortable, and make sure you have support if anything needs adjusting.
You should look for:
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff who take time to explain your gear
- Relaxed pickup options, like getting your gear the day before
- On-the-spot adjustments if something doesn’t feel right
- Convenient features like cubbies, lockers, and complimentary ski valet
- Reasonable pricing with flexible add-ons
Benefits of an on-mountain shop:
Another thing to consider is renting with an on-mountain shop. This is really helpful if you have questions or need adjustments – it’s quick and easy to check back in at the shop rather than having to leave the resort or schedule a meet-up time. This is also really nice if the shop offers a free ski valet service. Then you don’t have to worry about managing your skis and poles while going back and forth to your accommodation.
Essential Equipment: What to Rent, Bring, or Buy
Included in Your Beginner Ski Rental Package:
Skis – Shorter, softer skis that are stable and easy to turn. These will be more forgiving as you learn.
Boots – Your most important gear piece – ski techs will help you find the right fit.
Bindings – Set to release properly if you fall.
Poles – For balance, rhythm, and getting across flat areas. Also useful for clearing snow from bindings and helping you get up if you fall.
Optional Add-Ons You Can Rent:
Helmet – Highly recommended for safety, especially as a beginner. Often required for lessons.
Ski jackets and snow pants – We offer waterproof and insulated ski jackets and pants for rent. This is great if you’re trying the sport for the first time or don’t want to invest in gear yet.
Damage coverage – covers accidental damage to equipment (not loss or theft). This is nice for peace of mind.
Bring or Buy:
Since these items sit close to the skin and get sweaty, it’s better to have your own:
- Goggles: protect your eyes against sun, snow glare, wind, and things like branches
- Gloves: Waterproof and warm enough for the temperature
- Base layers/thermals: Wool or synthetic for moisture control and warmth
- Neck Gaiter/Balaclava: Shields from wind and sun
- Ski Socks: Ski specific socks that are thin or cushioned at the toe, heel, and shin
- Beanie: For before and after skiing (not recommended for under your helmet)
- Hand and toe warmers: on really cold days these are a game changer
- Sunscreen: avoid the dreaded goggle tan – the sun is stronger at altitude and bouncing off of the snow
We stock a range of options at our shops, including affordable essentials. Park City Sport on Main is the only shop with base layers, fleece, jackets, and snowpants for sale.
Ski Boot Fitting: This is Key to a Great Ski Day
Why It Matters
Of all the gear you rent, nothing matters more than your ski boots. A good boot fit can make or break your day on the mountain—especially as a beginner. Comfortable, well-fitted boots give you the control you need to learn and progress, while poorly fitted boots can lead to sore feet, cold toes, and a frustrating experience.
Our Boot Fitting Process
You don’t want a rental shop that just asks for your shoe size and hands you boots. You also want a shop with options because everyone’s feet are different. Our process includes:
- Foot measurement – We start by properly measuring your feet
- Brand selection – We carry several boot brands and different models so we can try different options to find the best option for you
- Multiple try-ons – You may try more than one pair to get the best fit
- Proper instruction – We show you how to put boots on and take them off
- Individual attention – We take time to ensure proper fit rather than rushing you through
What Proper Boot Fit Feels Like:
Toes: Should be free to move, lightly touching the front when standing straight, pulling back when you flex forward into the boot.
Heel and ankle: Should feel snug and secure.
Buckles: Should close with light to moderate pressure. If you have to really crank them tight, the boot isn’t the right fit – the pressure can cause pain that increases over time. Let us know and we’ll try a different option. We also have rental boots with a BOA closure option. These put more gradual and even pressure on the foot.
More Ski Boots Tips
Chair Lift Hack: Some skiers unclip their boots when riding the chair lift to give their feet a rest. It’s totally normal and can help with snugger boots on longer days.
Store Your Boots Somewhere Warm: Traditional ski boots are much harder to put on when cold because the plastic doesn’t flex as well. So store your boots inside at night so they are easier to put on the next day.
What to Wear: Dress for the Conditions
Skiing is a lot more fun when you’re dressed for the weather. The right layers will keep you warm (or cool enough), dry, and comfortable all day—whether you’re skiing in the heart of winter or enjoying spring snow on a sunny day.
Colder Months (December–February):
When temps drop into the teens or below, staying warm is all about smart layering. Start with thermal base layers (wool or synthetic), then add a mid-layer like fleece or a light down. Top it with a waterproof, insulated ski jacket. Insulated ski pants, warm gloves or mittens, a neck gaiter or balaclava, and ski socks complete the kit. This is also when hand and toe warmers can make a big difference. Bring a beanie for before or after skiing.
Warmer Months (March–April):
Sunny days and rising temps mean lighter layers. You’ll still want waterproof outerwear, but you can usually swap heavy insulation for a thin shell or skip the mid-layer. A lightweight neck gaiter and thinner gloves may be enough. Spring skiing often starts cold and warms up fast, so layers you can remove make a big difference. If you need to ditch layers you can store them in our free cubbies or secure lockers.
Choosing the Right Rental Package
Sport Ski Rental Package – Perfect for Beginners
Our Sport Package is designed specifically for Park City beginner ski rentals. The skis are stable and easy to turn – perfect for learning. Our staff will size you based on your weight, height, and ability level.
Performance + Demo Packages – Upgrade as You Advance
As you improve, you can level up to Performance or Demo gear. These packages are for intermediate and advanced skiers. Don’t rush into a more advanced ski rental package than you need – the softer skis in the beginner ski package help you learn faster. So start with the right gear, and upgrade later if needed.
The Rental Process: What to Expect
Before You Arrive:
Book Online in Advance: This ensures availability, and most shops (including ours) offer discounts for booking early. Whether in Park City, or elsewhere, if looking for the best prices – don’t assume the highest percentage discount will have the lowest final price. Higher percentage discounts are usually accompanied by higher starting prices for the packages.
Pickup Options: At Park City Sport you can pick up the day before after 2:30pm. This can feel more relaxed, so is great for asking questions and not feeling like you’re in a hurry. Allow extra time for pick-up during peak times like the holidays.
When You Arrive
- Check-in: Verify your details – weight, height, age, and ability level for binding settings and ski selection
- Boot Fitting: You will be fitted for boots by our expert staff
- Ski Selection: Rental techs find the best length skis and set bindings based on your specifications and fit your boots to your skis
- Equipment Demonstration: We show you how to click into bindings and basic equipment handling
- Check out and Extras: At check out choose if you would like helmet rental and damage coverage options
- Storage: Change into ski boots and store street shoes in free cubbies or secure coin-operated lockers
Game-Changers That Really Improve Your Experience:
Change into ski boots at the shop: Leave your street shoes with us. Ski boots aren’t the most comfortable to walk in, and this limits the time you actually spend doing that. You’ll have just a short walk to the lift.
Use our complimentary ski valet: You don’t have to lug your skis and poles back and forth from the resort each day. You’ll take your ski boots with you and store them in a warm, dry place. Warm boots are much easier to get into than cold boots – never leave ski boots outside or in the car.
Don’t hesitate to come back for adjustments: We’ll get you in and out quickly. If your boots don’t feel comfortable or your gear doesn’t feel right, let us know. We’ll do our best to find a better fit. We want you to have the best experience possible.
Return Process
Return equipment at the end of your last day or before 9am the next morning to avoid being charged for another day.
On Mountain Tips and Etiquette
Putting on Skis
- Find flat ground when possible
- If there’s a slope, put on the downhill ski first so you can edge into it while putting on the other
- Clear snow from bindings with your pole if having trouble clicking in
Carrying Skis Safely
- Keep skis together and carry them by the bindings with tips up and forward.
- Tips up and forward when carrying
- Indoors: Carry with tips pointing to the ceiling to avoid hitting anyone, or anything
- Watch your surroundings – you want to avoid running into people or things with your skis
- Edges can be sharp – wearing gloves can protect your hands. Be careful not to let sharp edges rub against your clothing – they can cause snags or cuts.
Safety
- Look before crossing trails or making big turns
- Take a lesson to stay safe and learn faster
- Follow signs and mountain rules
Tips for a Smooth First Day
- Use sunscreen (high altitude + snow reflection = sunburn)
- Check that you have everything before leaving your accommodation (helmet, goggles, gloves, warm layers, ski socks)
- Don’t tuck pants into your ski boots – this can lead to blisters
- Wear only one pair of ski socks
- Goggles > sunglasses for warmth and protection
- Bring a snack for a quick refuel on the chairlift
Ready to Hit the Slopes?
At Park City Sport, we’ve got all the bases covered so you can focus on what matters most: having an amazing day on the mountain. Making sure you have a great experience is our top priority. Whether it’s your first time on skis or your first time in Park City, our expert staff is here to guide you through every step, answer your questions, and make adjustments whenever you need them. We want you to feel confident, comfortable, and excited about your ski adventure.
