I'm in a similar situation as you with 8 and 6 year olds, both started to ski when they were 4, and my vote is buy.  When they first started out I chose to buy inexpensive used equipment.  I think the first set of boots and skis were like $50-75 total.  Both of my kids used them and I sold them to another member here for close to what I paid.  Kids don't need top of the line equipment when they're starting so used is fine. Owning your own equipment allows you to skip the rental line at the ski area and get right out on the slope.  It also increases the kid's stoke factor because you can let them play around with their gear in the back yard or even wear it around the house.  My kids still love to put their ski boots on and clunk around the house acting like robots! Another possible route is a seasonal rental from a local shop.  A seasonal rental has cost advantages over renting at the hill and again allows you to avoid the rental line. One thing I will note, if the kids are going to be in ski school most of the time while at the hill, the rental equipment is included in the cost of the ski school at most places.  So if they are going to be in ski school for most of their initial days, you might as well just let them rent equipment.  If they're