Ski Rentals, Lessons, and Repairs 

Season to season, local ski resorts and winter-weather businesses add to their rental fleets the latest gear, skis, boards, poles, boots and bindings, giving new and seasoned skiers alike the chance to enjoy the local conditions on the latest equipment.

For those who only plan to ski or snowboard occasionally, renting is a perfect option in lieu of buying a whole package of equipment. Plus, it’s easier to travel a distance to a ski resort and rent there if you already have a car full.

Shaped skis are intended to be skied shorter than traditional straight skis, and ski poles are an option for beginners. Some skiers find they simply get in the way of the learning process, while others use them for stability. When choosing a ski-pole length, grip them and make sure your forearm is at a 90-degree angle from your upper arm.

Ski boots should be snug but not so tight it feels like they’re cutting off your circulation. Walk in the boots for awhile to try them out. The foot should not be able to slide in the boot, but you should be able to wiggle your toes. Certified ski rental technicians will help you decide what size is best for you based on your height, age, weight and experience.

Ski and snowboard lessons

A friend may have the best intentions when he or she offers to teach a beginning skier the ropes, but a ski lesson from a certified ski instructor is the safest and most productive way to learn.

Private lessons, although typically expensive, are usually the best way to begin. They give an individual the attention needed to learn the basic aspects of skiing and get a beginner on his or her way.

The local ski resorts offer classes for beginners, children to adults. Some even provide several-hour-long programs where kids can learn the basics while their parents enjoy some adult-time hitting the hills.

Once a person has been taught the basics and practiced enough to feel comfortable on ski or a snowboard, semi-private lessons or group lessons will help a beginner learn the more intricate techniques of improved skiing.

Young children should start out in private lessons. Because they receive individual attention, they tend to progress faster and therefore have a more positive attitude toward skiing. Once children have mastered the basics, they might have more fun in a group setting.

Lessons are available at Nub’s Nob, Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands. Recreation departments in Petoskey, Charlevoix and Harbor Springs also provide lessons on their city ski hills. These lessons tend to be less expensive and are usually just as good as beginning lessons at a ski resort.

Where to rent and repair ski and snowboard gear

Rentals

Bahnhof Sport, Petoskey, 347-2112, (800) 253-7078
Boyne Highlands Ski Resort, Harbor Springs, 526-3000
Chateau Ski Shop, Boyne Falls, 549-2500
Mount McSauba Ski Lodge, Charlevoix, 547-3267
Nub’s Nob, Harbor Springs 526-2131
The Outfitter, Harbor Springs, 526-2621
Dan Webster’s Pro Shop, Petoskey, 348-2926 (cross-country skis only)

Repair

Bahnhof Sport, Petoskey, 347-2112, (800) 253-7078
Boyne Country Sports Boyne Falls, 549-6006, Harbor Springs, 526-3006, and Petoskey, 439-4906
Boyne Mountain Ski Resort, Boyne Falls, 549-6000 (repair and sales)
Chateau Ski Shop, Boyne Falls, 549-2500
The Outfitter, Harbor Springs, 526-2621

Ski Resorts (area code 231)

Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs, 526-3000
Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls, 549-6000
Nub’s Nob, Harbor Springs, 526-2131