First Timer's Guide - Ski & Snowboard Rental Shop

Liberty Mountain Resort features state-of-the-art rental ski and snowboard equipment. For new skiers and riders, we offer special rental equipment designed to make learning easy and fun.

When you are first issued your equipment, it may look like something out of a science fiction movie. This page will help you get familiar with the features of the equipment and how it is used. Take a few minutes to review the information below and you'll look like an old pro when you get to the rental shop!

The first equipment you are issued are your boots. The rental technician will need to know your street shoe size to assure that your boots fit properly. Your boots should feel snug around your foot, but not tight. Once buckled, you should be able to wiggle your toes, but your heel should not move when you pull up on it. If your boots feel too loose or too tight, please do not hesitate to ask for a different size!

Skis 101 

Next, you will receive your skis. Our skis are all shaped skis, which mean they have a very deep sidecut. A deep sidecut makes the skis easier to turn. You will also notice that your skis are quite short. This is a good thing for learning - trust us!

On the top of your skis you will find complicated looking devices called bindings. These miracles of modern engineering not only hold your feet on the skis, but they also know when to let you go if you fall. A binding technician will set your bindings based on your weight, height, age, and ability level. Please be as accurate as possible to assure proper settings! You will also be issued ski poles which are used for balance and moving around.

Once you are out on the snow, your instructor will show you how to use your bindings to attach your skis to your feet. It's actually quite simple - place the little ledge on the front of your boot under the front binding piece (called the toe piece), line up your heel and press down. To get out, you simply press down on the lever in the back with your ski pole. If your ski comes off during skiing, the ski brake will stop it from continuing down the hill without you!

Snowboards 101 - Burton Learn to Ride Equipment 

Our all-new Burton Learn to Ride System will have you learning to turn in no time. This fleet of boards is the most innovative beginner equipment on the market, due to its soft core flex design and side bevel - perfect for making the first few turns!
Snowboards work pretty much like skis do. The big difference is that they are much wider, and you only get one. They have a sidecut just like skis, and turn the same way a ski turns.

Snowboard bindings have one big difference from ski bindings - they don't release! Once your feet are in, they should stay there. Getting in your snowboard bindings is easier than ever with Burton's strap-in bindings.

1. Line the back of your boot up to the base of the binding and guide the straps through each clasp.

2. Tighten it down until it is snug against your foot and ankle.

When strapping into your board before you get on the lift, you'll only want to secure one foot - your front foot - in the binding. You'll use your back foot to guide yourself to the lift, and strap it in once you get off the lift at the top of the hill.

3. To release, pull up on the lever of the rachet and the strap will be free to come loose.

Helmets

Helmets are becoming a popular choice. We strongly recommend that you educate yourself and your kids on the use of helmets. Visit www.lidsonkids.org for more information. Helmets are available for rent and for purchase at Liberty.

For your convenience, you can print a rental form here and complete it before your visit!

Now, onto the snow for your lesson...