Renting ski gear for kids is a different job than renting for adults. They grow between Thanksgiving and spring break. They get cold. They lose gloves. And a boot that felt fine in the shop can turn into a tantrum by the second run. The good news is that kids gear is simpler, lighter and less expensive than most parents expect.
At our shop in Idaho Springs, the kids ski package starts at $25 a day for ages 12 and under. It includes skis, boots, poles and a helmet. Here is how to size it, what to bring and when a seasonal rental makes more sense than a daily one.
What the kids package includes
The kids ski rental is built around Elan parabolic skis with U-Flex, lighter boots, support poles and a helmet, all for ages 12 and under. The U-Flex design lets the ski bend with a lighter rider, which makes turning easier at low speed. Lighter boots mean less fatigue and fewer complaints on the walk from the car.
Support poles are there to help young skiers balance and get up after a fall. They are not the same as adult poles, and that is the point. The helmet is included in the package, so you do not need to rent one separately or worry about fit on the drive up. If your child has never worn ski boots, have them walk around the shop in them for a few minutes. You will learn a lot about fit before you pay.
Sizing: weight and shoe size beat age
Bring your child's current shoe size and an honest weight. Age tells us which package applies; weight and height tell us which ski length and boot shell will actually work. A tall, light 10-year-old and a shorter, solid 10-year-old do not need the same ski.
Do not size up for growth. A boot that is a size too big lets the heel lift, which makes the ski hard to control and the day hard to enjoy. Skis that are too long are heavy and stubborn. If your child is between sizes, choose the smaller option and plan to swap later in the season if needed.
Fit at the shop: what to expect
Staff fit every boot in person. Your child should wear the socks they will ski in, stand up and flex forward. Toes can brush the front when standing tall, but should pull back slightly when the knee bends. The heel should stay down when they try to lift it. If they wince, we try another size.
Helmets should sit level and snug, with the front low enough to cover the forehead. Goggles should seal around the face without pinching. If your child wears glasses, bring them so we can check that the goggles fit over the frames. A five-minute fit session prevents a lot of lift-line misery.
Renting gear for this trip?
Maison de Ski fits skis, snowboards and snowshoes at I-70 Exit 241 in Idaho Springs, 25 miles from Loveland and on the way to every major I-70 resort. Early pickup is free after 2 PM the day before.
Layers, spares and the small stuff
Kids get colder and wetter than adults, and they stop more often. Dress them in layers they can manage themselves: a base layer, a mid layer and a waterproof jacket and pants. Our shop rents jackets and snow pants for $15 a day each, and goggles for $12, all in-store without advance booking.
Pack spare gloves and socks. Wet gloves end a ski day faster than cold weather does. We sell gloves, hats, socks, goggles and helmets if something goes missing. Every rental also leaves with a free roll wax, which helps on cold Colorado snow.
Label water bottles, helmets and goggle bags with a name. Gear gets mixed up at the base of the lift, and a marker saves an argument. A small backpack for snacks also gives kids something to carry themselves. Pack a spare beanie too; wet hair under a helmet gets cold fast.
Kids ski day checklist
- Current shoe size and weight.
- Socks they will ski in.
- Spare gloves and socks.
- Goggles that fit over glasses, if needed.
- Snacks and water in a small pack.
- A warm layer for the car.
When a seasonal rental makes sense
If your family skis more than a handful of days, a kids seasonal rental can be cheaper and simpler than renting each time. We offer early-bird seasonal rentals, kids seasonal rentals and season rentals on older demo skis. Call 303-567-2044 for pricing and availability.
Seasonal rentals also solve the growth problem in a different way: one fitting at the start of the season, one less thing to think about every weekend. They suit local families who ski Loveland or drive up I-70 most weekends. Availability varies, so call before you plan around it.
Booking for school breaks and groups
Reserve online at least 24 hours ahead, especially for holiday weekends and school breaks. The waiver can be signed online before arrival, and a parent can sign for a minor. That saves time at the counter when everyone is eager to get on the hill. If you are booking more than one child, reserve them together so the fitting is one appointment, not three.
If you are booking for a group of 10 or more, call the shop at least 24 hours in advance; groups receive an additional 5% off special rates. And if you are driving up from Denver, remember that early pickup after 2 p.m. the day before is free and makes the first morning much easier.
Common questions
What age is the kids ski rental for?
The kids ski rental is for ages 12 and under and starts at $25 a day. It includes Elan parabolic skis with U-Flex, lighter boots, support poles and a helmet. Older kids can move into the Sport or Performance packages.
Should I rent kids ski boots a size bigger?
No. A boot that is too big lets the heel lift and makes skiing harder to control. Choose the size that fits now, with toes brushing the front when standing and pulling back slightly when flexing forward. If your child grows mid-season, come back for a swap.
Do you offer kids seasonal ski rentals?
Yes. Kids seasonal rentals are available, along with early-bird seasonal rentals and season rentals on older demo skis. Call 303-567-2044 for pricing and availability, since inventory varies through the season.