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Own the helmet
Fit and condition matter more on a head than on a rental ski. Buy a helmet that actually fits this winter, replace it after a real hit or a few seasons, and stop renting the mystery liner. Look at REI, evo, and the end-of-season sales — not a novelty graphic from a gas-station aisle.
Rent skis and boots until they stop growing every six weeks
Boots that are too big are how kids ski badly and hate it. On-mountain rental, or a local shop season lease, beats owning a quiver for a 5-year-old. When they ski 15+ days a year and the boot size has been stable, then talk about buying.
Layers are the whole clothing list
Wool or synthetic base, a fleece, a waterproof shell. Two pairs of mittens. Goggles that actually seal. Cotton is a heat-loss costume. We pack the cheap extra gloves because the good ones will be wet.
Goggles and sunscreen
Altitude sun is not optional in Utah or Colorado. Cheap goggles fog; slightly less cheap goggles with a fan of extra pairs in the lodge win. SPF on faces at 8am, not at 1pm when they're already pink.
Ski swaps
Kids outgrow boots and skis every season, so a swap is often the cheapest honest option. Check boot fit in person with the socks they will ski in. Prefer gear a shop can still set bindings for. When you are unsure, take the purchase to a ski shop for a binding check before the first day. Many swaps do not accept used helmets. Park City Ski & Snowboard does not accept helmets. Prefer a new helmet with a known age and history. Arrive early for selection. Later days often have leftover bargains.
Park City Ski & Snowboard Swap. Usually early November. 2026 dates were Nov 6-8 at the Basin Recreation Fieldhouse in Park City. Hosted by Park City Ski & Snowboard (PCSS) as a fundraiser. Official page: parkcityskiswap.com. Their tips page says to leave jackets and bags in the car, bring socks for boot try-on, research brands ahead, and that Friday night has the biggest selection but weekends are better with small kids. Credit cards are preferred. Checks and Venmo are not accepted.
Beaver Mountain Ski Patrol Ski and Board Swap. 2026 dates are Nov 12-14 at the Cache Valley Fairgrounds Event Center, 490 S 500 W, Logan, UT. See the resort events page. Do not treat the Nov 7 Logan office yard sale as a ski swap. The resort's own events page says that yard sale is resort gear only, no consignment, and no boots.
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