You’ve booked a winter ski trip but you don’t have any goggles. Don’t worry, you are certainly not the first person to have this problem.
Going without goggles is not a good idea since goggles give you an added layer of protection and also shield against the elements. One potential solution you might be curious about is the option to rent ski goggles on site from the ski resort or possibly a nearby retailer. But how realistic of an option is this? Can you rent ski goggles at ski resorts?
While there are some ski resorts and retailers that rent ski equipment, including goggles, this is not standard practice at all ski resorts. Also, due to potential sizing problems and cleanliness issues, I would advise you to buy your own goggles.
The last thing you want to do is wear a crusty pair of used goggles that have years of sweat and grime all over them. Also, retailers who rent goggles usually charge a ridiculous rate in comparison to the overall cost of a new pair of goggles.
In this article let’s discuss a little bit deeper the option of renting ski goggles and what some of the main drawbacks are against it. Again, my advice is to buy your own goggles before you go.
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Can You Rent Ski Goggles?
As we discussed above, yes, there are some ski resorts and off-site retailers that allow you to rent ski goggles and other ski equipment, but this is not a guarantee for every resort and often has several drawbacks. There are 3 main reasons why I do not recommend using rental ski goggles. Those 3 reasons are:
- Cost
- Equipment Quality
- Fit
Let’s take a look at each of these 3 issues individually to detail exactly why they can be an issue for renting ski goggles.
Cost of Renting Ski Goggles
Ski goggles brand new are very affordable pieces of equipment. You can find ski goggles for as cheap as $20 depending on where you shop.
One of the main reasons I advise against renting ski goggles is the ridiculous cost that many retailers charge for renting ski goggles. The cost to rent a pair of ski goggles for a day can cost anywhere from $5-$12 depending on the location. The last pair of goggles I saw available for rent cost $7 a day.
Again, that is PER DAY. If you plan to ski for 2-4 days, you can pay in rental fees more than it would cost you to buy some pairs of goggles brand new. Think how much money retailers make renting out these same $30 pair of goggles over and over again for $7 a day. It is just ridiculous.
Even if you are operating on a tight budget, you should be able to find a budget-friendly pair of goggles that will work for you.
Quality of Rented Ski Goggles
Another issue with renting ski goggles is concern over the quality of the goggles you will get. Expect the pair of ski goggles you rent to shown signs of wear and tear, and although any retailer should be responsible enough to make sure the goggles are in safe working condition, it is hard to be sure that will be the case.
These rental goggles get passed from person-to-person, day-to-day during ski season, swapping sweat, grime, and everything else. It’s freezing out there, obviously, so these goggles have been up close and personal with every runny nose to come through that resort in the past 6 weeks.
Again, yes, you should expect retailers to properly clean and check all goggles before renting them out, but that likely is not the case. Buying a new, clean pair is what I advise. This way you know that the goggles will be in working order, germ free, and ready for use.
Fit Concerns with Rented Ski Goggles
One of the most important aspects with ski goggles is making sure that they fit correctly. Ski goggles should fit tight, but comfortable. Not so tight that they cause a distraction, but tight enough to where they do not stand a chance of sliding around on your head while you take on the bumps and turns of downhill skiing.
Some rented ski goggles may be over-used and worn. This could mean ineffective straps that don’t allow you to adjust the fit to match your head size or helmet.
It is also not uncommon to have worn ski goggles that have chunks of padding missing around the nose and brow line. This may cause the goggles to sit awkwardly against your face and give you less protection during impacts.
If you do rent goggles, be sure to check them thoroughly and request a new pair if anything seems amiss. Try the goggles on and adjust them to make sure they fit comfortably with your helmet. Getting to the top of the slope and realizing your goggles don’t work will not be fun.
Can You Rent Ski Goggles at Ski Resorts?
As I mentioned earlier in the article, yes, some ski resorts do offer ski equipment rental on site. This will not be the case for all ski resorts, and in those cases, you may be able to find a nearby retailer that offers rental.
Again, my advice is to buy your own goggles. But if you do prefer to rent goggles, then I would advise to call ahead and confirm with your resort that they do offer equipment rental on site. If they don’t, they should be able to direct you to a nearby provider who does, if one exists.
Can You Ski Without Goggles?
Yes, you can ski without goggles, but I would strongly advise against it. There is no policy mandating that you wear ski goggles, but it is widely accepted as the safest way to ski.
Having the added protection that goggles offer is worth it, not only in case of impact, but also as protection against the elements. They also offer adequate UV protection for your eyes.
Should You Buy Used Goggles?
This is another option some people use, but I also would advise against it. If you choose to buy a used pair of goggles, you run the risk of them not fitting correctly.
Often times the used goggles are only slightly cheaper than a new pair of ski goggles. I would advise buying a new pair that you can be certain has no damage from long-term wear and tear.