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In March, the Colorado Department of Transportation will make it easier to get to the mountains with its new weekday “Bustang” service, covering major traffic routes. But taking public transportation to hit the slopes means you’ll have less room for bulky winter clothing. What’s a winter adventurer to do? Cut down on space constraints by renting your threads from one of these five companies:
- GetOutfitted: You’ll have to plan ahead if you use this handy service, which ships packaged outfits or individual items like jackets, pants, goggles, and gloves to your destination a week or more in advance. Browse the online catalog to choose from well-known brands such as Patagonia or Burton and a three-, five-, or 10-day rental period. Don’t forget to drop your clothes in the included prepaid mailer bag before noon on the day after your last run down the slopes.
- Mountain Threads: Golden-based Mountain Threads offers a similar deal (shipping apparel directly to your hotel), but its brick-and-mortar store means you can try on your clothes in person if you’re staying closer to home. The shop doesn’t have a huge inventory but does add the option of purchasing (rather than renting) select items like balaclavas and helmet liners that may still fit in your pack.
- Winter Park Retail Rental Department: If you’re skiing or boarding in Winter Park, the resort’s rental department offers a limited inventory of clothing at three partner stores: Village Rental, West Portal Outfitters, and Children’s Center. Book your items at least 48 hours in advance to save up to 40 percent—and get them delivered straight to the mountain with the custom delivery service.
- Loveland Adventure Center Sports Shop: The Loveland Ski Area rents jackets, bibs, goggles, and gloves (but not pants…) out of its sports shop, as well. Opt for the package deal or the Day Tripper bundle, which includes a full day lift ticket, a ski or snowboard rental, and a full set of clothing (not only does it contain pants, but it also throws in a hat for good measure).
- Black Tie Ski Rentals: Although this rental chain primarily focuses on gear (it specializes in custom fittings once your boots or skis are delivered), it also offers some apparel options. With seven locations in Colorado, including Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge, and Telluride, Black Tie makes sure that you feel your very best—even when you’re wearing clothes that aren’t your own.
Follow editorial assistant Mary Clare Fischer on Twitter at @mc_fischer.
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