Why the People Behind the Counter Matter When You Rent Skis
When people rent skis or snowboards, they usually focus on the gear. That’s important. But what matters just as much is who’s helping choose it.
At Incline Ski & Board Shop, the staff doesn’t rely on catalog descriptions. A major part of the job is getting on snow and testing the same equipment that ends up in the rental and demo fleet.
That experience shapes every recommendation.
Staff Ski the Equipment They Rent
Taking gear out and using it is a built-in part of working at Incline - and a major staff perk. Staff regularly demo skis and snowboards so they understand how different models actually feel and perform underfoot.
That means:
- Knowing which skis are forgiving and which are demanding
- Understanding how a ski behaves at slower speeds versus when you open it up
- Being able to compare similar models in real conditions
When someone asks for a recommendation, the answer comes from experiencing the gear, not memorizing specs.
How the Rental and Demo Fleet is Chosen
Every year, the team travels to a regional demo to test next season’s equipment. This isn’t about finding one “best” ski or board, it’s about building a balanced fleet that works for a wide range of skiers.
The goal is to have:
- Entry-level gear that helps new skiers feel comfortable quickly
- Intermediate skis that support progression and versatility
- Advanced options for skiers who know what they like
Testing next year’s equipment ahead of time makes it easier to choose skis that actually earn a place in the lineup. Some models don’t make the cut. Others do because they consistently work across conditions and ability levels.
That process repeats every season.
Why This Matters for Renters
For people looking for ski rentals in Aspen or snowboard rentals in Snowmass, this shows up in important ways.
Instead of being handed a category label, renters get guidance based on:
- How often they ski
- What kind of terrain they enjoy
- How they want the ski or board to feel
Because the staff has spent time on the equipment, those conversations are more specific and usually quicker. There’s less trial and error, and fewer mismatches between skier and gear.
Beyond the Rental Counter
For the staff at Incline Ski & Board Shop, skiing and riding don’t stop when they’re off work. Gear gets talked about, tested, and re-tested - not because it’s a process, but because that’s what people here actually like doing.
