How to rent winter sports equipment?
Calgary is the perfect starting point for a winter vacation: the slopes of Rocky Mountain National Park are half an hour away, and there are dozens of ice rinks and ski trails in the city. To avoid buying a full set of equipment, take advantage of the extensive network of rental centers. Below is a detailed guide to help you find the right gear, save money, and save time.
Main equipment rental centers
University of Calgary Outdoor Centre – “the universal soldier”
Location: KNB 180, 2500 University Dr NW.
Assortment: mountain and cross-country skis, snowboards, fat bikes, snowshoes, tents, skates, ice picks.
Prices: $30–50/day for bikes or skis; “4 days = 2 days” promotion on all winter equipment.
Reservations: online through your personal account, return the equipment to the gear drop box after 11:00 p.m.
Deposit: credit card imprint; $300 for skis and snowboards.
WinSport Rentals – everything you need for the slopes near the city
Location: Canada Olympic Park, 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW.
Assortment: alpine skis, snowboards, helmets, protective gear, children's sets; tubing trails have a separate tubing park.
Packages: “Learn to Ski” includes equipment + lesson; seasonal pass gives 10% off rentals.
Reservations: online when purchasing a ski pass; pick up at the Rental Shop under the main gondola.
Additional services: service center with hot wax for 15 minutes.
Sports Rent – equipment “hospital”
Location: 4424 16 Ave NW (near Saracen Trail).
Assortment: AT skis, avalanche kits, ice axes, snowshoes, fat bikes, helmets, children's sleds.
Prices: AT kit (skis, bindings, boots, poles) — $60/day; snowshoes — $15/day.
Options: one-time free binding adjustment, 10% discount on rentals of 4+ days.
Life hack: from October to December, the store has a sale on ex-rental gear with a 40% discount.
Bow Cycle & Rentals – fat bikes and electric bikes
Locations: 6501 Bowness Rd NW (main) and 632 Confluence Way SE (East Village).
Assortment: fat bikes, e-fat bikes, city bikes, helmets, child trailers.
Rates: fat bikes $85/day; e-fats $99/day; helmet included.
Advantages: largest fleet of rental e-bikes in the city center, free lock, and route tips along the Bow River.
Skate Rentals
| Location | Equipment | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olympic Oval (U of C) | Skates, helmets | $7 adults, $4.75 youth | “The fastest ice in the world,” lockers |
| Bowness Park | Skates, ice bikes | from $12/2 hours | 1.6 km ice trail |
| Olympic Plaza | Skates, helmets, skating aids | $15 adults, $10 children | Open from November to March |
Secondhand and service centers
| Store | Profile | Why it's worth it |
|---|---|---|
| Ski Cellar Snowboard (4 locations) | Ski and snowboard rental/service | Free edge tuning with rental |
| Lou’s Performance Centre | Ski tuning, race equipment rental | Online booking of time slots |
| Pedego Calgary | Class C electric bikes | 100 km battery, $99/day |
Comparison table of popular prices
| Equipment | Rental location | One-day rental | Deposit/terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine skis (set) | WinSport | $55–65 | $300 card |
| Snowboard (set) | WinSport | $55–65 | $300 card |
| Cross-country skis | UCalgary Outdoor Centre | $25–35 | $150 |
| Snowshoes | Sports Rent | $15 | ID + $50 |
| Fat bike | Bow Cycle | $85 | Credit card |
| Ice skates | Olympic Oval | $7 | No |
| Ice bike | Bowness Park | $30/hour | Photo ID |
How to book and what to bring
- Online booking. Winter holidays are peak season; reserve your equipment 2–3 weeks in advance.
- ID and credit card. Most centers keep a copy of your card as a deposit.
- Try before you buy. At the UCalgary Outdoor Centre, you can come in a day ahead and get your boots fitted for free.
- Safety equipment. Helmets are mandatory at WinSport; avalanche gear is only issued after signing a waiver.
Money-saving tips
- Rent + Lesson at WinSport: a lesson with an instructor + a full set is 20% cheaper than individual services.
- Student discounts: UCalgary Outdoor Centre — 10% for students of all universities in the city.
- Multi-day package: Sports Rent offers a 4-day package for the price of 3 days.
- Swap Meets: The Calgary New & Used Ski Sale in November allows you to exchange your rental equipment for your own with a discount of up to 60%.
Checklist before hitting the slopes
- Boots fit snugly but without pain.
- Bindings are adjusted to your weight and style.
- Helmet is crack-free and the strap is adjustable.
- Avalanche transceiver (if needed) activated and tested.
- Rental number and return time saved on your phone.
Conclusion
Calgary offers a flexible and affordable equipment rental system for any winter hobby, from speed skiing at Canada Olympic Park to ice marathons at Bowness Lagoon. With online booking, package discounts, and student rates, you can save up to 40%. The key is to plan ahead, take care of your gear, and enjoy the snowy season without breaking the bank.