Every rental is tuned and inspected before it leaves Maison de Ski

A rental ski that has not been looked at since last March is a gamble. Edges round off, bases dry out, bindings get knocked around in transit and boots lose their shape in a storage bin. None of that shows up in a photo. It shows up on your first icy turn.

Every rental at our Idaho Springs shop is tuned and inspected before it leaves the building. That is not a marketing line; it is the last step in our rental process. Here is what that check covers, why it matters on Colorado snow and what to do if something feels wrong on the hill.

What the inspection covers

The check starts at the base. Staff look for gouges, rust and dry patches, then wax and brush as needed. Edges get checked for burrs and sharpness. Bindings are inspected for cracks, worn parts and proper function. Boots get checked for buckles, liners and sole wear, and helmets for cracks or missing pads.

For snowboards, the same logic applies to base, edges, bindings and boots. Straps, ratchets and screws get a look. Snowshoes get checked at the frame, binding and crampons. If something fails the check, it does not go on the rack. That is a simple rule, and it saves a lot of trouble at the mountain. It applies to every size on the rack, from kids' gear to adult demos.

The rental check

• Base: gouges, rust, dry spots, wax.
• Edges: burrs, sharpness, rust.
• Bindings: function, cracks, worn parts.
• Boots: buckles, liners, soles.
• Helmets: shell, pads, straps.

Why edges and wax matter in Colorado

Colorado snow swings between soft powder and hard, wind-scoured groomers, often in the same day. Sharp edges are what let you hold a line on the icy sections. Wax reduces friction on cold, dry snow and protects the base from the abrasion that comes with it. A dry base grabs, slows down and wears faster.

Every rental leaves with a free roll wax. It is a quick pass, not a full tune, but it puts a layer between your base and the snow. If you are renting for a week and riding hard, ask about a hot wax. Our Ski Doctor does a hot iron wax for $15 and a quick hot wax at no charge. It is a small step that makes a noticeable difference on cold snow.

Bindings and boots are set for you

Rental bindings get adjusted to your boots and your details, not left at whatever the last rider used. Staff fit every boot and set bindings in person at pickup. That matters because a binding that is too loose or too tight is a safety issue, not a comfort preference.

If you bring your own boots, know what you have. Our Sport ski package uses Salomon and Alpina DSS boots and does not accept Grip Walk boots; bring your own boots only if they have a standard Alpine sole. The Performance package does accept Grip Walk. If you are unsure, call 303-567-2044 before you reserve.

Helmets, waivers and the safety basics

Helmets are included with our kids ski and kids snowboard packages, and adult helmets rent for $15 a day. Every renter signs a waiver, which can be done online before arrival, and a parent can sign for a minor. These steps are not bureaucracy; they make sure everyone knows what they are taking onto the hill.

We also sell helmets, goggles, gloves, hats and socks if you need to fill a gap. A helmet that fits properly sits level and snug, with the front low enough to protect your forehead. If yours rocks back or presses hard on the sides, ask for a different size before you leave.

If something feels off on the mountain

Stop and check it before your next run. A loose binding screw, a boot buckle that will not stay closed or an edge that catches unexpectedly are all worth a two-minute inspection. If you are at the mountain and something is wrong, call the shop at 303-567-2044 during open hours and we will sort out a swap or a fix.

Demo gear can be swapped mid-rental, which is one reason demo packages suit longer trips. If you are on a performance package and the gear is not working for you, call and ask what is possible. We would rather hear about a problem on day one than see the gear come back with a bent edge and a story. A quick call is faster than a ruined afternoon.

Tuning your own gear at the Ski Doctor

The same care applies to your own skis and boards. Our tuning shop, run by Tobin the Ski Doctor, takes drop-ins for same-day service with no appointment needed. A full tune is $65 and includes P-Tex fill, belt sand, edge sharpen, stone grind and hot wax, with core shots extra. A mid-level tune is $45, and a quick tune is $30.

Expedited service is $20 if you drop off before 10 a.m.; it is guaranteed by 5 p.m. and excludes mounts, epoxy and glue work. Binding mounting is $55 with a 24-hour hold, a remount is $65, and a binding adjust and function test is $20. If you are heading up I-70 and want your own gear ready, this is the stop.

Common questions