The best ski and board hire in Canberra

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Straightline Sports, Canberra’s most recommended business for Ski and Board Hire. Photo: File.

Finally got to planning that bucket-list trip to Perisher? Or perhaps the alpine bug is calling your name back to the black runs at Thredbo? If you are planning a trip to the snow this season you will need to organise your gear before you even so much as look at a lift pass!

Much like every sport, skiing and snowboarding requires a few pieces of equipment to get going. Unlike other sports, these pieces are a lot more specialised and can be rather confusing for even the well initiated.

Once you tally up a checklist of all the essentials it can get a little pricey; particularly when your intended use may be a week here or a weekend there.

This is where ski and board hire services can help. Ski and board hire services offer a practical, convenient, and affordable solution to ensuring to have the right gear every time you hit the slopes.

Being in such close proximity to some of Australia’s most renowned alpine ranges; Canberra offers a number of great ski and board hire options a little closer to home.

What makes a great ski and board hire?

Skiing and snowboarding are technical sports which require some equally technical gear! Choosing the right ski and board hire service will ensure you have the right kit fitted like a glove, so that even in the toughest alpine conditions you remain warm, dry, and safe.

When considering where to hire your ski and board equipment it may be helpful to keep the following in mind:

  • Location. When it comes to hiring equipment there are a couple of options; consider your needs and available time when it comes to the service’s location. Ski and board hire can be found closer to the powder in surrounds like Cooma; and on the resorts themselves. Demand may be higher here; as well as prices as they cater to a raft of clientele many of which have travelled from afar. A great alternative is sourcing gear locally in Canberra, allowing you to collect ahead of time, avoid the ques often found at the slopes, and take advantage of the more competitive rates.
  • Fit Experts. With such specialist equipment in place, you will want to ensure you are being fitted by someone who knows their stuff. Take skiing for example – there are boots; bindings for the boots; poles; and all manner of apparel. Then there are the skis themselves. A ski has a raft of variables think camber, radius, flex, and profile – each to match a specific fit and purpose. The best ski and board hire services employ highly experienced staff to ensure you not only have the right gear for your skill level, but also that which is comfortable.
  • Condition and Cleanliness. When selecting a ski and board hire service in Canberra take note of equipment condition and cleanliness. Great hire services keep their gear in top notch condition and clean thoroughly after each hire. You will spend a considerable amount of time wearing each piece so check hygiene practices at the store and take the time to peruse any past client reviews.
  • Quality and Style. One of the pros with hiring snow gear is that you can take advantage of seasonal trends and styles. Great hire services not only stock a wide range of the latest gear; they also pride themselves on superior quality. Hired equipment is put through its paces during a busy season and quality products go the distance when it comes to durability on the slopes.
  • Flexible Hire. The best ski and board hire services provide options that cater to the individual needs of its clientele. When shopping around for hire equipment consider your skill level and the frequency that you expect to hit the slopes. While single day options are perfect for last minute trips, it may be more economical to hire gear for the season if you anticipate that you be skiing or boarding more frequently.

The best ski and board hire in Canberra

Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.

To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.

Straight Line Sports

Straight Line Sports is Canberra’s premier sports adventure store specialising in ski, snowboard, scuba diving, spearfishing, scooters, and inline skating.

Established in 2006 by ski and scuba aficionado Andy Nicholls; the stores expert staff share his enthusiasm and love of the great outdoors. The team pride themselves on their exemplary service, superior knowledge and the best boot fit in town.

Alexander Gould shared this glowing review on Google, I'm here way too often. Amazing staff that are very knowledgeable and will give you the best advice. A massive selection of gear at reasonable prices. I highly recommend for all your snowboarding and skiing needs!”

Belconnen Ski and Board

With over thirty-five years in the game, Belconnen Ski and Board is locally operated by Steve Chait, an ex-professional skier and now business owner. Steve’s years of experience has translated into a comprehensive range of products from some of the world’s top ski and board suppliers.

Belconnen Ski and Board offers a variety of hire options catering to all skill levels, from single items to larger packages available from a day to a week’s hire.

Ian Holland shared this great review on Google, Armed with a million first timer questions Steve was friendly and patiently answered them and gave us great advice. The gear we rented was super clean and in excellent condition. The pick-up and drop-off was convenient too. I'd definitely recommend them to anybody looking to hire ski gear.”

If you’re looking for more information on ski and board hire in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best places to hire a car and the best bus hire companies Canberra has to offer.

Your experience with ski and board hire in Canberra

Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.

Have you had experience with any of the ski and board hire services listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ski or board hire include?

The best hire services offer flexible rental options tailored to skill level and use. This includes the option of hiring a complete clothing and equipment package; or individual items like boots or boards - from a single day to an entire season. Equipment offered typically caters from beginner to expert skill levels with junior options for children.

How much does it cost to hire ski or board equipment?

Hire costs vary from supplier to supplier and are often based on the number of items and duration of rental. Rates tend to be highest when renting individual items on a per day basis, versus a package containing multiple items over a longer period bet it a week or a season.

Can you rent skiing or boarding equipment for the season?

Yes, most hire services will offer rental equipment for the entire season and at more affordable rates. Some will also include complimentary services like tuning and waxing to ensure the equipment performs well and stays safe.

Is it cheaper to book ski or board hire in advance?

In some cases pre booking your ski or board hire equipment can be a more affordable option, particularly when it comes to online exclusive offers.

Do I need to take out insurance for hired ski or board equipment?

Yes, insurance is often required and generally purchased at an additional cost. Many hire services offer policies that cover a range of circumstances from accidental damage, to loss, or theft.

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If you want to dominate, get yourself a fully worked hectic Subaru/Mitsubishi All Wheel Drive turbo. Fit said fully worked dominating specced vehicle with ski racks and rally inspired mud flaps. Boon up to the snow every weekend with a year lift pass and year national park pass on the windscreen.

As it’s AWD, you can only carry snow chains without the worry of fitting them when the first snow flake falls from the sky.

Having said vehicle gives you the right to drive like an absolute bell-end and endanger the lives of all motorists around you as you scream past, splitting lanes on the iced roads nearest the slopes.

It’s a fair and balanced approach.

Gungahlin Al2:13 pm 18 May 09

Oh and when you do hit the slopes (at Perisher of course!) go straight to Blue Cow, bypassing the crowded Front Valley. Zali’s and Side Saddle are sweet, Pretty Valley gorgeous, and my pick is over the Guthega way on Blue Calf etc. North-facing but beautiful wide uncrowded runs (because there’s only t-bars there) and unspoiled views to the wilderness areas. Sometimes when you are the only one around there, you just want to sit down and soak up the sun, silence and scenery.

The clubs mentioned above (XC club and ANU mountaineers) are good for what the OP is after. Also, the Canberra Bushwalking Club does this, and Omnia also has a lot of social ski trips. All do the car-pooling thing also, and of course you’ll have people to ski and hang with.

Clown Killer11:47 am 18 May 09

I have heard good things about the ANU Mountaineering Club as well. A good mix of students and others and soem fun back-country trips last year apparently.

Thanks for feedback. I’m intending to join the Canberra Cross Country Ski Club also as they seem to have a good set up and I’m keen to be meeting new people as well rather than just getting the bus to the slopes and skiing by myself!

hairy nosed wombat10:50 am 18 May 09

There are very few Canberra based ski clubs without lodges, and most of the lodges also want an arm / leg and your first born to become members. However all is not lost, as there are a few options available to you.

If you want o do Yo-yo skiing (Down-hill skiing, as all you do is go up and down like a yo-yo)
Murrays coaches operate a day service to the snow (price includes ski hire and list pass).

There are a couple of local cross country ski clubs that organise day/ overnight trips, but only for cross country skiers (however tyhey also organise lesions etc). They are the Canberra Cross Country Ski Club and the ANU Mountaineering Club .

The universities may also have down hill ski clubs but i cannot find anything via a quick google search.

Clown Killer10:38 am 18 May 09

If you’re just after a day trip, there ae bus lines (mentioned above) that will get you there and back with a lift pass, park entry (and gear if you need to rent it) pretty much cheaper than if you drove there yourself – it’s an early start though.

The private clubs are the way to go if you want cheap(er), long term access to a particular resort but accommodation for guests (non-members) can fill up fast around now. If you’re committed it might be worth seeing what’s on offer membership wise. On that front, it really is a case of the more you pay the more you get, and seeing as joining up means that you’re buying in, you might want to try and stay at a few places first to get a feel for what sort of place it is.

Gungahlin Al9:58 am 18 May 09

There are two bus companies that run daily to both Perisher (Ski Tube) and Thredbo. Lever leaves from Magnet Mart in Gungahlin at 5am, saving the problems of trying to find parking in Civic. They have southside pickups too.

The ticket prices are $147 for ski and $180 for snowboard, including lift and gear hire.

If you’ve already got your own snowboard, then just choose the ski ticket – no discounts for own gear unfortunately, and there is also no cheap upgrade to to a first-timers’ lift and lesson package. There is only a few dollars difference for that on-snow, but the upgrade costs $32 via the bus package (but still worth it for beginners).

The bus is a great way to get there. Get on, go to sleep, wake up at Jindy. Coming home same thing – nice nap instead of battling traffic, sleep and radar for 3 hours.

If you want to organise a carpooling day trip you’re probably best off just asking around at work – look out for the cars with roofracks and the national park entry stickers on the windscreen.

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