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Where to buy inexpensive skis for kids?

valli

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I've decided that the little one likes skiing enough that it makes sense to buy a pair that she can get a couple of seasons out of. I hate waiting in the rental line and she clearly demonstrated that she likes it and wanted to ski all day. The rental skis we used this weekend were 88 cm, with 16.5 boots, which seemed huge on her since she's only 2, but she did ok on them. I guess I probably will look for 78-88 cm skis for her, since I'd like her to ski in them until her sister outgrows her 100 cm skis in a couple of years. Last year we got some great Roxy skis at an end of the year close out for $99 including bindings. Any bargains out there on skis or boots? (used are fine).
 

Jilly

Moderator
Staff member
Have you check with ski shop in your area. A lot of shops do a 1/2 back program on new stuff and sell of the old/used at a bargain. At that age, you should get 2 years out of equipment.
 

MaineSkiLady

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Also, some shops have seasonal rental programs. Although I'm years past this, I know some of the deals are excellent. The advantage to a seasonal rental is that should one (or more) child outgrow a boot before the season is over, an exchange can be made. A good boot fit is still important, no matter how young the child - new product out there claims to be able to "expand" a few sizes --- not sure how good/bad that is. See if any of your regional shops have seasonal rental programs for kids
 

haylmom

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
MSL is right...my dd is 3 and a half, and for $100 I leased her skis and boots from a local shop for the season. I think its a great deal since you don't have to stand in line! And they will exchange if the fit is not right or its grown out of!
 

valli

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Well, the local shop does a deal for $280 plus half a credit tradein. OTOH, levelninesports offers a brand new head package for $142, which seems like a better deal. Even cheaper would be nicer though.
 

Jilly

Moderator
Staff member
You can easily get that back at a swap next fall. Kiddie skis usually don't make in into the swap. They get sold in the parking lot before they make the door. Good quality kid stuff is hard to find at swaps.!!
 

valli

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Yes, with boots, and it's for all new equipment and they'll mount and adjust them to the boots for free. I think I'll do it.
 

haylmom

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Oh for sure! I would! Considering I leased my daughter's for a hundred....you will get at least that much back if not more when you re-sell them. Great deal!!
 

marge

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I agree with checking with ski shops. One of our "local" shops actually has a program where let's say you spend $300 for the first set they will give you a $300 voucher the next spring for the next year. You may have to eventually upgrade but it actually sounds like an AWESOME deal! The last year you use it will be the year you upgrade to adult skis!
 

Daria

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I bought my daughters' ski equipment from the beginning because I did not want to hassle with rentals. Many shops have kids programs for reasonable costs and amazingly they do not necessarily grow out of it every season. For example, there are footbeds for boots that allow them to last two or even three seasons. The challenge I found was that as they grow in their ability, the options are limited until they can fit into the adult sizes. My odest daughter still won't give up her Dynastar ATL's that we bought her in 8th grade. She is now 23! I will admit she doesn't get to ski much now but she still loves those ATLs (and they are 180s :noidea: ) In contrast, my younger daughter wants new stuff every year. I have trained her well :loco:
 

Yvette

Diva in Training
This season, we did seasonal rental for my son (Cdn $80/season). Went back once to get bigger size boots and replaced a pole my son had damaged. We will do the same next season for him and his sister, who is keen to begin skiing. he wants a pair of twin-tips!
 

Suzanneski

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
levelnine sports (levelninesports.com) had the cheapest new skis- snowsportsdeals.com had some inexpensive used skis- I've used both to purchase and have been very happy witht eh customer service and product. HTH
 

Evergreen

Certified Ski Diva
Where are you located? Out here on the front range in CO there are a lot of deals to be had for kids stuff. One shop does a rental program for $80 and that includes a season pass for the local mountain. We decided to go with another shop that lets you buy used gear (skis & boots) for $100. Whenever you want to trade it in for new stuff you pay just $20 each or $40 total. You can trade stuff in multiple times during the season or wait years. We got our 3 year old set-up for his first season. Can't wait!
 

braveskimom

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Have you checked Craig's List? I don't know how to do it, but I know you can search out of your area, because I live in CO and sold a bike to someone in FL. I have sold a lot of kids' ski gear on Craig's List and never had a problem. Also, eBay often has used and new gear (previous year's models). You might also check with any junior racing programs in your area. Racing families tend to start their kids young and buy equipment. Our local club sells used equipment as a fundraiser. Good luck!
 

T

Certified Ski Diva
I don't know where you're from, but around here we have some great pre-season ski swaps where you can pick up incredible deals. My fiance picked up a one year old pair of Atomic SL12 FIS race skis at the beginning of this year for $150, and we picked up fantastic, perfect condition junior race skis for my niece and nephew for $25 each. Next year the kids skis will probably go back to the swap and they'll get something else.

You can't go wrong at a pre-season ski swap, if you live somewhere where there are lots of skiing enthusiasts.
 

T

Certified Ski Diva
BTW...for those of you in Calgary and the surrounding area the Canmore Ski Swap in the fall is awesome
 

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