Skiing the dry, fluffy powder unique to Alberta's Rocky Mountains is the stuff of daydreams for skiers and riders everywhere. But dragging equipment from the four corners of the globe can be a different kind of challenge.

State-of-the-Art Gear for Rent

So there's good news and better news for those looking to lay down billowy powder turns at any of the region's six ski resorts. Lost luggage, damaged equipment and sore shoulders from carrying awkward, heavy gear is an unnecessary hardship. Each of the ski resorts has state-of-the-art equipment for rent and all are within a short, scenic drive of the international gateway cities of Edmonton and Calgary.

Those who prefer to buy will also find the best gear available for sale at each of the resorts and in nearby towns. But why fly with gear, pack it through the airport, pay an excess-luggage fee and wait by the oversized luggage counter when there are overwhelming benefits to renting at each resort?

"Our demo fleet is never more than one season old," says Brian Rode, vice-president of marketing and sales for Marmot Basin in Jasper National Park. "Every day demo gear is rented out, it gets a tune up. It's in top shape and freshly waxed."

Tune-Ups, Everywhere, All the Time

Regular tune-ups are common practice at each of the resorts, from Castle Mountain in the province's southwest, to Nakiska in Kananaskis Country, Ski Banff, Lake Louise Sunshine and finally Marmot Basin, the northernmost resort in Alberta's Rocky Mountains. Frequent tune-ups ensure that skiers get the most out of the equipment no matter the snow conditions.

Another benefit to renting is that it allows for unlimited changes of equipment. This means that regardless of weather, regardless of conditions, the right gear is available to make the most of the snow.

Boost Your Performance

"By renting the high-performance package you have access to a quiver," says Rode. "At Marmot we carry Head, Rossignol and Salomon and within that fleet we have quite a variety of all-mountain fat skis and carving skis. So each day you can switch your gear at no extra cost, be it from fat skis to carving skis, from longer to shorter."

On a cold and sunny day when the snow is groomed and fast, carving skis might be the weapon of choice. If some of that famous champagne powder is piling up on the resorts' steepest pitches, then powder fats might be the way to go.

Click here to read more about skiing in the Canadian Rockies.