Essential Gear Checklist for First-Time Skiers: What to Bring vs. Rent

Cold-Weather Tips From: 冰城暖阳阳

For travelers from southern China coming to Harbin for skiing, it’s always confusing to figure out which gear to bring and which to rent. Today we’ll clear up all the confusion so you can travel light and have a great time!

Must-Bring Gear for First-Time Skiers

Base layers are a must—think moisture-wicking long underwear and thin fleece sets. These close-to-body items are clean, fit better when you bring your own, and feel more comfortable to move in. Ski goggles and helmets are also recommended to bring along, as they touch your face and head directly; your own gear is more familiar, reliable, and avoids potential hygiene concerns with rentals.

Gear You Can Totally Rent—Hassle-Free and Cost-Effective

Items like ski jackets and snow pants don’t need to be hauled from home—you can rent suitable ones right here in Harbin. Ice City Warm Sun’s mini-program is super user-friendly, especially for families traveling together. Just go to the “Family Trip” section at the bottom of the homepage, fill in each member’s height, weight, and shoe size, and the system will automatically match the right gear. You can also customize your order—choose a 2-piece, 5-piece, or 12-piece package, and even get tiered discount coupons. If the size doesn’t fit, you can also use a free exchange coupon—super thoughtful.

Rental Details to Avoid Pitfalls

When renting gear, first confirm your rental period—this is necessary to check stock and calculate the price. When selecting rental dates on the mini-program, be sure to pick specific start and end times; you can even rent by the hour, which is our exclusive feature. The last day of your rental counts as hourly for the first 6 hours, and full-day rates apply after that—this can help you save a bit of money. Pickup options are flexible: you can collect gear in person at the store, choose same-city delivery to your hotel, or pick it up at the 2nd-floor storage area of Harbin Taiping International Airport’s Terminal 2 (just book in advance). We also offer shipping via SF Express and JD.com, making it easy to take gear home with you.

How to Choose a Rental or Purchase Package—Based on Your Needs

If you’re only skiing, the 5-piece package is enough—it includes a down jacket, down pants, plus a cotton hat, cotton gloves, and snow boots for full fun. For more comprehensive coverage, the 12-piece package is better: in addition to the 5-piece items, it adds a face mask, scarf, extra cotton pants, thermal insoles, and hand warmers—this all-in-one set lets you head out the door ready to go. Deposits are low: 200 yuan for a down jacket and 100 yuan for down pants, which will be refunded to your original payment method immediately after return. Normal wear-related dirt and small scratches won’t be deducted from your deposit—this is very reassuring.

One Final Reminder

Gear is in short supply during peak ski season, so book as early as possible. You can check your orders in the “My Account” section of the mini-program. If the size doesn’t fit, you can contact customer service to exchange before the order ships, or follow the return/exchange process after it’s shipped. If you’re still unsure, just reach out to our live customer service team—our team provides attentive service, and we’re committed to making every visitor to Harbin feel warm and cared for, ensuring you have a fun and hassle-free trip.

From: 冰城暖阳阳