Ski rental shop near a ski hill

Tourists and visiting families, beginners who don't want to buy gear, growing kids, and locals at smaller hills.

Rental fees per day or multi-day package, with add-ons such as helmets, tuning, waxing and damage waivers. Busy weekends and school breaks bring most of the income.

• Customer service and fitting people quickly
• Basic ski mechanics and equipment care
• Stock and booking organization

• Commercial general liability insurance, plus cover for your stock; check what is covered for injury claims
• Binding settings need trained staff following manufacturer and industry standards, so check training options
• Signed rental agreements and waivers; ask a lawyer or your insurer what wording is suitable in your province
• Municipal business licence and zoning; check with your municipality
• Quebec has French-language rules for signs and customer service, so check requirements if you set up there
• Highly seasonal income and a lease that runs all year; plan cash flow for the off-season
• Competition from rental desks run by the ski resort itself

Estimates put startup costs at typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on fleet size, location and shop setup. Your budget would need to cover skis, boots, poles, helmets and insurance.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000 as an estimate, depending on location, fleet size and how busy the season is. Income is highly seasonal, so plan cash flow for the off-season.

Check commercial general liability insurance and stock cover, trained binding adjustment, signed rental agreements and waivers for your province, and your municipal business licence and zoning. In Quebec, also check French-language rules for signs and customer service.