Rent vs take on plane?

I have always been one to take my own gear when heading out West. However this year with most airlines charging for bags I figured it was going to cost about $200 in extra fees to get mine and my wife's sticks out West. Doing research I found I could rent in Truckee ( I am going to Squaw) for a less than $200. Pretty sure I can cram 3 days of ski gear in my carry on roller bag and backpack.

It seems like a good deal. Any thing I might be missing.

Helmet will be an issue, but given the state of air travel today, I might just wear it on the plane!!

Boots?

Tahoe Dave's had a pretty good selection of gear. There is one near the entrance to Squaw and I another in Tahoe City. www.tahoedaves.com/

I would also check with UPS & FedEx. You can ship your gear and either they will hold it for you until you call them or check with the hotel and they might accept the package prior to your arrival. It also appears Tahoe Daves will also accept your gear.

When are you going? I'm in the process of doing some trip planning (dreaming), and there's a chance I might be in N. Tahoe on 2/22/10.

+1

I prefer to have my own gear. But if I had to compromise I would rent skis and poles, but take my own boots. IMHO.

You can rent pretty much any kind of ski you want. As long as the tune is good, ski X is ski X. But you can't necessarily rent boots that fit correctly and are comfortable.

If you do decide to rent anything, I would also second the Tahoe Dave's suggestion. They have a nice selection and you can pick up/return at any of their locations.