Ski Equipment Hire
Adult Hire |
Children's Hire |
Tips for fitting |
Snowboard Guide |
General Information
Our ski hire packs include skis, boots and poles. There is the option to select solely skis and poles if you have your own boots. If you would like boots by themselves this is possible too - if you can't see any prices online then do give us a call on 01273 358076.
We have a range of adults and childrens packs depending on your ability and what price you'd like to pay - in most countries adult packs are split into Bronze, Silver and Gold, with Minikid, Espoir and Champion packs in the children's options. 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.For more details see below :
Adult Ski Packs
Bronze
The bronze pack includes reliable ski equipment at low prices. In general this pack is ideal for beginner skiers. The skis are often shorter, softer and have a less pronounced side-cut which makes them more stable when turning. They are 2-3 seasons old giving more flexibility and making them more forgiving of mistakes. For the boots comfort and flexibility are the most important criteria for beginners. The boots are usually a few seasons old to make sure they are broken in and
therefore more comfortable.
Example Ski Models : Rossignol Actys 100, Slsmon X-wing 500 or similar
Example Boot Models : Tecnica Entryx Rt or similar
Silver
This is are standard pack and is is 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.
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.
Example Ski Models : Rossignon Zethys, Dynastar Exclusive Sensation, Salamon Crossmax 120 or similar
Example Boot Models : Rossignol Xena X, Exalt X or similar
Gold
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. These ski boots are for experienced skiers who require a firm, technical ski boot with maximum responsiveness.
Example Ski Models : Rossignol Bandit SC80, Salamon X-wing 8 series, Rossignol Attraxion III or similar
Example Boot Models : Rossignol Exalt or similar
Childrens Ski Packs
Minikid
The choice of skis for children will depend on the child's height rather than their ability. Skis for hire in the children's minikid range measure between 70 and 90 cm and are aimed at children aged 3-6 years regardless of whether they have skiied before. The skis 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.
Example Ski Models : Rossignol Robot, Dynastar My 1st Dynastar or similar
Example Boot Models : Lange MyFirst Lange, Nordica Nordy or similar
Espoir
The children's espoir range skis measure between 100cm and
150cm and are for children aged 7-12 years. 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 champion range. The children's boots in this range are not too rigid and are aimed at children between 7 and 12 yrs who are first time skiers or who have not skied extensively.
Example Ski Models : Dynastar Omeglass Jr, Roxy Sweet Heart RL or similar
Example Boot Models : Head Edge J2 or similar
Champion
Skis in the children's champion range measure between 100cm and 150cm. 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. This children's
pack is aimed at 7 - 12 year olds, who have skied for several years and can cope with a more rigid boot.
Example Ski Models : Roxy Pixie Stix, Rossignol Radical RSX or similar
Example Boot Models : Rossignol Comp J3/J4, Rossignol Fun Girl or similar
Fitting Tips
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.
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.
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.