Black Tie is a ski rental delivery service, not a traditional rental shop
Black Tie Ski Rentals brings equipment to your lodging instead of you going to a shop. You order online, choose your delivery time, and a technician arrives with skis, boots, poles, and helmets fitted to your specifications. The equipment is tuned and ready to ski when it arrives. You return it the same way — they pick it up from your accommodation, usually on your last day.
This model differs from walking into a resort base lodge or town rental shop, where you select from what is on hand and leave with equipment when ready. Black Tie requires advance ordering and works best if you are staying in a fixed location — a condo, hotel, or house — rather than moving between lodges or sleeping in your car.
The service operates in specific mountain towns and resort areas. Coverage is not nationwide; you need to check whether Black Tie serves your destination before booking.
Key Takeaways
- Black Tie delivers rental equipment to your accommodation and picks it up when you leave, eliminating a trip to a rental shop.
- You order in advance online and specify your ability level, height, weight, and boot size so equipment arrives fitted to you.
- The service is available only in certain ski resort towns and mountain areas, so confirm coverage at your destination first.
- Delivery and pickup times are scheduled during your stay, so you need a fixed address and flexibility around arrival windows.
- Pricing is typically higher than walk-in rental shops because you are paying for convenience and delivery labor, not just equipment access.
How ordering and delivery work
You start by visiting the Black Tie website and entering your destination and travel dates. The site shows whether service is available in that area. If it is, you create an account and select your equipment package — usually options for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers, or separate packages for skis and snowboards.
During checkout, you provide your height, weight, boot size, and skiing ability level. This information helps the technician arrive with equipment already sized to you. You choose a delivery window — typically a range of hours on your arrival day — and a pickup window on your departure day or the day before.
On delivery day, the technician arrives at your lodging with your equipment, boots already mounted and adjusted. They walk you through the fit, make any final adjustments, and explain the return process. You keep the equipment for the duration of your stay. On pickup day, you leave everything outside your door or meet the technician, and they collect it.
Pricing and what is included
Black Tie charges per day of rental, with discounts for longer rentals. A multi-day package costs less per day than a single-day rental. Prices vary by location and season; peak weeks (holidays, spring break) cost more than shoulder season. You can see the exact price for your dates and location before you complete your order.
Standard packages include skis, boots, poles, and a helmet. Bindings are set to your weight and ability level. Some locations offer upgrades — newer skis, performance boots, or premium helmets — at a higher daily rate. Snowboard packages are separate from ski packages and priced independently.
Delivery and pickup are included in the daily rate; you do not pay extra for the technician to come to your door. Damage waivers are available as an add-on if you want protection against accidental damage charges.
When Black Tie makes sense versus a walk-in shop
Black Tie is most useful if you are staying in a single location for several days and do not want to spend time finding and visiting a rental shop. It removes the logistics of getting to a shop, waiting in line, and carrying equipment back to your accommodation. If you arrive tired and want to ski the next morning, delivery the night before means you can sleep in and start later.
A walk-in rental shop is faster if you need equipment the same day you arrive, want to see and try on multiple options in person, or are only renting for one day. Shops are also usually cheaper because they do not include delivery labor. If you are staying in a remote cabin without straightforward road access, Black Tie may not serve your area, and a shop near the resort will be your only option.
If you are renting for a week or longer, the per-day cost of Black Tie can add up significantly compared to a shop's weekly rate. Compare the total price for your exact dates before deciding.
Service areas and how to check availability
Black Tie operates in ski resort towns across North America, but not everywhere. Major destinations like Aspen, Vail, Jackson Hole, and Whistler Blackcomb are typically covered. Smaller or more remote resorts may not be. The Black Tie website has a search tool where you enter your destination and dates; it will tell you when ready whether service is available.
If Black Tie does not serve your area, you will need to rent from a shop at or near the resort. Most resorts have multiple rental shops in the base village or town center, and many hotels and condos can recommend a nearby option.
Equipment condition and what happens if something breaks
Black Tie equipment is tuned and inspected before delivery. Skis are waxed, edges are sharp, and bindings are set to your specifications. If you notice a problem when the technician arrives — a binding that does not feel right, a crack in a ski, or a boot that does not fit — tell them when ready and they will swap it out.
Normal wear during your rental period is not charged to you. If you damage equipment through accident or misuse — a broken ski, a cracked boot, a bent binding — Black Tie will charge you for repair or replacement. The cost depends on the damage. A damage waiver, purchased when you order, covers accidental damage up to a set amount and protects you from these charges.
If equipment fails during your rental period due to a manufacturing defect or normal use, Black Tie will replace it at no charge. Report the problem to the company as soon as you notice it, and they will arrange a swap.
Cancellation and changes to your reservation
Black Tie allows you to modify or cancel your reservation through your online account. Cancellation policies vary by how close you are to your delivery date. Cancellations made well in advance (typically 7 to 14 days before delivery) are usually refunded in full. Cancellations closer to your delivery date may incur a fee or forfeit the rental cost entirely.
If your travel dates change, you can modify your reservation to shift your delivery and pickup dates, provided Black Tie still has availability for the new dates. Check your confirmation email or account for the specific cancellation and change policy that applies to your booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know my exact boot size before I order?
You should provide your best estimate, but the technician will verify the fit when they arrive and swap boots if needed. If you are between sizes or unsure, note that in your order notes and the technician will bring options.
What if I want to rent equipment for only one day?
Black Tie accepts one-day rentals, though the per-day cost is higher than multi-day rates. A walk-in rental shop may be cheaper and faster for a single day, especially if you are already at the resort.
Can I rent equipment for my whole family at once?
Yes. You can order multiple packages in one reservation — separate packages for adults, teens, and children with different ability levels. Provide each person's measurements and ability level during checkout, and the technician will deliver equipment sized for everyone.
What happens if I need to return equipment early?
Contact Black Tie as soon as you know you are leaving early. They will arrange an earlier pickup and may issue a partial refund depending on how many days you used the equipment and their cancellation policy.
Are helmets included, or do I have to pay extra?
Helmets are included in the standard rental package at no extra charge. You can decline a helmet if you prefer to use your own, but it is recommended for safety.