A family skis down a snowy mountain with ski rentals.

The Ski Renter is Reopening

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A family skis down a snowy mountain with ski rentals.

Big News from The Ski Renter!

UPDATE: Sale has ended, but we’re open for rentals starting November 15!

Fall is here—what better time to bring your skis and snowboards in to get them ready for the upcoming season? We will be reopening on November 15th with COVID-safe protocols, just before slopes start opening on the 20th.

Until we reopen, we are taking equipment by appointment to tune up and wax your gear so you’ll be ready to hit the slopes right when they open. Our low prices haven’t changed from last year, so email us at tsr@jaimem28.sg-host.com to make an appointment.

Our current equipment sale is continuing until our reopening! Do you need to replace your ski jacket? Have your kids outgrown their ski pants? We have used men’s, women’s and kid’s ski jackets and ski pants from our rental inventory for sale, along with used and new black fleece vests. We also have used snowboard boots in sizes 6, 7, and 13 plus some used after ski boots in a variety of sizes. We also have a Deuter baby backpack just waiting for the right family! Deuter is one of the best brands we’ve found!

Are you looking to buy camping equipment? We have used 3-person, 5-person and 8-person tents like the Mountainsmith Conifer, Alpinizmo Kansas 3, and some others from Big Agnes. We also have two-burner camp stoves and lanterns from Coleman available.

To make an appointment with us before our reopening, email us at tsr@jaimem28.sg-host.com to make an appointment. Bring your skis or snowboards in, and to check out the clearance items we have for sale!

The Ski Renter
10675 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014
408-255-9600  |  tsr@jaimem28.sg-host.com

Ski Season and a Sale are Upon Us!

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Up to four feet of snow predicted over the next 5 days! Five feet over the next 10 days!

Ski season is upon us, and we are off to a great start! Are you ready? If you have your own equipment and your skis need waxing, edging, or a full tune-up, bring them in. That’s one of our specialties and we have the best pricing in the valley.

Not skiing or snowboarding, but going to the snow this weekend? The Ski Renter rents pants, jackets and after ski boots. Want to go sledding? We rent sleds, too! And, of course, as our name implies, we rent skis, snowboards, x-country skis, and snowshoes. Our new gear just arrived, is on the shelves and ready to go!

If you are thinking of leasing your equipment for the season, now’s the time. Come in this weekend and get it done!

Looking for some easy Christmas gifts? We just received a new order of some really cool beanies, socks, gloves and goggles. They make great stocking stuffers! We just expanded our Hydro Flask inventory, too. Hydro Flask is the top name in beverage containers. Check ‘em out!

We’re having a Black Friday sale—15% off all retail! Just head to The Ski Renter at 10675 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino. We’ll be open from 10am-3pm. Questions? Give us a call at 408-255-9600. We’re friendly, green-certified, and family owned. Keep thinking snow!

Getting the Proper Boot Fit

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Some say the hardest part of skiing is putting on the boots. Because of their stiff, outer shell, ski boots can be difficult to put on and take off. The shell is stiff to protect your ankles, but they definitely shouldn’t hurt!

To put the boots on, make sure all of the buckles are undone and that none have re-caught. With one hand, pull the tongue all the way forward while holding the inside back cuff of the boot with the other hand, spreading the boot as far open as it will go. Point your toe straight down into the boot, and then step straight down with your heel, letting it push your toes forward into position within the boot.

The boots need to be buckled when they are being fitted. Once the foot is in place, pull the power strap tight around the cuff of the boot and join the Velcro to hold it in place. Next, buckle the boot starting from the bottom and working your way up. (Later, when you are taking the boot off, unbuckle starting with the top buckle and work your way down, taking the power strap off last.)

When you are sitting or standing straight legged with the ski boots on and buckled, your big toe may be touching the front of the boot. However, when you stand up and bend your knees into skiing position, this should pull your feet back inside the boot so that the big toe just barely touches the front of the boot, or not quite touches the front of the boot.

The boot should fit snugly all over, but comfortably, like a glove. Not too tight, with too much pressure anywhere on the foot, but not too loose, either. You should be able to wiggle your toes, but not curl them, and your heel should not move up and down more than a quarter of an inch. You control your skis through your feet, so your boots need to fit snugly so that they respond immediately when you roll your feet and shift your weight making your turns.

Also, when you fit your boots, make sure you are wearing the same thickness of sock that you will be wearing when you are skiing. Socks shouldn’t be too thick; you don’t want your feet sliding within the boot. Definitely do not wear two pairs of socks for the same reason. And the socks should be made of a synthetic, or a wool/synthetic blend that will wick moisture away from your feet, helping to keep them from getting cold and clammy. Don’t wear cotton socks, as they absorb moisture, making your feet cold and clammy.

That’s all there is to it! Enjoy your skiing in comfortable, responsive boots—and don’t forget to think snow!

 

Ski Resorts Are Opening Soon! Are You Ready?

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TIME TO GEAR UP FOR SKI SEASON!

Resorts Opening Soon

Heavenly and NorthStar have already started making snow! At this writing, both resorts plan to open on November 16th.

Limited Season Rentals

With a season rental, you have the skis or board, boots and poles already with you, ready to go. Just throw them in the car and go! You have them with you at your disposal from now until the end of the season. You can bring them in anytime during the season for buff wax, and if you want to try a different pair of skis or board, just bring the ones you have in and exchange them! What could be easier?

We only do a limited number of season rentals each year, so come on in and get your season rental now. Why buy when you can rent?

If you have your own board or skis in need an edge and wax, get this done soon so you’ll be ready when the snow falls. Don’t forget to keep thinking snow!

Join Our Team

Do you know anyone looking for part-time work? We’re hiring! We’re looking for a part-time team member to work over the Christmas holidays. Interested? Contact Kathy at 408-255-9600 or tsr@jaimem28.sg-host.com.

Make the most of your winter break!

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It is cold and crisp and
 there is snow. While not a lot of it has fallen in the last week, all of the ski hills are busy making their own, adding to the base they already established, and aided by very cold temperatures. Below is information on a few of the resorts:

So, pack up your ski clothes or come rent them from us. Avoid the long lines at the resorts and rent skis, snowboards, cross country skis, or ski blades from us for a fun winter break!

Need a new beanie, new gloves or a new ski jacket? We have all the new gear in stock! Need stocking stuffers? We have all sorts of great items for that, too.

Give Thanks for Early Snow this Thanksgiving!

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The Ski Renter is Open for Snow Season Shopping!

Give Thanks for Snow!

Thanksgiving is coming soon, but the snow is already here!

If you don’t want to deal with the Black Friday crowds, come see us at The Ski Renter. Looking for stocking stuffers or gifts for the snow obsessed? Come see us at The Ski Renter. Want to go skiing or snowboarding over Thanksgiving but don’t want to wait in the long lines or pay the high prices for rental equipment there? Need clothes and gear for your growing kids? Come rent from The Ski Renter!

Friendly, green certified, family-owned. We are open every day at 10 AM! Why buy when you can rent?

Winter Snow Season is on its Way!

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Beat the Snow Season Crowds with The Ski Renter!

Snow Season is Just Around the Corner!

Winter is heading our way! Lake Tahoe has already had some snow and more is coming! This is a great time to beat the crowds and come in to The Ski Renter in Cupertino to set up a lease for the season. This is a first-come, first-serve basis and we do have a maximum, so come on in as soon as possible. Equipment will be due back in April and if you lease for your kids and they grow during the season (big surprise!), come on in and we can refit them for boots and skis/snowboards to fit their growing bodies. Ready for the season to start? We are! Come on in and see us!

It’s Never Too Early to Get Ready for Snow

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Ski Resort Season Passes Are Here!

Fall is here and as you enjoy the the cooler weather with hikes and tents it’s time to start thinking snow! Winter 2016/2017 Season Passes are now on Sale for a limited time. Right now you can get season passes to ski Northstar, Kirkwood, and Heavenly Mountain – all with one pass!

And you don’t have to wait until the first snowfall to visit these great resorts! There are plenty of fun summer events to keep you busy while you wait for snow.

Northstar California – Northstar boasts summer activities for all ages. Pan for gems, play mini golf, go roller skating, and more! All with a Summer Fun Day Pass.

Kirkwood Mountain – Unfortunately Kirkwood is now closed for the summer, but keep an eye out for when they open again for the Winter Season!

Heavenly Lake Tahoe – Fly through the forest with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe on the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster, or slide down the 500ft-long summer tubing hill. Heavenly has plenty of summer adventure waiting for you!

These passes are a great deal if you’re planning to visit the mountains often. Get them while you can!

Buy Passes Today

Spring Snow Is Here: A Letter From George

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Dear Friends, Family and The Ski Renter Community,

Spring skiing at its finest! Spring is here but the snow is sticking around, too. Even though it’s getting sunny and warm here in the Valley, there’s still amazing snow just waiting on the hill for you to enjoy! The base at Squaw Valley, for example is 52” as of today.

Used equipment sale. If you’ve fallen in love with the snow like we have, you may want your own equipment. Our Spring Used Ski Equipment Sale is coming April 16th!

The warm Spring weather also brings camping season! Get ready for your first camp out of the season with our amazing camping rental packages. All the equipment you need for the best outdoor adventure is just a no-fuss rental away with The Ski Renter.

The fun never stops!

Why buy when you can rent?

george-sig

Owner, The Ski Renter

Fitting skis and boards

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Last week, we talked about fitting boots so now it seems only reasonable to talk about fitting skis and boards. Both ski & snowboard sizing has some general rules but they are also somewhat dependent on your preferences and we try to listen to you to provide the best ski to what you are doing. Now then, for ski sizes, here are the general guidelines:

  • Level 1 skiers (beginner to intermediate), the ski tips should come to somewhere between your chin and your mouth
  • Level 2 (intermediate to advanced), somewhere between your mouth and your eyes
  • Level 3 (advanced to expert), anywhere between your mouth and the top of your forehead depending on what you are skiing

If you are heavier than average, then go a little longer (5 cm or so). Lighter, shorter. Generally speaking, the shorter the skis, the slower they will go but the easier they are to control; the longer they are, the faster they will go and the more difficult they are to control.

If you are unsure of your ability, go a little shorter. You have a range of about 5 cm either direction to play with.

For more advanced skiers, we also carry a variety of higher-end demo skis at The Ski Renter, some with stiffer flex, various camber and rocker combinations, wider powder skis, all-mountain, and big mountain skis. But keep in mind, if you are not an advanced to expert skier these skis will be harder to control and manage on the mountain so stick to the basic skis unless you are planning dropping chutes off-trail, hitting the deep powder between the trees, or catching some serious air in the park.

Like skis, fitting snow boards have some general guidelines to follow:

  • Level 1 riders (beginner to intermediate), the tip should reach somewhere between your sternum and your chin
  • Level 2 (intermediate to advanced), between your chin and your nose
  • Level 3 (advanced to expert), between your nose and forehead depending on what you are riding

As with skis, if you are heavier, go longer and/or wider, if you are thinner, go shorter and/or narrower. Also, make sure your board is wide enough to avoid toe drag, caused by the toes sticking out over the edge of the board. Many of the other factors that apply to skis apply to snowboards, too. Shorter boards are going to be slower but easier to control while longer boards are faster but require more effort to control. Our boards are largely All-Mountain boards that will fare well in the park, power, and on the groomed trail. Freeride boards are the longest, best suited for off-trail riding while Freestyle boards are the shortest and are at home in the park. If you are getting good with the rental boards and want to try something else, we have demo boards suited to all types of riding to help you hone your skills.

But the most important thing of all is to have fun. Don’t make it too complicated; it’s not rocket science. And having the right equipment will make it that much more fun, so do give these factors consideration when you are picking out your gear. And talk to our technicians; they are all certified in fitting boots to the skis and boards, and fitting the skis and boards to you! All are certified for the equipment we carry in our shop.

Think snow!