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Since COVID-19 came to dominate our lives, delivery services—be it for dinner, groceries, clothes, or beer—have seen a significant uptick in demand. This winter, that trend will likely continue with rentals through ski valet services.
“More people than ever aren’t going to want to go into a crowded ski shop,” says Ian Prichard, co-founder of Black Tie Ski Rental Delivery, which launched in Steamboat Springs in 2002. Luckily, a number of companies can bring the ski shop to you.
In Black Tie’s case, you can make reservations for skis, snowboards, boots, and other gear up to 48 hours in advance. When submitting a request, you include the renters’ height, weight, foot size, and experience level. The company is also partnering with a mobile app, NetVirta, which skiers and riders can use to take a 3D scan of their foot for boot-fitting purposes.
“We’ll be able to see what your feet look like—whether you have high arches, a wide fit, narrow fit, or the feared kankle. And we choose boots accordingly,” Prichard says.
The afternoon or evening before your first day on the slopes, a valet brings a variety of gear to the door of your hotel, condo, or ski area crash pad for fittings. Gear can be swapped out or adjusted as needed or requested. After your last day on the slopes, it can all be left outside your door for pickup.
All of the companies that serve Centennial State resorts operate in a nearly identical manner. Each will also have similar COVID-19 protocols in place for this season: Technicians will wear masks at all times, clean and sanitize gear before delivery, and offer contactless transactions upon request.
Ready to get renting? Here’s what you need to know about Colorado’s ski valets:
Black Tie Ski Rental Delivery: The company operates near every major Centennial State ski area, including Aspen/Snowmass, Steamboat Ski Resort, Telluride Ski Resort, Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Copper Mountain, Vail Ski Resort, Beaver Creek Resort, Winter Park Resort, Keystone Ski Resort, and Breckenridge Ski Resort. Prices for a ski/board and boot package start at $36 per day.
Door 2 Door Ski & Snowboard Rental Delivery: This service, which is affiliated with Christy Sports, operates in all the same areas as Black Tie, except for Winter Park. Prices start at $30 per day.
Ski Butlers: Technicians affiliated with this service can bring equipment to all the same areas as Black Tie, except Crested Butte and Winter Park. Rental packages vary on the time of year and location, but typically start around $36 per day.
Charter Sports: This company offers services around Vail Ski Resort, Beaver Creek Resort, and Breckenridge Ski Resort. Prices start around $40 per day.
Venture Sports: This Avon-based operation offers delivery for the Vail and Beaver Creek area. Prices start around $25 per day.
Epic Mountain Rentals: The will offer delivery service this winter at Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Breckenridge, Crested Butte and Telluride. Prices start around $36 a day with discounts for Epic Pass Holders.