Vail Resorts Expands ‘My Epic Gear’ Program, Giving Skiers More Control Over Rentals

A New Way To Skip The Rental Line

My Epic Gear lets skiers and riders reserve equipment in advance from a broad selection for all conditions and abilities. Guests skip the rental line by picking up gear slopeside or having it delivered so that they can get on the mountain faster.

Brian Raffio, a Senior Adventure Travel Consultant for Climbing Kilimanjaro, says, “The impact of quality gear and rental logistics on a ski trip is a frequent oversight. I have experienced travelers lose an entire day because of long rental lines, poor boot fitting, and rentals that are out of date. That's all time that should have been spent on the slopes. Rentals done correctly take out the hassle so guests can spend the most time possible on the slopes.”

One of the key features of the program is flexibility. Members can swap equipment during their trip, allowing them to adjust based on changing snow conditions or terrain. That means switching from carving skis on groomed runs to something better suited for powder, all without the need for multiple rentals.

A Consistent Experience Across Resorts

The expansion standardizes experience, so guests use one system across all Vail Resorts, making it easier for travelers visiting multiple locations in a season.

“We learned a great deal from My Epic Gear members over the past two seasons, uniquely positioning us to innovate the gear category and redefine the industry-standard for performance, comfort, convenience and consistency,” said Rob Katz, CEO of Vail Resorts.

Katz said skiers and riders who have used the program value the ability to select exactly what they want, including access to some of the latest high-performance equipment. “We’re excited to expand that experience to all demo rentals as a first step to enhancing the overall rental experience for everyone,” he said, adding that the model could also appeal to those who typically bring their own gear, especially less frequent skiers.

Designed With Skiers In Mind

By shifting reservations online and offering more convenient pickup options, Vail Resorts aims to reduce friction points and make the overall rental experience more seamless for guests.

The program may also appeal to travelers who prefer not to transport bulky equipment. Instead of flying with skis or snowboards, guests can rely on the resort’s inventory while still having access to premium gear options.

Expanding My Epic Gear reflects an effort to simplify the guest experience, betting that more convenience and flexibility will leave skiers with more time on the slopes.

As the program rolls out more widely, it could change how many skiers think about renting versus owning equipment, especially for those who only hit the mountain a few times each season.