Vail Resorts’ newly announced Epic Experience initiative is focused on everything from mountain dining to ski lessons, but one of the biggest changes for everyday guests will happen at the rental shop.
As part of the company’s multi year plan to improve the guest experience, Vail Resorts is overhauling its rental program across its mountain network. The goal is to make renting skis and snowboards faster, more personalized, and easier before guests even arrive at the resort. For millions of skiers and snowboarders who rent equipment each winter, the changes could remove some of the biggest frustrations that come with the start of a ski day.
My Epic Gear rental features are expanding
Beginning with the 2026 and 2027 winter season, guests who reserve high performance Demo rentals at Vail Resorts rental locations across 12 participating resorts will receive many of the same benefits offered through the My Epic Gear program without paying the membership fee.
Guests will be able to choose their preferred ski or snowboard model before arriving. They can also select BOA ski boots or Burton Step On bindings when available. Instead of hoping the right equipment is available after reaching the rental counter, skiers will know what gear is waiting for them before they arrive at the mountain.
Even bigger changes are coming
Those improvements mark just the beginning.
Ahead of the 2027 and 2028 winter season, Vail Resorts plans to expand the rental experience even further. Guests will be able to select specific skis and snowboards online or through the My Epic app before their trip, and returning customers will be able to have their equipment tuned and ready for pickup or delivery without repeating the in store fitting process.
The company also plans to introduce slopeside valet service along with additional digital features designed to simplify browsing and booking rentals.
Together, the upgrades are designed to reduce time spent inside the rental shop and give guests more time on snow.
Part of a much larger strategy
The rental overhaul is one piece of Vail Resorts’ broader Epic Experience plan announced by CEO Rob Katz this week.
Rather than focusing primarily on growing the Epic Pass or expanding its resort portfolio, the company says its next phase will center on improving every stage of the guest journey. Along with rental upgrades, the initiative includes better mountain food, expanded digital services, enhanced private lessons through Epic Ascent, and continued investment in lifts and snowmaking.
Rentals are a key part of that strategy because they are often one of the first experiences destination visitors have after arriving at a resort.
What skiers should expect
Long lines, limited equipment choices, and repeated fittings have long been common complaints at ski resorts across North America. Vail Resorts is betting that giving guests more control over their equipment before arrival will create a smoother start to every ski vacation.
Many of the largest improvements will continue rolling out over the next two winters. Vail Resorts wants the rental process to become faster, more predictable, and more personalized than ever before. If the rollout delivers on that promise, ski rentals could become one of the most noticeable changes guests experience at Vail Resorts mountains long before they make their first turn.