I think buying skis is the right move, even if you don't take them internationally (which I might recommend you consider anyway). It's less of a slam dunk because your trips are short, but I still think it's worth it. Answering your cons:
Originally Posted by
evergrn
- What if there's an equipment failure on the mountain? I've had a situation where my boot no longer would snap into the bindings. Because it was a rental, the rental guys serviced it right on the mountain. Would resorts provide that type of service free of charge even if I hadn't rented from them?
Equipment failure for your own skis is rare, given that they won't be subject to the same wear and tear of rental skis, which might be rented out up to 2 times a day. The specific example of the binding issue you report is less of a concern when you're not on rental bindings, which are designed to slide to fit different boots without a tool.
Originally Posted by
evergrn
- I understand that skis (unlike boots) have to be maintained (waxed, edged, etc) all the time. I don't particularly have the knowledge or desire to have to do that all the time.
No need to do it yourself. Drop them off at a ski shop, whether on mountain or elsewhere. A simple wax and edge will roughly cost 40 USD, depending on where. Depending on how aggressively you ski, once a season should be fine.
Originally Posted by
evergrn
- Having to lug around skis is cumbersome.
This is true. I just came back from a trip where I had to check and carry two people's worth of equipment... by myself. Many places will do ski valet if you pay for it, so you can mitigate it. The benefits of being able to ski in equipment you know well outweigh the hassle, IMO.
Originally Posted by
evergrn
- Depending on the place, I will lose ski valet benefit by not renting (eg, Whistler Hilton's on-site ski shop Summit Sports will provide slopeside valet service if you rented from them, but Hilton does not provide such service [Westin does] so I believe you're left to carry your own skis to/from your room.)
Some resorts have lodges where you can pay to have your equipment stored. Vail, Deer Valley, and a handful of others come to mind.
Originally Posted by
evergrn
- If renting car, you'd have to either get a large SUV or a car with ski rack. Large SUV's are usually a lot more expensive. How does it work with ski rack at rental car places? Will the car be waiting with the rack already set up when you show up? If you're Emerald Club, then you lose the ability to select any car you want, then?
Depending on how many people are traveling with you, you can get something as small as a sedan with the seats folded down to carry them. Sounds like you belong to National EC - I've rarely had trouble getting SUVs on the aisle as a regular Emerald, Exec, and Exec Elite. No need, unless you plan to fill up the car, to fit a rack, which can be requested ahead of time and is typically fitted onto SUVs (so higher cost).
Originally Posted by
evergrn
- I'd imagine buying skis would be very much a crapshoot, unlike buying boots. How would I know I'm getting the right skis?
Easiest question to answer - since you're apparently comfortable with renting, spend a couple of days working with a shop, preferably slopeside, on demo skis. Any shop will work with you to figure out what the best ones to try based on your style and will allow exchanges during the course of the day. Try 3-4 different pairs just to make sure you've zeroed in on the right set. There's no need to buy them right there and then if you don't want and wait until the end of the season to get them on sale (or they'll let the day's rental fee go towards the purchase). Start with what you've liked from your rentals and go from there if you want.
The biggest pro you missed, like I said before, is the fact that you'll have equipment you are familiar with. That will make you a different type of a skier with more confidence to tackle more challenging terrain or to not be so tired by poorly tuned or poorly fitted skis. Skis in that regard are no different than your boots. That would be the reason to buy, even if you didn't use them internationally, so that your days are more enjoyable. Good luck!