As the season approaches, and some ski shops start advertising sales on last year's models, I'm wondering should I continue to rent skis and boots for my 7 year old son, or buy him his own set?

Last year, I took him skiing 6 times locally and 1 weekend trip to Snowshoe. This year will probably be about the same, except we'll probably be heading out to Breckenridge over Christmas break.

Thanks in advance.

I went with a season's lease when my daughter was getting started. $99 and no worries if the kid grows out of the boots during the season. When we were getting 10+ days on the snow, including a trip out west, then I found boots and skis at a ski swap. For me, that required a weekend trip because we don't have a swap in our area. Bought her new boots at a local shop with a bootfitter after that.

She managed to get two seasons out of two pairs of boots. I would get skis long since she could handle them. So easy to get more than one season from them.

Lucky kid.
I had four kids skiing so it was a no brainer to own a mix of new and used gear for the hand-me-down process. If only one child, MarzNC's seasonal lease suggestion sounds good for your situation at least until growth slows.

gearheads say buy. kids gear is cheap and resells, plus it's always fun to play with new toys. I got at least 2 years from each set. buy used demo gear with adjustable bindings and swap out the boots each year if needed - cheap!

Anyone need a pair of K2 Small Worlds mounted with Hardwires?

I am a lucky mom. Hubby doesn't ski. So I was very happy that daughter loved sliding on the snow after her first day at ski school at Massanutten. Even happier that she loved her first taste of powder at Alta a few years ago. I get more days on the snow, but she'll be better than me soon.

I also invested in a 2-pair Sportube for trips out west. When I go on my own, there is room for lots of stuff with only one pair of all-mountain skis. When we go together, I can take both hers and mine.

I'll have to pick yer brains about flying to Mountana sometime.

(hijack on)
Where are you thinking of going? I'm headed back to Big Sky in March but am going to fly to SLC and drive up with a friend who lives there. Had such a good time at Big Sky and Bridger last season, I want to go back sooner rather than later.
(hijack off)

(hijack)
Big Sky, of course, for teh Epic meetup.
(hijack off)

That sounds like a great way to fly to Montana.

So, jimmy, you any good as a driver?

I'm an excellent driver.