Ski Equipment Hire

Ski Equipment covers skis, boots and poles. To help ascertain the right ski equipment hire for you the boots and skis are graded Bronze, Silver and Gold. Bronze are for adult beginners & children aged 3 - 7 yrs, silver for intermediate adults & children aged 7 - 12 yrs and gold for experienced skiers. Ski Hire packs for adults include all the main brands - Salomon, Dynastar, Rossignol, Head or Dynamic. For children, options include Rossignol R18, Nordica Super NO1 L and NO1 S.

Ski Hire

Bronze skis

Adult rental skis in this range are aimed at beginners. They are shorter, softer and have a less pronounced side-cut. This makes them more stable when turning. They are 2-3 seasons old giving more flexibility and making them more forgiving of mistakes. Skis are generally much shorter now than they used to be a few years ago but when you are starting off a nice short ski is much easier to manoeuvre!

The choice of skis for children will depend on the child's height rather than their ability. Skis for hire in the children's bronze range measure between 70 and 110cm. They should reach roughly between the child's chin and top of the head - longer if the child is an accomplished skier, smaller if they are inexperienced.

Silver skis

Adults skis in this range are aimed at those who have some skiing experience and now need a slightly more advanced ski to help them improve their technique. Intermediates often go for Parabolic skis which are good recreational skis. They have a pronounced side-cut and wider front tips. This makes them turn well but still allows them to be somewhat forgiving of mistakes. 'Carving' skis are also included in this category - these are slightly smaller and shaped allowing you to turn more easily.

The choice of skis for children depends more on a child's height than their ability. In the children's silver range skis measure between 120cm and 160cm. They should reach roughly between the child's chin and top of the head - longer if the child is an accomplished skier, smaller if they are inexperienced. These skis are suitable if the child is a first time skiers or hasn't skied extensively. If the child is very experienced go for the gold range.

Gold skis

These skis are for experienced skiers and those who want a technical ski hire to help them perfect their style. Once you have reached this level you might opt for skis according to their function. Skis in this category include carving skis, race carvers, race skis and slalom skis. Skis are a maximum of one season old.

Skis in the children's gold range measure between 120cm and 160cm. Follow the basic rule that skis should reach between the child's chin and top of head - the more accomplished the child, the longer the ski should be.

Testing skis for size, comfort and control

When hiring your skis the assistant will assess your height and ask you for your ability and weight! This will help them adjust the bindings on the skis correctly so that if you fall the skis will release, avoiding or reducing injury. (The bindings are the piece of equipment that attach your boots to the ski)

If you have your own boots and are just hiring skis don’t forget to take your boots with you to shop so the bindings can be adjusted.

Ski Boots

Bronze Ski Boots

Ski boot hire for adults who have less than a week's skiing experience. Comfort and flexibility are the most important criteria. The boots are usually a few seasons old to make sure they are broken in and therefore more comfortable. Boots in the children's bronze range are aimed at children between 3 and 7 yrs, regardless of whether they have skied before.

Silver Ski Boots

This range of ski boots are for intermediate adult skiers - from those who can manage easy greens to those that are confident on reds. The boots are quite rigid to help transfer the movements of your feet more effectively through to your skis. This will improve your control and consequently your skiing. The children's boots in this range are aimed at children between 7 and 12 yrs who are first time skiers or who have not skied extensively. The boots are not too rigid.

Gold Ski Boots

These ski boots are for experienced skiers who require a firm, technical ski boot with maximum responsiveness. The children's selection is aimed at 7 - 12 year olds, who have skied for several years and can cope with a more rigid boot.

Testing ski boots for size, comfort and control

You'll wear your ski boots for up to 7 hours a day so they must be suitable for your skiing ability and comfortable. The first time around getting the right fit can be more a process of luck than judgement, but knowing what to look for will help. The best way may be to try a variety of boots and do not be afraid to change them during the week if they are painful.

Tips for testing your rental boots:

Wear your ski socks when you go to collect your boots and avoid wearing trousers that are tight fitting on the calf muscle or you may have to take them off to get your ski boots on!
Try to stand on the tip of your toes in the boot. Your heel should not raise more than half a centimetre from the sole. If you can roll your foot within the boot your edge control will be hindered.
Lean right back. Your toes should just skim the front of the boot. If they can't the boot is too big but if they are pushing hard against the front they are too small.
Tap your heel and then your toe against the ground. If your foot slides back or forth, then the boot is probably too big.
Make sure you can wiggle your toes. If not the reduced circulation will make them cold and cause cramp.
Walk around the shop to check for pain or discomfort. Particularly susceptible points are anklebones, shins and toes.

Ski Poles

Ski poles help skiers to make parallel turns and ski in deep powder conditions. Poles consist of a shaft, a handle and a basket. There are different styles but at recreational level there is little difference. There are varying schools of thought on when ski poles should be used. There is general consensus that they are not required for complete beginners. Many skiers choose to ski without poles, turning to carving skis and taking a more freestyle approach.

The most important thing to remember when choosing poles is to get the right size - turn the pole upside down and hold it just below the basket, with knees slightly bent and the pole on the ground your arm should make a right angle.