Which ski rental package is right for your trip?
Planning your ski vacation to Park City comes with one surprisingly important decision: what level of rental ski should you choose?
When choosing between Sport and Performance ski rentals many skiers instinctively pick based on price — but sometimes that’s the wrong way to decide. One key difference maker between a fun day and a frustrating day on the mountain is how well your skis match your ability and the current snow conditions.
Jans offers two types of ski rentals:
- Sport Ski Rentals
- High Performance Ski Rentals
They may look similar in photos, but on snow they behave completely differently. This guide breaks down exactly who each package is for, how they perform, and when upgrading actually makes sense.
Quick Comparison
| Sport Skis | High Performance Skis | |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended Experience Level | Beginner → Intermediate | Advanced-Intermediate → Expert |
| Terrain | Groomers & mild terrain | All mountain, carving, powder, off-piste |
| Feel | Forgiving & easy | Precise, powerful, stable |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Requires technique |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Upgrade Worth It? | Not usually for beginners | Yes, for progressing and experienced skiers |
If you’re still unsure — keep reading. The “why” matters more than the specs.
What Are Sport Ski Rentals?
Sport skis are designed to make skiing easier — not faster. They prioritize balance, stability, and confidence so newer skiers can progress without fighting their equipment.
What They Feel Like On Snow
Think of sport skis like a forgiving suspension on a car.
They smooth out mistakes instead of amplifying them.
Typical characteristics:
- Easy turn initiation
- Slower, predictable edge engagement
- Stable at moderate speeds
- Reduced punishment for poor technique
These skis are ideal for groomed trails and light off-trail use and are specifically selected to help skiers build confidence.
Who Should Choose Sport Skis
Choose sport skis if you:
- Are learning to ski
- Ski green or easy blue runs
- Wedge or skid turns
- Want comfort over performance
- Ski 1–5 days per year
Important: Many skiers upgrade too early.
Advanced equipment can make learning harder, not easier.
What Are High Performance Ski Rentals?
Jans High Performance ski rentals are actual production models that we sell on this year’s ski wall or favorites from recent seasons. The constructions are more lively and responsive than Sport skis and more stable at higher speeds. We also have a range of models for customers to choose from based on skier preference and snow conditions.
They’re intended for strong intermediate to experienced skiers and include carving, all-mountain, and powder models.
What They Feel Like On Snow
Imagine switching from a sedan to a sports car:
- Instant edge grip
- Faster acceleration across turns
- Strong rebound energy
- Stable at speed
Terrain Advantage
These skis are designed to be capable in more terrain and different snow conditions. Most of the Jans High Performance rental skis fall in the all-mountain and all-mountain-wide categories, but we also have some carving-focused models and wider powder skis to choose from.
Who Should Choose High Performance Skis
Choose high performance skis if you:
- Parallel turn consistently
- Ski blue and black runs
- Like speed and carving
- Ski multiple days per season
- Want better grip on hard snow
Don’t Fall for this Common Mistake
Many improving skiers assume “Better skis = better skier.”
But the real equation is: “Right skis = faster progression.”
Why Beginners Struggle on High Performance Skis
High performance skis require edge angle and pressure. Beginners typically steer skis instead of shaping turns. It takes some experience and technique to engage the edges on High Performance skis.
Result:
- Skis feel hooky
- Hard to control speed
- Legs fatigue faster
- Learning slows down
Meanwhile sport skis naturally guide proper movement patterns.
When You Should Upgrade
You’re ready to move from Sport → High Performance when:
- You ski parallel all the time
- You finish turns across the hill
- You’re comfortable on steeper blues
- You want carving, not just sliding
If you still skid most turns, stay in Sport.
Terrain Matters
Many skiers underestimate how much terrain influences equipment choice.
Groomers
- Sport skis: smooth and predictable
- High performance: stable at speed and edge hold for carving
Steeps
- Sport skis: manageable but less stable
- High performance: dramatically better grip
Powder
- Sport skis: workable but tiring – not wide enough to float
- High performance: dramatically easier flotation
This is why frequent skiers almost always prefer performance rentals.
Cost vs Value
At Jans we aim to offer both our Sport and High Performance rentals at a reasonable price. The extra amount to upgrade from Sport to High Performance is going to be a very worthwhile for an experienced skier.
Jans 2025/26 ski rental pricing is listed below (single-day rates). Prices decrease for reservations longer than four and seven days.
- Sport Package: $39 per day
- High Performance Package: $59 per day
- Sport Ski Only: $30 per day
- High Performance Ski Only: $49 per day
The value of an upgrade really depends on the skier and their experience level.
Beginner
Sport Skis = more fun + faster learning
High Performance = not recommended + wasted money
Intermediate+
Sport Skis = they will work, but limited for progression and performance
High Performance = more capable + more fun (worth every dollar)
A Realistic Self-Assessment
Answer honestly:
Do you ever need to wedge to slow down?
→ Sport
Do you carve clean railroad tracks in snow?
→ High Performance
Do steeper runs scare you because you can’t stop quickly?
→ Sport
Do you seek steeper runs because they’re fun?
→ High Performance
Final Recommendation
Choose Sport Skis If
You’re learning to ski or getting back into it—or maybe you ski a handful of days each year, mostly on green runs. You want confidence, comfort, and progression. Sport skis help you learn and develop skills to start exploring more of the mountain.
If skiing feels boring → upgrade to High Performance
Choose High Performance Skis If
You’ve been skiing for a while and your skills have progressed past the capability of Sport skis. You want control, speed, and versatility. High Performance skis offer more potential for skill progression like carving and skiing more challenging terrain.
If skiing feels difficult → try Sport Skis instead
Making an honest assessment of your skills and experience is really crucial here. If after reading this you think you should get a Sport rental, then don’t let your ego or your ski buddies talk you into upgrading to High Performance before you’re ready. Having a ski that matches your skill level and the terrain you’ll be skiing is going to dramatically improve your on-mountain experience. On the other hand, if you really belong on a High Performance rental, we don’t recommend choosing a Sport rental instead—the skis aren’t going to be as much fun!
By Chris Norwood, Ecommerce Manager