Ski and Snowboard Rental FAQ

How close are you to Heavenly ski resort?
Powder House has 8 centrally located shops, all of which are within walking distance of the Heavenly Gondola, CA base lodge and the casinos.

What ski areas are around Lake Tahoe?
There are over 20 ski areas around the lake. The big six are Heavenly, Squaw, Kirkwood, Northstar, Sierra-at-Tahoe, and Alpine Meadows. While Heavenly, Kirkwood, and Sierra-at-Tahoe are closer to the South Shore, Squaw, Alpine, and Northstar dominate the North side of the lake.

How long does it take to drive to the North Shore resorts?
Given normal winter driving conditions, it usually takes about one hour and twenty minutes to drive to any of the North Shore resorts.

Is there public transportation to all the ski areas in Lake Tahoe?
Each of the big six resorts have bus transportation that departs from central South Lake Tahoe locations and hotels.

What is the winter weather like in Lake Tahoe?
Winter weather changes dramatically in a short period of time. Generally speaking, our weather is much milder than Utah, the Rockies, or the eastern ski resorts. The California Sierra Nevada Mountains are noted for huge amounts of snow fall accompanied by clear blue skies and reasonably mild temperatures (not frigid cold). Of course, one must remember that weather is unpredictable and anything can happen.

Does Powder House carry shaped (parabolic) skis?
Yes, we have a huge selection of shaped skis. We have picked out models that will match and benefit skiers at every ability level. Powder Houses' demo ski inventory consists of 80% new equipment each year. This assures you that you will receive quality, well maintained gear upon your visit.

Do you carry snowboards?
Yes, our snowboard fleet consists of premium equipment from Burton, Rossignol, Lib Tech, Palmer, Head, K2, and others. We carry both step-in and strap-in bindings.

Does it take very long to rent equipment?
Usually not, especially if you pre-purchase your equipment using our online reservations system. Customers who reserve their equipment online also receive the added benefit of a 20% discount!

I don't know how many days I'm going to ski/board. How do you charge for your rentals?
Powder House knows there are a lot of variables that influence how many days a person skis. Therefore, we will not collect payment from you until you have completed your ski vacation. You are only charged for the type of package you rented and for the number of days you had the equipment out. In addition, every 4th consecutive rental day is FREE!

I'm arriving in Reno, how long does it take to get to South Lake Tahoe?
If you are renting a car, drive time is approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. Upon leaving the airport, take US 395 South towards Carson City, go through Carson City and turn right onto US 50 to South Lake Tahoe.

I'll be arriving in the afternoon, can I get my rentals the night before?
Certainly, Powder House's main shop, located at 4045 Lake Tahoe Blvd, is open until 10pm every day. All other locations are open until 10pm during peak season. There is no additional charge for renting the night before (between 2 pm- midnight).

I have skied a few times each year for a few years, are those new shaped (parabolic skis) worth trying?
You bet! These skis have been designed to help you progress and perfect a carving turn versus a sliding turn. When a skier begins to feel a carving turn their level of confidence improves and the control and sensation that goes along with this technique is exhilarating. Beginners to experts enjoy shaped skis.

What are your prices for rental equipment?
Because of the variety of packages and individual items we offer, we can best answer this question by referring you to the rates section of this website. Please double click the rates tab at the top of our home page for more information. Rates listed here do not already include the 20% online booking discount. We are aware that each individual's preferences and number of days on the mountain differ, so if your question is not answered on the site, please contact us at 530.541.7470 for a personalized quote.

Can I combine the 20% discount with any other offers/coupons?
Your 20% discount is exclusively for those who reserve their equipment online and cannot be combined with any other offers to amount to a percentage greater than 20% off.

Does the 20% online booking discount apply during the holidays?
Yes, this discount applies every day of the season. No discount blackout dates!

How far in advance should I rent my equipment?
You are welcome to walk in any of our stores and rent your equipment upon arrival. However, to ensure a full day on the slopes you may want to use our online reservations system or rent your equipment the night before your first day on the mountain (beginning at 2 pm) for no additional charge.

Do you sell equipment that was used for past years' rentals?
At the end of each season we do sell selected items from our rental fleet. However, no sales are made during the season.

If I rent for 2 or 3 days, can I apply the rental fees toward the purchase of a set of skis?
Individuals who rent our super demo ski package may apply the charge for one day's rental toward the purchase of the skis. This applies to a selection of our super demo skis only.

If individuals in our group want to upgrade their skis, can they change their package type upon arrival?
Yes, depending on availability, any desired changes may be made to packages upon your arrival. However, note that changes to the equipment will result in changes to the price of the rental.

I was looking at the clothing rental prices but didn't see goggle rentals. Do you rent goggles?
No, unfortunately we do not rent goggles. Although they are not available in our rental fleet, we do have a variety of goggles available to purchase.

I don't know what ski length or type of ski will work best for me. Will the staff at the stores be able to suggest what will work best based on my specific measurements and ability?
Yes, worry no more. Powder House's ski tech's passion for the sport reaches far beyond the walls of our shops and onto the mountain. They will be able to give you suggestions based on their knowledge of, and personal experience with the equipment. We desire to provide you with the most comfortable and exhilarating experience at every ability level!

I'm looking to purchase skis but would like to try some out first. Are there any locations that can do this?
We just opened Powder House Boot & Demo Center located in the Heavenly Village of South Lake Tahoe. Here you can try a top of the line boot with a top of the line ski to find exactly what you want! We have over 46 different types of demo skis to choose from in every size!

I don't know if I can handle a full day of skiing; can I rent a half day?
Absolutely! After 12:30pm you can rent skis for a half day at half price. However, this doesn't include half price on our value package.

How much snow falls in Lake Tahoe?
At lake level, annual snowfall in South Lake Tahoe averages 125 inches. At alpine skiing elevations, the snowfall averages 300 to 500 inches each year.

 

Powder House has a few partners that we work with! Christy Sports is a 3rd party website that you can book Powder House ski rental reservations throughout Europe and North America. We are also partnered with Tahoe Dave's ski shop based out of North Lake Tahoe. If you rent from Powder House in South Lake Tahoe and choose to go to a ski resort in North Lake Tahoe, you can drop off your skis at a Tahoe Dave's ski shop when you're done! From there we will pick up the gear and vice versa.

Other Lake Tahoe Facts:

• Lake Tahoe is the North American Continent's largest Alpine lake; 22 miles long, 12 miles wide, and covers a surface area of 191.6 square miles, and has 72 miles of shoreline.

• Lake Tahoe is 2/3 in California and 1/3 in the State of Nevada.

• The Lake's surface is 6,226.95 feet above sea level and the natural rim is 6,223 feet above sea level, making it the highest lake of its size in the United States.

• Mt. Tallac at 9,735 feet is the highest peak rising from the shoreline. The highest point in the Tahoe Basin is Freel Peak at 10,881 feet.

• Lake Tahoe is the 3rd deepest lake in North America and the tenth deepest in the world. Tahoe's deepest point is 1,645 feet near Crystal Bay. The average depth of Lake Tahoe is 989 feet.

• The estimated 39.75 trillion gallons of water contained in the lake is 99.9 percent pure, with visibility to 75 feet below the surface.

• Lake Tahoe is, geologically, a "young lake" having been formed 10,000 to 11,000 years ago.

• Glaciers are responsible for carving out the broad U-shaped valleys that hold Emerald Bay, Fallen Leaf Lake, and Cascade Lake.

• 63 streams flow into Lake Tahoe, but only one, the Truckee River, run past Reno and into Pyramid Lake.

• Lake Tahoe loses much of its water to evaporation. If the water that evaporates from the lake every 24 hours could be recovered, it would supply the daily requirements of a city the size of Los Angeles.

• Although the summer's heat can warm the upper 12 feet to a comfortable 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Lake Tahoe never freezes over in the winter; this is due to the constant 39 degrees Fahrenheit, maintained at depths below 700 feet, largely because of the constant movement and volume of water.