How to Size Your Rental Apparel

As far as apparel goes, your pants are the most important part of your outfit that needs to be comfortable. Nothing's worse than feeling like your pants are cutting off your circulation at the waist or like they're about to expose your heart-patterned boxers baselayers. 

While most ski pants run true to size, you might want to size up if you tend to be wider around the waist, or size down if you're narrower around your waist. You want a snug fit so they don't feel like they're slipping but not so tight that they're squeezing you - waterproof pants aren't exactly known for their stretch. If you're in between sizes we recommend sizing up and adding a belt to secure them. Our Columbia, The North Face, and Arc'teryx ski pants all come with belt-loops so you can always add a belt. They cinch around the ankle so you can pull them over your ski, snowboard, or snow boots to keep out snow.

The next part of your ski pants to look at is the length. Most pants (including our rental ski pants) come in three lengths: short, regular, and long. That refers to the inseam length (like how denim is often sized) and range an inch or two depending on the size. They usually fall in the following ranges: 

Since pant sizing and lengths do run differently based on manufacturer, we recommend checking out the vendor's specific size-charts for accurate measurements. If you find you're in between sizes, we generally recommend sizing up in the waist and adding a belt and sizing down in the length to prevent your pants from dragging on the floor.

The good news about snow jackets is that they all run pretty true to size and they're easier to adjust into a good fit. Most jackets have velcro on the sleeves that'll allow you to adjust at the wrist to make baggy sleeves a bit more snow-proof. They should be snug enough to keep you warm with out too many layers but roomy enough to add in a mid-layer (or two if you run cold). 

Since jacket sizing does run differently based on manufacturer, we recommend checking out the vendor's specific size-charts for accurate measurements. If you find you're in between sizes, we generally recommend sizing up so you have room for a midlayer if needed (and for added steez).

Don't forget to get the right fit for your baselayers, socks, & gloves! The last thing you want to deal with is a sock slipping into your boot or gloves that won't let you bend your fingers enough to grip your ski poles.

Baselayers should fit snugly, almost like a second skin. They're usually true to size and we recommend wearing what your underwear sizing usually is!

There is a way to measure hands for glove sizing! Measure the circumference around the widest part of your palm, and the length from the heel of your hand to the tip of your middle finger.

The fabric between your fingers should slot in there against your skin, so you don't feel like a frog with little webs in between. You can either pull your sleeve over your glove and velcro at the wrist or vice versa, glove over sleeve to keep snow out (I personally prefer the second). P.S. Gloves are better for dexterity, mittens are warmer, generally.