Equipment rental and shopping tips for the Seattle area

Are you just starting out?  Then rental skis may be the best way to go until you know what you want.  You can rent cross country skis at outdoor stores like REI or Marmot; or even at the ski resorts. (Snoqualmie or Stevens Pass, for instance.)  There is some variation in pricing, but for winter of 2004-2005 it looks like you can expect to pay about $16 - $18 for rental of cross country skis, boots and poles; slightly higher for skate ski packages.  (A tad more costly at the ski resorts.)

Want to get your own skis?  You can invest in a relatively inexpensive new cross country package for about $200 or so, or you can get even cheaper with used skis.  Here are ideas on where to save money on used equipment:

  • Second Ascent, a used outdoor gear shop.  I saw some nice bargains there the other day...
  • Thrift stores, such as St. Vincent de Paul or Value Village.  I recently picked up some decent ski poles for $2.99.
  • Used sporting goods stores. Only example I know of is Play It Again Sports, which has locations everywhere.
  • Ski sales.  Usually these happen at the outdoor stores towards the end of the season.  Watch the papers for these sales.
  • Gear Grab at the Mountaineers.  About every 3 months, the Mountaineers host a "Gear Grab" where people sell used equipment, including cross country ski equipment and clothing.  There are often bargains to be had, but get there early for best selection!  (I got a great pair of skis for $40 once.)  Check the club bulletin if you're a member or call the clubhouse (206-284-8484) to find out when the next one is scheduled.
  • Garage sales.  You never know what you'll find (shades of Forrest Gump!) at a garage sale.  I got a nice pair of track skis that had the same 3-pin binding as my other skis -- for $30.

                 

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