Services & Rentals

OUR SKI SHOP – 5657 South Harlem Ave. CHICAGO IL. 60638

SERVICES & RENTALS PROVIDED BY THE GOSKAND CO. INC.

SKI/BOARD SEASONAL LEASE PROGRAM 2024/2025

MOSTLY STARTS OCTOBER 1-th to December -30

Season Rentals can be picked up beginning October 1 and are due back by March 30 – April 15

*Please note:  Reserve early – rental quantities are limited. click

WHAT IS A SKI/BOARD SEASONAL LEASE?

GOSKAND offers the best rental selection in the city, the hottest retail brands, and an array of services to keep your gear in tip-top shape.

The Goskand Ski Shop allows you to lease adult and youth ski and snowboard equipment. For children, leasing enables you to put your child in the correct size of equipment, allowing them to progress faster and enjoy winter sports. 

The leasing program also starts after December 30th, and we will accommodate everyone as best as possible while supplies last. Stop in early for the best selection.

We will size you and your child and fit you/them in the appropriate equipment. We will adjust and tune up the gear and allow you to keep it until the end of March.

If your child grows or you have a fit issue during the season we will do everything. We can re-fit you or your child, but we cannot guarantee that we will be able to fit all circumstances.

 

To lease we need the following:

1. A valid driver’s license

2. A valid credit card (not a debit card) that expires after 30 April 2025

PARENTS

We have a limited selection and they go fast, so we recommend the earlier, you get them the better.
So if you are not hyped on the idea of spending your hard-earned cash on your kiddo’s winter gear just to see them outgrow it in a month or two, check out the seasonal rental option. That way when that child of yours outgrows their stuff, just swing back by and we will change it out for bigger gear, no problem.

All Ages (0-17) from December – – – to the end of Midwest ski season

Skiutleie Nesbyen Alpinsenter

 

Season Leases

We offer season leases for kids, young adults, and for the first time, adults too! Pick up a setup and keep it for the duration of the season – return it to us before our inventory – March 15-31. 

 

Child Season Lease Program 

For Children aged 12 and under

$179 Season Lease Package

Includes skis, boots, bindings, and poles (if your little one is ready) 

$65 - Only Boot Season Lease

Comes with a free binding adjust to their skis

$120 Only Ski Season Lease

Comes with a free binding adjust to their boot

$185 Twin Tip Season Lease

 Includes skis, boots, bindings and poles (Limited Availability)

Young Adult Season Lease Program

For Young Adults age 12 through 16

$199 Season Lease Package

Includes skis, boots, bindings and poles

$75 Boot Season Lease

Comes with a free binding adjust to their skis

$130 Ski Season Lease

Comes with a free binding adjust to their boot

Adult Season Lease Program

For Adults age 18+

$229 Season Lease Package

Includes skis, boots, bindings, and poles

$85 Boot Season Lease

Comes with a free binding adjust to their skis

$160 Ski Season Lease

Comes with a free binding adjust to their skis

Snowboards Rental

Junior Snowboard with bindings + boots ;   size      90 cm – 130 cm =  $ $199.00

Adult Snowboard with bindings + boots ;    size    140 cm – 170 cm =  $ $229.00

 

Please note:

All equipment is rented on a first come first served basis. There are no reservations.
Renters under 18 years old – must have a parent or guardian present to sign the rental forms.
A credit card in the renter’s name is required for a security deposit. Debit cards; check cards, cash, and checks cannot be used for the security deposit.
Rent your equipment after 4 PM and that day will not be charged.
Return the equipment before 2 PM and that day will not be charged.

PS. We offer rentals daily, and you have the opportunity to return them up next day

before 2 pm and save yourself the headache in the late afternoon.  

SHOULD YOU RENT, LEASE, OR PURCHASE SKIS AND SNOWBOARDS

Winter is drawing near, and mountain resorts are finalizing their prep work for the next ski and snowboard season. 

FREQUENCY OF SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING

For example, if the average daily rental fee will be $40-60 and if you only go a few times per year, it may be cheaper to rent. However, even if you only ski a few times. The rental fees will start to add up. So if you only get to the mountains 5 times a year, three seasons of rental costs will be roughly equivalent to the purchase price of your brand-new skis or snowboard. To go along with this, owning your gear also enables you to trade them in for cash when you are ready to purchase new ones.

LEASING

Another, and usually prudent, option is seasonal leasing. In essence, leasing your skis or snowboards annually guarantees that your gear will be fresh every season. Also, leasing solves the issue of children outgrowing their gear or renting every time you go to the mountain. This method is also good for adults looking to try something new without having to break the bank. Leasing is often a favorable option, and The Goskand Ski Shop offers great leasing packages for children and adults to help you save money.

ABILITY LEVEL

Your skill level will also influence your decision. If you are a beginner, then renting has its benefits. Renting skis or snowboards allows you to discover what style you enjoy and what equipment you prefer.

 As your ability level increases and your runs become more difficult and aggressive, it is important to have your own equipment. For riders and skiers who go often and are adept on the mountain, it is recommended to own your skis or snowboard to promote comfort, safety, and performance.

AGE

This is quite simple, parents do not want to needlessly waste money by buying their children skis or snowboards that they will quickly outgrow. For growing children, it often makes fiscal sense to lease, as their size can change abruptly. Fully developed adults obviously do not have this problem because other than some weight fluctuations, their bodies remain consistent.

DETERMINING SKI LEVEL

Since there is a diverse population of skiers, skis are not created in the realm of “one size fits all” simplicity. Rather, skis are uniquely designed to fit all sizes, shapes, and skills to guarantee that everyone can equally enjoy the slopes. Here is an example of how some skiers may be labeled:

1. Beginner-level for those who have never skied or have only gone a few times. Beginner skis will have a soft flex to enable easy turning and thus be more forgivable.

2.      Intermediate – This skier knows his way around a mountain, but is not quite ready for the toughest blues, and still needs some work before tackling black diamond trails.

3.      Advanced – At this level, you can successfully traverse black diamonds and most terrains in any weather condition. At high speeds, you can make, high and low-radius turns. Advanced skiers usually require top-of-the-line models.

TYPES OF SKIS

Once you have settled on your skill level, you have to choose your ski type. 

1.       Recreational Skis – These skis cater to the novices. The length is short, and the flex is soft, enabling smooth turns and easy control. If you are not an avid skier and avoid most obstacles like powder or moguls, then these skis are your match.

2.       All-Mountain Skis – This is the closest you can get to all-purpose skis. As the name implies, all-mountain skis are effective on various terrains, including icy conditions and powder. Because of its versatility, these skis are perfect for the intermediate skier who wants to explore the different aspects of a mountain.

3.       Powder Skis – the widest skis you can buy, these skis are generally light to prevent sinking into deep, fresh snow. With their innovative design, they smoothly glide across the powder keeping the skier afloat. If you ski in high-storm areas like Colorado or Utah, powder skis are the choice.

4.       Racing Skis – As you can guess, these are built for speed. Longer, stiffer, and narrower than all mountain skis, racing skis maximize acceleration on hard snow by specializing in reducing vibrations and holding an edge in harder snow. These should only be purchased by intermediate or advanced skiers who enjoy going fast on hard-packed snow or spend a lot of time in race courses.

5.       Twin Tip (Freestyle) Skis – Another niche ski, these are lightweight and stress maneuverable. The name comes from both the tip and the tail of the ski being turned

6.       upwards, easing the difficulty of landing tricks and skiing backwards. Buy these if you spend most of your time in the terrain park.

 SKI LENGTH

One last factor you need to consider is the length of the skis. Length is very important because it affects both your overall comfort and your performance. A good place to start when selecting your length is height and weight. Generally, tall and heavy skiers require longer skis, while smaller and lighter skiers should look into shorter skis.

Skill level also comes into play when determining your ski length. As you read earlier, certain beginners should research shorter skis. For example, a common rule applied to beginners is to use a ski that comes to about your chin. These shorter skis promote control and help limit speed, which is what the beginner or casual skier needs to succeed.

The more experienced or vigorous skier may look for something longer, which allows you to aggressively and swiftly carve. Long skis allow you to fly down the mountain while taking wide, bold turns.

Obviously, a lot goes into buying skis. The important thing is to take your time to make an informed decision. Whether you are a beginner looking to go out for the first time, or an expert in need of new gear, we have what you are looking for. When you are ready, purchase from us and have some fun on the slopes!

HOW TO BUY SKI BOOTS AND HOW THEY SHOULD FIT

Your ski boots directly connect you to the skis, so they have a major effect your maneuverability and comfort on the slopes. Your boot’s movement is what moves your ski, so you cannot underestimate the importance of finding a pair of boots that fit correctly. The wrong boots can quickly ruin your day, so this guide will help you select boots that will guarantee a positive skiing experience.

SKI BOOT FLEX AND YOUR SKI LEVEL

The first step you must take when buying boots is pinpointing your ability level. Since skiers vary in skill, ski boots are customized to ensure that everyone can have a good time. Boots are given a flex rating that ranges from 45-160 (160 is the stiffest). The average rating for a male is around 100, so keep that in mind as you select your boots based upon these skill levels:

1.      Beginner – If you are a casual skier who only gets out a few times of year, a wider, more flexible boot will be the best choice. These boots generally have a softer flex, enabling an easier transfer of movement from the boot to the ski.

2.      Advanced – These boots are designed for the intermediate to advanced skier, one who makes aggressive turns and moves down the hill quickly. The thin lining and stiffer flex add a sense of feel to your movements. These boots are for skiers who can confidently carve blue and black trails.

3.      Expert – These are the stiffest boots you can buy. Stiff boots increase your responsiveness level, which means you will maintain precise control when making sharp turns at high speeds. These boots are designed for the best skiers.

As you can see, buying boots is dependent on your ability. If you do not go out often, it will be a waste of money to buy a stiff boot that will limit your enjoyment.

SKI BOOT TYPES

Boots are also customized based upon the different kinds of skiing you can partake in. The different types can make a significant difference on your performance, so make sure you are buying the right kind of boot.

1.      All Mountain Boots – These are the all-purpose skis. They are designed to excel on all areas of the mountain, and the majority of the boots you will see at The Ski Bum will fit into this category.

2.      Freestyle Boots – Freestyle boots are made for tricks and jumps, but these also can vary in flex. Freestyle boots for half pipes and jibbing generally carry a mild stiffness so there is some flexibility for landings; whereas stiffer models are better for high speed long jumps.

3.      Racing Boots – As you can imagine, these boots are built for speed. Usually the stiffest boots you can buy, racing boots provide maximum response and control. Your toes are as snug as humanly possible, so you often sacrifice comfort for performance with racing boots.

4.      Alpine Boots – Sometimes referred to as Touring Boots, these boots perform best in cross country terrains. Alpine boots are usually lightweight and stiff so you can navigate through deep powder in the open trails.


Our Specials

RELEASE CHECK SKIS  

REGULAR – $29.95 

Preseason SPECIAL – $19.95

When it comes to ski bindings, the most obvious setting of a ski binding is the Indicator on the toe and heel (aka DIN setting). The indicator has a sliding gradient scale whose numbers relate to the tension setting of the binding. The correct number setting for each skier is determined by inputting the skiers personal information into a formula developed by the binding manufacturer. Information such as age, height, weight and length of boot is factored in with the assessment of the skier’s ability and a number is calculated for the setting. You can have the setting increased if you find you are releasing early, but the chance of injury greatly increases when your bindings do not release when you really need them to. Most of the ski shops offer this service for $50 and up. Take advantage of our offer and be safe on the slopes.

What is twist release?

This is the release initiated by a twisting of the ski, or boot, perpendicular to the direction of travel. In other words, most commonly you go forward when your ski is going across the hill or your body rotates across the ski. Again this setting is determined by the formula, but you need to have an accurate idea of the subjective factor – your skiing style – and again, err on the side of safety.

What is lean release (aka forward heel release)?
This is the release necessary when you need to come out of the bindings as you are passing over the binding, i. e. you are taking a header.

Ski or Snowboard Base & Sharpen Edge / Tune Up – $ 45.00

Let our certified technicians get your gear ready for the slopes. We will grind the base and sharpen your edges on our GrindRite and Wintersteiger machine. The average retail price for this service is $ 50.00

click picture – Rental car for ski trip.