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Vail Ski Rentals
2 of 2 shops · in store $80–$90/day, avg $85
Which Vail Ski Rental Shop Is Right for You?
Last updated: November 2026 · 2026–27 season
Vail Mountain has three base areas along Gore Creek: Vail Village, at the base of Gondola One; Lionshead Village, at the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola; and Golden Peak, just east of Vail Village. Free Town of Vail buses run between them and out to East Vail and West Vail. Here's what sets each shop apart.
- Walk to Gondola One in Vail Village: Vail Sports Mountain Plaza is slopeside at the base of Gondola One, and Christy Sports Vail Village is steps from the gondola at the end of Bridge Street.
- Staying in Lionshead: Lionshead has the most shops. Breeze is at the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, Christy Sports is steps from the Lionshead Ticket Office, Base Mountain Sports is steps from the lifts, and Vail Sports Vail 21 is at the main entrance to the village. Rossignol and Vail Sports Arrabelle are in the Arrabelle at Lionshead Place, and True North is inside The Hythe.
- Staying at the Ritz-Carlton: Vail Sports Ritz-Carlton is inside the hotel on West Lionshead Circle, with heated boots, overnight storage and an on-snow valet.
- Staying near Golden Peak: Vail Sports Golden Peak is slopeside, steps from the Riva Bahn Express and Gopher Hill lifts.
- Staying in West Vail, East Vail or Minturn: have your gear delivered. Base Mountain Sports, Black Tie Ski, Epic Mountain Rentals and Ski Butlers fit everyone where you're staying, and Base Mountain Sports' delivery area reaches Minturn.
- Epic Pass holders: get an extra 20% off at Breeze, Rossignol, True North at The Hythe, all five Vail Sports shops and Epic Mountain Rentals delivery. Log in to your Epic account when you book to apply it.
- Kids rent free: at Christy Sports, kids 12 and under get one free kids' package with each adult ski or snowboard package booked for four or more consecutive days. It doesn't apply to delivery, boots-only rentals, group pricing or the holiday period from December 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027.
- Advanced kids: Ski Butlers rents Tweener twin tips and junior race skis for strong skiers 8 to 16, and Christy Sports' Kids Premium package suits confident intermediate and advanced juniors.
- Big feet: Christy Sports and every Vail Resorts shop stock ski boots up to adult size 16.
- Storage and unlimited swaps: Base Mountain Sports stores your gear overnight for free at any of its shops, swaps it as often as you like, and lets you return it at any Base Mountain shop in Vail, Beaver Creek, Avon or Breckenridge. Vail Sports Golden Peak, Mountain Plaza and Ritz-Carlton and True North at The Hythe offer an on-snow valet so you can leave your gear on the hill overnight.
- Goggles and ski clothing: Ski Butlers rents Smith goggles, and Mountain Threads ships ski clothing rentals to you.
- An extra morning: Christy Sports and Base Mountain Sports take returns until 10 a.m. the day after your rental ends, and the Vail Resorts shops don't charge for the next day if you return gear before 9 a.m.
- Extra 10% off: Get an extra 10% off when you book through TripOutside with Black Tie Ski or Ski Butlers!
What Every Vail Shop Offers
- Day-before pickup: after 3 p.m. at every in-store shop.
- Free cancellation: up to 24 hours ahead at Christy Sports, the Vail Resorts shops (including Epic Mountain Rentals delivery) and Ski Butlers, and up to 48 hours ahead at Black Tie Ski, which also reschedules weather and airline delays free, and Base Mountain Sports, which refunds your deposit.
- Online discounts: up to 20% off at every shop when you book online at least 24 hours ahead. Get an extra 10% off when you book through TripOutside with Black Tie Ski or Ski Butlers!
- Helmets and kids' gear: every shop rents helmets, and every shop except Rossignol rents kids' gear. Reserve helmets ahead at Christy Sports, which stocks a limited number.
- Skis without boots: every shop rents them at a lower rate. Bring your boots to the fitting so the shop can set your bindings.
- Damage waiver: optional at every shop, covering repairable damage.
Vail Ski Rental Delivery
Base Mountain Sports, Black Tie Ski, Epic Mountain Rentals and Ski Butlers bring skis and boots to where you're staying, fit everyone and pick the gear up when you're done. Most guests choose a fitting the evening before their first ski day, so they can head straight to the lifts.
How They Differ
- Rental minimum: Epic Mountain Rentals has no minimum, so it works for a single ski day (book at least 48 hours ahead). Base Mountain Sports, Black Tie Ski and Ski Butlers have a two-day minimum.
- Skip the fitting: Ski Butlers Express delivers pre-sized gear, so there's no fitting to wait for.
- Delivery cost: Black Tie Ski and Ski Butlers deliver free. Base Mountain Sports and Epic Mountain Rentals charge more for delivery than for in-store pickup. Base Mountain's online discount doesn't apply to delivery, while Epic Mountain Rentals' online and Epic Pass discounts do.
- Swaps: Black Tie Ski and Ski Butlers technicians come to you, slopeside or at your lodging. Epic Mountain Rentals swaps gear at its Vail shops, and Base Mountain Sports swaps gear mid-trip and lets delivery customers store and tune gear at its slopeside shops.
- Unused days: Ski Butlers can often refund days you don't ski; Black Tie Ski doesn't.
Which Skis for Which Skier
- Beginner: a Sport package at the Vail Resorts shops, or Black Tie Ski's or Ski Butlers' Performance package. These skis are forgiving and built for turning at slower speeds, sliding and stopping, so they're the easiest skis to learn on.
- Intermediate: a Performance, Premium or Silver package. Performance skis combine versatility and stability for carving groomers at moderate speeds or handling variable terrain. Christy Sports' Premium skis are recent models that move beginners quickly to intermediate runs, from groomed greens and blues to the occasional black, and Base Mountain Sports' Silver package balances performance and versatility for exploring the mountain.
- Advanced and expert: a Demo or Premium package (Base Mountain Sports' demo package is called Gold). These are the season's newest high-end skis, made to try different shapes and technologies as your skills grow or conditions change, from the Back Bowls to Blue Sky Basin. At Vail's Vail Resorts shops (Breeze, Rossignol, True North at The Hythe, the Vail Sports shops and Epic Mountain Rentals delivery), adults can pick their exact demo model when booking at least two days ahead, where available, and Christy Sports demo packages use the same models sold on its retail floor. Ski Butlers' High Performance package delivers demo-quality all-mountain and powder skis, and its Premium package includes skis from Parlor Skis and Wagner Custom Skis.
Vail Ski Rentals: What to Know
Vail is one of Colorado's most legendary ski destinations, offering expansive terrain, luxury amenities and a vibrant alpine village. With 5,317 acres of skiable terrain, including the iconic Back Bowls, perfectly groomed trails and thrilling tree runs in Blue Sky Basin, Vail caters to skiers of all levels. Just two hours from Denver, Vail is a premier choice for both adventure and relaxation.
Vail is renowned for its vast and varied terrain, and paired with the diverse shops, restaurants and activities in town, it's truly like no mountain resort you've experienced before. Colorado sunshine and an average of 354 inches of snow a year make Vail a must-visit ski destination, and majestic views of the surrounding Gore Range and Sawatch Range make Vail's tagline "Like Nothing On Earth" very fitting.
The town of Vail makes it a destination for skiers and non-skiers alike. With three separate but connected base villages, the shops, restaurants and off-piste activities are endless. Sister resort Beaver Creek is about 15 minutes west on I-70.
Vail Mountain (resort mountain info · trail map):
- 5,317 skiable acres, the largest ski resort in Colorado, across the Front Side, the seven Back Bowls (about 3,000 acres) and Blue Sky Basin.
- 32 lifts, including two gondolas, and 278 trails.
- Terrain splits 18% beginner, 29% intermediate and 53% advanced.
- Base at 8,120 feet, summit at 11,570 feet, for 3,450 vertical feet.
- Average annual snowfall: 354 inches.
- Longest run: Riva Ridge, 4 miles.
Tips for Renting Skis in Vail
- Book early for holidays: shops and delivery times fill up weeks ahead for Christmas through New Year's, MLK weekend and Presidents' Day.
- Have sizes ready: each skier's height, weight, boot size and ability. Anyone using their own boots or skis needs to bring them to the fitting.
- Know each skier's type: shops set binding release by skier type. Type I skis cautiously at slower speeds, Type II skis at moderate speeds on varied terrain, and Type III skis fast and aggressively. Being honest about it gets each skier the right package and a safe binding setting.
- Skip the morning rush: mornings are the busiest time at the shops, so pick up your gear the night before. Every in-store shop opens pickup at 3 p.m. the day before your rental.
- Wear ski socks to the fitting: thin ski socks give a more accurate boot fit than thick ones.
- What to pack: TripOutside's What to Wear Skiing packing list covers layers and accessories.
Trusted Local Expertise, Verified by TripOutside
The TripOutside content team has vetted the local rental shops and delivery partners on this page, who rent gear every day and supply firsthand details on their locations, services and policies. Before partnering with a shop, TripOutside reviews customer feedback and ratings and confirms the shop's local expertise and current details, so each recommendation reflects on-the-ground experience. To suggest an update or correction, email stoke@tripoutside.com.
How Booking on TripOutside Works
TripOutside connects outdoor enthusiasts directly with vetted local shops to book their rentals. TripOutside has sent skiers to Vail's rental shops since 2019.
Other Vail Adventures
Vail doesn't stop when the lifts close, and TripOutside partners with local shops for the rest of the year.
- Prefer a board? Compare Vail snowboard rentals from the same shops in Vail Village, Lionshead and Golden Peak.
- When the snow melts, explore Vail's paths and trails on Vail bike rentals or Vail e-bike rentals.
- See everything else in town on Vail adventures.
How does ski rental delivery work in Vail?
Base Mountain Sports, Black Tie Ski, Epic Mountain Rentals and Ski Butlers bring skis and boots to your lodging, fit everyone and pick the gear up when you're done. Most guests are fitted the evening before their first ski day. Epic Mountain Rentals has no minimum and needs 48 hours' notice, while the others have a two-day minimum. Black Tie Ski and Ski Butlers deliver free, and Ski Butlers Express skips the fitting with pre-sized gear.
Where can I rent skis in Vail Village?
Vail Sports Mountain Plaza is slopeside at the base of Gondola One, and Christy Sports Vail Village is steps from the gondola at the end of Bridge Street. Vail Sports Golden Peak is a short walk east, at the base of the Riva Bahn Express.
Where can I rent skis in Lionshead?
Lionshead has the most shops in Vail. Breeze is at the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, Christy Sports is steps from the Lionshead Ticket Office, Base Mountain Sports is steps from the lifts, and Vail Sports Vail 21 is at the main entrance to the village. Rossignol and Vail Sports Arrabelle are in the Arrabelle at Lionshead Place, and True North at The Hythe and Vail Sports Ritz-Carlton are inside those hotels on West Lionshead Circle.
Where can I rent skis at Golden Peak?
Vail Sports Golden Peak is slopeside, steps from the Riva Bahn Express and Gopher Hill lifts, so it's handy for families and beginners starting their day at Golden Peak. It offers an on-snow valet, so you can leave your gear on the hill overnight.
Where can I rent skis in West Vail or East Vail?
Have your gear delivered. Base Mountain Sports, Black Tie Ski, Epic Mountain Rentals and Ski Butlers deliver throughout Vail, and Base Mountain Sports' delivery area reaches Minturn. If you'd rather pick up in a shop, free Town of Vail buses run from West Vail and East Vail to Lionshead and Vail Village.
What are the best ski rental shops in Vail?
The best shop depends on where you're staying and who you're renting for. Vail Sports Mountain Plaza and Christy Sports Vail Village are closest to Gondola One, and Lionshead has the most choice. Base Mountain Sports has free storage, unlimited swaps and returns at any of its shops. Christy Sports is the pick for families booking four or more days, with Kids Rent Free. Epic Pass holders save an extra 20% at the Vail Resorts shops, and Black Tie Ski and Ski Butlers deliver free and take an extra 10% off through TripOutside.
How do I find a ski rental shop near where I'm staying in Vail?
Use the map on this page to see every shop by base area, then compare prices and packages in the comparison tool. Vail's shops cluster in Vail Village, Lionshead and Golden Peak, and most shops also deliver; check each delivery listing to see whether it covers where you're staying.
How much does it cost to rent skis in Vail?
Vail ski rentals start at $45 per day. The price depends on the package (sport, performance, premium or demo), adult or kids' gear, and in-store pickup or delivery. Prices are per day, so a week's cost depends on how many days you rent. Epic Pass holders save an extra 20% at the Vail Resorts shops, and Black Tie Ski and Ski Butlers take an extra 10% off when you book through TripOutside. Current prices for every shop and package are in the listings above.
Do Epic Pass holders get a ski rental discount in Vail?
Yes. Epic Pass holders get an extra 20% off at Breeze, Rossignol, True North at The Hythe, all five Vail Sports shops and Epic Mountain Rentals, including delivery. Log in to your Epic account when you book to apply it. The discount covers ski and snowboard packages, helmets, boots and delivery, but not damage waivers.
What's the difference between demo, performance and sport skis?
Sport skis are forgiving and easiest to learn on. Performance skis add stability and versatility for intermediate skiers carving groomers or handling variable terrain. Demo skis are the season's newest high-end models for advanced and expert skiers, made for trying different shapes and technologies, and many advanced skiers choose them for Vail's Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin.
Where can I rent demo skis in Vail?
Breeze, Christy Sports, Rossignol, True North at The Hythe, the Vail Sports shops and Epic Mountain Rentals rent demo packages, and Base Mountain Sports' demo package is called Gold. Christy Sports' demos are the same models sold on its retail floor. For delivered high-end skis, Ski Butlers rents High Performance and Premium packages, and its Premium skis come from Parlor Skis and Wagner Custom Skis.
Can I pick my own ski brand or model in Vail?
Yes. At Vail's Vail Resorts shops (Breeze, Rossignol, True North at The Hythe, the Vail Sports shops and Epic Mountain Rentals delivery), book a demo package at least two days ahead and choose "Pick Your Own" at checkout to select the exact skis you want, from brands such as Salomon, Rossignol, Völkl and Blizzard. Enter each skier's height, weight, shoe size and skier type, plus a preferred length if you have one. It's for adult gear only, and models depend on availability at each shop. With sport and performance packages, the shop picks skis to match your profile, and you can ask for changes at the fitting.
Can kids rent skis free in Vail?
Yes, at Christy Sports Vail Village and Christy Sports Lionshead. Kids 12 and under get one free kids' ski or snowboard package with each adult ski or snowboard package booked for four or more consecutive days. The offer doesn't apply to delivery, boots-only rentals, group pricing or the holiday period from December 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027. Helmets and damage protection cost extra, and kids can upgrade to a Premium or Demo package in store for the difference in price, depending on availability.
Where can I rent kids' skis in Vail?
Every Vail shop except Rossignol rents kids' skis and helmets, and Base Mountain Sports' Junior package covers skis from 50 to 140 cm. For strong young skiers, Ski Butlers delivers Tweener twin tips and junior race skis for ages 8 to 16, and Black Tie Ski delivers Junior and Junior Premium packages.
Do I need to reserve ski rentals in advance?
It isn't required, but it's highly recommended, especially over the holidays and on peak weekends. Book through TripOutside before your trip and the shop will have your gear ready when you arrive, or deliver it to your lodging. Reserving ahead also gets you the best selection and the online discount of up to 20%, which walk-ins don't get.
Can I pick up my skis the night before?
Yes. Every in-store shop opens pickup after 3 p.m. the day before your rental, and none of them charge for that day. Black Tie Ski and Ski Butlers can also deliver and fit your gear after 2 p.m. the evening before without charging for that day.
What's included in a Vail ski rental package?
Ski packages include skis, boots, bindings and poles. Helmets cost extra at every shop, so add one when you book; Christy Sports stocks a limited number, so reserve ahead there. If you have your own boots, every shop rents skis only at a lower rate. Bring your boots to the fitting so the shop can set your bindings.
Can I rent premium or heated ski boots in Vail?
Yes. True North at The Hythe and Vail Sports Ritz-Carlton offer heated boot upgrades when you pick up your gear, and Black Tie Ski delivers Adult Premium and Premium Heated boots. Ski Butlers delivers High Performance boots for advanced skiers, and Vail Sports Vail 21 does boot fitting. Christy Sports and the Vail Resorts shops stock ski boots up to adult size 16.
Can I swap or store my rental skis in Vail?
Yes. Base Mountain Sports swaps gear free as often as you like and stores it overnight for free at any of its shops. The Vail Resorts shops swap within your rental category at any Vail Resorts location, and Breeze, Vail Sports Mountain Plaza, Vail 21 and Ritz-Carlton and True North at The Hythe store skis overnight at your pickup shop. Vail Sports Golden Peak, Mountain Plaza and Ritz-Carlton and True North at The Hythe also offer an on-snow valet. Black Tie Ski and Ski Butlers technicians come to you to swap or adjust gear.
Can I return my rental skis somewhere other than Vail?
Yes, at Base Mountain Sports, which takes returns at any of its shops in Vail, Beaver Creek, Avon or Breckenridge, so you can ski more than one resort on the same rental. Christy Sports gear must go back to the shop you rented from.
What if I return my skis early?
Policies differ by shop. The Vail Resorts shops refund the remaining whole days you won't use, and gear returned after 9 a.m. is charged for that day. Ski Butlers can often refund unused days, depending on timing and notice, while Black Tie Ski doesn't refund unused days. The safest plan is to rent for the days you know you'll ski and add days during your trip if you need them.
Can I rent ski clothing and goggles in Vail?
Ski Butlers rents Smith goggles with its delivery packages. Mountain Threads rents ski clothing and winter boots and ships them to you, and the What to Wear Skiing packing list shows what to pack and what to rent.
When does Vail open for the 2026–27 season?
Vail Mountain plans to open on November 13, 2026, conditions permitting. Check the resort's website before booking rentals for an early-season trip, since terrain is limited at first and opening dates can change with snow.
Does Vail have night skiing?
No. Vail Mountain doesn't offer night skiing. Keystone, about an hour east on I-70, offers night skiing on select nights.
Does a Vail ski rental include lift tickets?
No. Rental packages cover your gear, and lift tickets are sold separately by Vail Mountain. Vail is owned by Vail Resorts and is on the Epic Pass.
Is Vail good for beginners?
Yes, with a plan. By the resort's numbers, 18% of Vail's terrain is beginner, 29% intermediate and 53% advanced. Beginners learn at Golden Peak and Lionshead and on gentle upper-mountain runs on the Front Side, while the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin are mostly for intermediate and advanced skiers. A lesson and a sport package are the easiest way to start.
What ski resorts are near Vail?
Beaver Creek is about 15 minutes west, and Copper Mountain, Breckenridge and Keystone are about 30 minutes to an hour east on I-70. Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone are all on the Epic Pass.
How do I get to Vail from Denver or Eagle airport?
Vail is about 100 miles west of Denver on I-70, roughly two to two and a half hours from Denver International Airport in good conditions, and longer in snow or weekend traffic. Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is about 34 miles west, around 40 minutes away. Shuttles, private transfers and rental cars run from both airports, and Core Transit buses connect Eagle airport with Vail.
Can I get around Vail without a car, and where do I park?
Yes. Town of Vail buses are free year-round, running from West Vail to East Vail and on an in-town route linking Lionshead, Vail Village and Golden Peak. Drivers can park in the Vail Village and Lionshead parking structures, which are free for up to two hours. Ski rental delivery means you don't need a car to pick up gear either.