Trip guides
Ski trip guides from an Idaho Springs ski shop
Sizing, layering, driving I-70, tuning and resort advice from the people who rent the gear. Written for families and first-timers planning a Colorado ski trip.
Featured guide
First time skiing in Colorado? 10 mistakes to avoid
Ten things first-timers get wrong on a Colorado ski trip — and the simple fixes that make the day easier, from leaving Denver earlier to renting gear before the climb.
Read the guide
Ski rental stops between Denver and Summit County: how to choose
Denver, Idaho Springs Exit 241 or the resort base? A practical comparison of ski rental stops on the Denver to Summit County drive, with distances.
Read guide
Where to find kids snowboard rentals in Colorado this winter
Kids snowboard packages from $25 at Exit 241 include a Rossignol board, boots, bindings, and helmet. How to size by height, weight, and shoe size.
Read guide
Why renting ski gear on I-70 makes a Colorado mountain trip easier
Gear is the heaviest part of a ski trip. Renting on I-70 at Idaho Springs Exit 241 removes the baggage, the detour and the resort rental line.
Read guideWhy ski tuning in Idaho Springs is worth doing before you drive up
Why tuning at Exit 241 fits a ski morning better than a resort tune shop: same-day service, an expedited guarantee and a simple price ladder.
Read guideThe 2026 guide to kids ski rental: what parents need to know
What comes in a kids ski package, how to size by height and weight, when seasonal rentals pay off, and how to use code SKI26 before November 25.
Read guideA Colorado parent's guide to kids ski rental: sizing, fit and packages
Ages 12 and under, Elan U-Flex skis, lighter boots and a helmet included: how to size and book kids ski rentals in Colorado without the guesswork.
Read guide
Ski and snowboard boot fit for all levels
What good boot fit looks like for beginners, kids and experts, what staff check during a fitting, and the Grip Walk rule that catches riders out.
Read guide
How proper ski tuning improves control, speed and confidence
What a tune does for beginners, intermediates and advanced riders, and why dull edges feel so sketchy on hard Colorado snow.
Read guide
Every rental is tuned and inspected before it leaves Maison de Ski
Edges, bases, bindings, boots and helmets all get checked before a rental leaves our Idaho Springs shop. Here is what that inspection covers and why it matters.
Read guideWinter Park ski rentals: why Exit 241 is the right I-70 stop
Winter Park is 35 miles over Berthoud Pass. Why fitting skis at Exit 241 beats the resort counter, and how returns work after a day on the mountain.
Read guideFlying into DIA? How to choose a ski rental stop in Colorado
Flying into Denver with ski gear is a baggage-fee puzzle. Here is how to pick the right rental stop on I-70 and why Exit 241 keeps the trip simple.
Read guide
Ski tuning basics to improve speed and stability
A plain-language guide to edge angles, wax for different snow temperatures, base structure and the tuning mistakes that slow skiers down.
Read guideWhat to know before booking ski rentals for Breckenridge
Breckenridge is 50 miles from Exit 241. Here is how pickup timing, return rules, and resort versus shop pricing work before a Breckenridge ski day.
Read guide
Booking ski rentals in Colorado: what to know before you reserve
Reservation details, waivers, early pickup, cancellation rules and the discount codes worth using before you book ski rentals in Colorado.
Read guideThe benefits of regular ski tuning for every rider
Why regular tuning keeps skis predictable: better control, easier glide, real edge hold on Colorado ice, and a base that lasts longer than the tune.
Read guide
Snowshoe rentals in Idaho Springs: a simple winter activity for non-skiers
Not everyone in the group wants a lift ticket. Atlas snowshoes rent from $20 for 1 to 7 days at Exit 241, and you bring the winter boots.
Read guideHow to choose the best snowboard rentals for a Colorado trip
Board length, boot fit, bindings and demo versus performance: how to pick snowboard rentals in Colorado that suit the way you actually ride.
Read guide
Arapahoe Basin ski rentals: gear up for the East Wall at Exit 241
A-Basin is 33 miles from Exit 241, with the East Wall and a 13,050-foot summit. Which rental package fits your day, and how Grip Walk boots work.
Read guideWhy renting gear in Idaho Springs can make a Loveland ski day easier
How renting at Exit 241 turns a Loveland ski morning into one calm stop: early pickup the day before, fitted boots, and an easy return.
Read guide
Snowboard accessories for Colorado trips: what you actually need
Layers, goggles, a helmet, and dry gloves cover most Colorado snowboard days. Here is what to bring, what to rent at Exit 241, and what to leave at home.
Read guide
When to tune your skis before winter returns: a Colorado pre-season checklist
A simple pre-season checklist for Colorado skiers: what storage does to a base and edge, which tune fits, and why to book before the first powder day.
Read guide
Reading is the easy part
The next step is gear. Reserve rentals at I-70 Exit 241 and pick them up the day before you ski.