Having trouble deciding on which model skis or snowboard to hire? Wondering whether you should bring your own boots with you? There are loads of questions that present themselves when it's time to hire skis or a snowboard. In this article we'll endeavour to answer some of the most common ones.
First things first, will you be hiring your skis/snowboard or bringing your own? Even if you have your own gear, you may have considered renting on-site. There are several good reasons to do this, and it's a matter of weighing up the pros and cons. A word of advice - since ski boots are so hard to fit, some people choose to bring their own ski boots but hire skis on-site.
Ski/Snowboard Hire Pros & Cons |
|
|---|---|
|
Pros
-No checked luggage fees or lugging skis halfway across Europe -Opportunity to try out the latest models -Skis/snowboard are already waxed, tuned and ready to go |
Cons
-Risk of getting uncomfortable boots or equipment that's not right for you -Long queues at ski hire shop -Can be expensive |
If you're taking your own equipment, you might want to consider travelling to the Alps by train or car as it will allow you to avoid luggage fees. Some airlines also offer special deals on checked luggage for ski and snowboard equipment. With Christmas coming up, now is a good time to ask for a ski bag or boot bag to carry your stuff easier! Don't forget to get your skis waxed and your edges sharpened before the season starts, so you don't find yourself queuing at the tuning shop when you get to the resort. And don't forget to check the weather forecast to make sure the skis you're packing are appropriate for the conditions.
While you can certainly show up in-resort and start the rental process there, a lot of companies nowadays are moving towards online ski hire. This allows you to save time and stress by choosing your equipment from the comfort of your own home and simply picking it up when you arrive. Check out our article on online ski hire for more information, and don't forget to pick a shop that's close to your hotel or to the slopes to save walking around the ski resort with all your gear. And once you get your skis, make sure you examine them for any scratches on the underside or edges. They should have been tuned by the ski shop, but especially later in the season, some pairs get pretty banged up. Don't be afraid to take a few minutes longer in the shop to make sure you get properly fitting gear that's in good condition and appropriate for your level.
One thing that has many of us scratching our heads when it's time to hire our skis or snowboard is whether to get the best or cheapest option. With so many brands falling over themselves to stock ski hire shops with the latest and greatest gear, it's certainly appealing to get the best pair going. Then again, the top-tier equipment tends to be much more expensive than the cheapest pair. How do you know whether it's worth getting the best pair?
Better-quality skis and snowboards are made for people who will be putting the equipment through its paces. Thus, the more expensive gear will usually feature stiffer boots, tighter bindings, and skis or a snowboard that are designed to transfer as much power as possible from your legs down into your skis or snowboard. While these are certainly advantages for people who plan on tackling challenging terrain, they're not necessarily the best for beginner or beginner-intermediate skiers or snowboarders. For those who will be be skiing gentler slopes, look for skis or a snowboard that are easy to turn, which you'll find in the cheaper models. Wondering how to fit your ski boots? Check out this article >
We definitely recommend getting insurance for your hired skis or snowboard. Although it's relatively rare, ski and snowboard theft does happen and many shops will put you on the hook for the full price of the gear that was stolen, which can be upwards of £500. For as little as a couple of euros a day, you can usually protect yourself against any liability. Just be sure to ask what exactly the insurance covers - sometimes you'll still be responsible for part of the cost of the skis. It might be worth investing in a ski lock if your ski resort has compatible racks.
Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!
