Where to buy?

Are they for a specific ski trip or are you planning to use them frequently? If they're just for a ski trip and you won't use them that often afterwords, I'd suggest renting them.

I second the above. Although I've forgotten now what I paid to rent for a week, it was negligible.

If you are going to be using them more than a few times, I wouldn't even consider cheap!

If your feet hurt or are cold, you'll be miserable. The first place to put your money is into your boots.

#1 option is to rent if it's a once a year type deal

#2 is to buy on sale at end of season - best bet for good fit and if you''ll use them a couple times each year - easy enough to bring them and just rent the skis

#3 look for a "Play It Again Sports" store in your area. It's a national franchise that buys and sells used sporting gear and they always have good prices on ski equipment

Many towns near ski centers have used equipment swaps in November, and there are usually great deals to be found. Also, many ski rental shops sell off used equipment very inexpensively. Ski shops will often sell off last years new boots and skis at very reduced prices.

Columbus Day weekend in NE is typically a good time as well...the ski shops in the mountains have tent sales to attract the leaf peepers.

Fastest way to ruin an expensive ski trip is cheap boots! If they don't fit right you will be miserable.

EBAY!!!

It always gets funny when more people start to reply.
Unfortunately we even don't ski once a year. Do have all the gears. But the boots should be replaced. Will look around as you suggested. Thanks!
"Fastest way to ruin an expensive ski trip is cheap boots!" - I like that!

I bought my last pair of ski boots at Sportstalker in Steamboat Springs. I have a hard foot to fit, and the advantage of any of the Sportstalker stores is their guarantee.

They take the time to fit you, and every day after skiing, we stopped back in for more customizing. At the end of the week, if I hadn't been haoppy, they would have refunded my money. The price was reasonable, and I've never had a better fit.

We haven't bought ski equipment in over 20 years. forget dragging it through airports or sending it ahead of time. We go on a ski vacation every winter and always rent equipment at the resort. It is always new, custom fitted by professionals, and we just forget about it after our last day of skiing. And it is cheaper than buying and keeping up with the latest equipment.

Suggest you follow gc's advice. Anyone who cares about safety and comfort, plus support, invests in decent boots. Using boots used by others, with potential defects and damage, risks your legs, ankles and feet. And always be 100% sure your ski releases match and function well with whatever boots you don.

Might try SierraTradingPost.com. They offer them from time to time.

If you ski less than once a year, rent everything, not just boots. All the rental places will have a package deal and it will be the latest equipment, i.e. shaped skis. They make a huge difference. Also, the bindings will be up to date - very important. Most places will also offer a package that includes tickets and lessons too. IMO, the only way to go if you're "sometimes" skiers. Don't even bother to lug your old stuff with you.

Ski resorts rent only very cheap equipment. Most of the time it has been banged around and never cleanedxc or checked. You're much better off to rent everything in a ski shop in your town, have the fitting done at leasure, and then take it all with you. The cost difference is minimal, and you'll be assured of much, much better equipment that has been taken care of. I make this suggestion as a long time skier. Safety and comfort ought to be your number one criteria, and not cost. Renting at a ski slope is risky.

I agree with the renting of equipment for skiers that are only going to use them once a season.

Do not agree with the post that ski resorts only rent cheap, uncared for equipment. At least in the major resorts, the equipment is changed out after 2 years. Most shops tune and wax rentals nightly and ski techs are trained by the manufacturers each season on fitting skis, boots and bindings. Techs have to be certified at most shops by binding manufacturers and usually post certs. Most serious ski injuries are due faulty release settings! As of lately, the technology of skis is changing dramatically every couple years. It makes sense to rent newer equipment than be the only one on the slopes with the long boards!

This is not the case in non-resort towns where you get a teenager with a part-time job a a sports store who rents skis, sells basketballs and running shoes.