What Christy Sports is and how to use it
Christy Sports is a privately owned ski and snowboard retailer with physical locations across Colorado and one in Utah. The company sells skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, helmets, goggles, jackets, pants, base layers, and other winter sports gear. You can shop in person at their stores or online at christysports.com, and they offer services like boot fitting, ski tuning, and equipment rental.
Christy Sports is not a discount outlet or a clearance-only operation — it is a full-price retailer that carries current-season inventory from major brands. If you are looking for specific gear or want informed fitting help in person, you can visit a store location. If you want to compare prices or browse before committing, you can check their website. The company also rents skis and snowboards by the day or season, which is useful if you are new to the sport or do not want to buy equipment yet.
Key Takeaways
- Christy Sports operates physical stores in Colorado and Utah, plus an online store, and carries current-season ski and snowboard equipment from established brands.
- Boot fitting and ski tuning are available in-store, which can matter more than the brand of boot or ski you choose.
- Rental equipment is available by the day or season if you want to try skiing or snowboarding without buying gear first.
- Prices are full retail, not discounted, so comparing with online retailers and other shops makes sense if cost is a factor in your decision.
Physical store locations and what you can do there
Christy Sports has multiple locations in Colorado, including stores in Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, and mountain towns like Vail, Beaver Creek, and Breckenridge. There is also one location in Park City, Utah. You can find the full list of addresses and hours on their website.
In-store, staff can fit you for boots — this is the most important service they offer, because a poorly fitted boot ruins the skiing experience and can cause injury. They can also tune skis, wax boards, adjust bindings, and answer questions about gear. If you are renting, you pick up and return equipment at the store location nearest to where you are skiing.
Online shopping and shipping
Christy Sports ships orders from their website to addresses across the United States. Shipping costs and delivery times vary depending on what you order and where you live. You can check shipping details at checkout before you pay.
If you buy online and want to return something, you can ship it back or return it to a physical store if you live near one. Return windows and restocking fees, if any, depend on the item and when you bought it — check the return policy on their website or call a store to ask about a specific purchase.
Rental options for skis, snowboards, and boots
Christy Sports rents skis, snowboards, boots, and sometimes helmets and goggles. Daily rental rates vary by location and equipment type. You can also rent for a full season, which costs less per day than renting day by day if you plan to ski or snowboard many times.
To rent, you need a valid ID and a credit card. Rental equipment is checked and maintained regularly, but it is not new — it is used by many people over a season. If you are a beginner or trying the sport for the first time, rental is a sensible choice before spending money on your own gear. If you are an experienced skier or snowboarder, you may prefer to own equipment that fits your style and ability.
Boot fitting and why it matters
Boot fit is the single most important factor in comfort and control when skiing or snowboarding. A boot that is too loose will not transfer your movements to the skis; a boot that is too tight will cut off circulation and cause pain. Christy Sports staff can measure your foot, check your arch and heel, and help you find a boot that matches your foot shape and skiing style.
If you buy boots online or from another retailer, you can sometimes bring them to Christy Sports for a fitting adjustment — ask the store whether they do this and what they charge. Many people find that paying for a professional fitting saves money in the long run because they do not have to buy multiple pairs of boots to find one that works.
Comparing Christy Sports to other retailers
Christy Sports competes with other ski shops, big-box sporting goods stores, and online retailers. Big-box stores like Dick's Sporting Goods and REI carry ski gear but may have less selection and staff informed in boot fitting. Online-only retailers like Evo and Backcountry often have lower prices but no in-person fitting or tuning. Local independent ski shops in mountain towns may have deeper informed but fewer locations.
If you value in-person service and informed fitting, Christy Sports' physical locations are an advantage. If you prioritize price, you will want to compare their prices with other retailers before you buy. If you live far from a Christy Sports store, their online option lets you shop without traveling, though you lose the fitting service unless you already know your boot size and type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent equipment for just a few hours instead of a full day?
Rental periods vary by location. Most Christy Sports stores rent by the day, but some mountain locations may offer half-day or hourly rates during peak season. Call the store nearest to where you want to ski to ask about their specific rental options and pricing.
Do I need to buy from Christy Sports to use their tuning and repair services?
No. Christy Sports offers tuning, waxing, binding adjustments, and other services to anyone, whether you bought your equipment there or elsewhere. Bring your skis or board to a store and ask about service options and turnaround time.
What brands does Christy Sports carry?
Christy Sports stocks major ski and snowboard brands including Salomon, Atomic, Head, K2, Burton, and others. The exact brands and models in stock vary by location and season. Check their website or call a store to see whether they have a specific brand or model you are looking for.
Can I return gear I bought in-store if I order it online instead?
Yes, most Christy Sports locations accept returns of online purchases at the physical store. Bring your order confirmation and the item in its original condition. Return policies are the same whether you bought online or in person.
Do I need experience to rent equipment from Christy Sports?
No. Beginners can rent skis, snowboards, and boots. Staff can help you choose equipment suited to your ability level. If you have never skied or snowboarded before, consider taking a lesson at the resort — instructors can teach you how to use rental equipment safely.