Hiring and buying gear

Beginners

Most people shouldn't buy gear until they've spent a season or two on the slopes. You can hire from all the commercial ski fields, and four of the ten club fields: Rainbow, Hanmer Springs, Mt Cheeseman, and Temple Basin (but you must book in advance at Temple Basin).

For snowboarders, wrist guards are generally free with your hire (although a refundable deposit of around $10 may be required). You can also hire from sports shops close to the slopes if you want to avoid queues once you get up the mountain. By hiring from a sports shop, you also get more opportunity to choose what type of gear you want. If the shop doesn't stock it, then head around the corner to the next one.

Snowplanet, Mt Dobson and Snow Farm are the only commercial ski-fields that offer a student discount on rental gear: $4 on average. Secondary and primary school students are better catered for with most fields offering a slight discount on full rental prices, although the age range varies among fields. Hiring gear for consecutive days can also drop the price slightly.

Intermediate

If you're somewhere between "beginner" and "advanced", there are two rental options worth looking out for:

• Several major commercial fields (for example Whakapapa, Turoa, Mt Hutt, Treble Cone, Cardrona, Coronet Peak, and the Remarkables) now offer performance rentals. So, rather than hiring basic equipment, you can take out a selection of skis or snowboards to trial. It's a good option if you're considering buying your own gear. Performance packages cost an extra $15 on average for skis.
  
  
• Whakapapa, Turoa and Treble Cone offer season-long rentals. That means you can spend a season learning to ski or snowboard on consistent, familiar equipment. Whakapapa and Turoa give you the option of buying your skis or snowboard at the end of the season. Season-long rentals cost between $205 to $370 at Whakapapa and Turoa depending on what you want to hire. Treble Cone is more expensive at $375 to $600.

Buying equipment

It's worth considering buying your own equipment if you head to the slopes regularly. You might be lured up the mountain more often if you don't have to worry about hiring gear.

Boots should be the first item on your shopping list. Boots aren't as specialised as skis (one type of boot will be suitable for a range of ski types). You'll be able to avoid uncomfortable rental boots for seasons to come. Likewise if you're a serious snowboarder, the first item to buy is boots. That way you can try out various boards and bindings in comfort.

Skis and snowboards

Take your time when buying skis. By hiring you can try out a variety of different ski styles, avoid the costs associated with shipping your skis from one field to another, and ride the latest innovation in ski technology. Before you buy keep an eye out for demo days when companies let you trial their products on the slopes.

The same applies to snowboards when you're starting out. Opting for a season-long hire means you can find out what sort of board will suit your weight, height, shoe size, and board-riding style.