take own skis or rent
 

We're flying to Quebec City soon, renting a car and will be skiing for 3 days in the area. Do we take our skis on the plane or is it safer to just rent when we get to the hill? Thanks

i would just rent.

Have a great time!

There are several factors to consider:

1. Cost: At Mont Ste Anne a 3 day rental will cost approximately $100 for skis and poles or about $135 for performance skis. Taxes and insurance are extra. If you bring your skis with you, it will likely cost extra for excess baggage charges. The amount will depend on the airline, but on Air Canada for example, a second checked bag will cost $20 each way. Air Canada allows you to treat a ski bag and a boot bag as one piece of luggage, but other airlines might differ.

2. Hassle: It's probably at lot less hassle to simply rent the skis at the resort than to carry them with you. I take my skis and boots with me on a flight at least once a season and have not found it bothersome--they've never been late, damaged or lost.

3. Preferences: You may like your own skis and not want to risk rentals. If this is important, and you still want to rent, you should definitely rent performance skis. You will likely have a choice of different models while with the regular rentals, you will have a low-end ski which might not suit you. On the other hand your own skis may not be appropriate for the terrain, but this is mostly applicable to those travelling to areas where there is deep powder skiing and renting powder skis would be a good idea. I assume you will bring your own boots, as I would certainly not trust rental boots for the right fit and performance.

4. Risk: I mentioned that I often have taken my skis with me on flights and have had no difficulties. It's important to have a good ski and boot bag to protect your equipment. There is, of course, a chance that your skis might not arrive in time, in which case you can always rent.

I hope that this is helpful in your decision. Enjoy Quebec City and the skiing there. I'll be at Mont Ste-Anne and Le Massif the week after next and am looking forward to it. From friends' reports conditions at present are superb.

Thanks so much for your advice! We're leaving Toronto on the 20 and will be returning on the 24th. We hope to ski Masif and Mt.St.Anne. Not ever been to either but am looking forward to the good skiing (hope it's not going to be too too cold!) and the wonderful views! I think we are now leaning toward taking our boots and renting high performance skiis.

I'm sure that you will have a great time. Le Massif is one of my very favourite places to ski, and this year there is a new gondola. We'll likely be at Mont Ste Anne and Le Massif at the same time.