Help in the hire shop.

Strongly agree with AndyH, you generally get young skis in Austria and Switzerland, although, I did not experience that in France.
Good point by youngAndy, just be prepared to swap skis if you are not happy. Like Bandit, but for different reasons, I experiment with different skis, and will often use 2/3 pairs in a week,tho sometimes staying with one pair.
I have a regular resort, so I keep about four pairs of my own skis there. I appreciate this is not the norm, but it is surprising how many skiers I see year after year in our village!
I agree Snapszzz that ski carriage cost and effort is a consideration. Hire costs vary hugely. Last season there was some hasty price re-adjustment in certain resorts, as their cartel had been discovered. (It was amazing how the widely varying price/discounts always ended up at the same bottom line price.)
For your situation, where you are still discovering skiing, but have already fallen in love, then experimentation with ski technique, speed, equipment ~ it all goes together.
None of us cease to learn, well I don't anyway. Over time, I modify different aspects of technique. I achieved my fastest piste speed on my 41st year of skiing, (season before last). I own and hire skis.
Keep an open mind.
Ski well.

Once you've mastered the mountain Snapzz, you really should buy some skis that will take you everywhere. Sounds to me like you want an all mountain ski, which I have a pair of. Theres so many to choose from, so maybe this season you want to try a few out: Atomic Blackeye for one, I ski on Scott Neo's but you'll struggle to find them in rental shops in Europe. Perfect for me, I love them.
Plus now I've got them, I don't have to pay out rent which going 2 times a season minimum is good value. Plus I know how they ski, they know how I ski, if you get me? I can maintain them and there really is no issue in carrying a ski bag from the car/bus/taxi to check in, and then picking them up and putting them on the transfer bus the other end.
They're yours when you've got them, and you get attached to them. I really do think you'd be well advised to buy your own, but you might want to try a few first, and then find some in stock from last season - usually only graphic changes each season - and save maybe £200 plus!
I'd suggest you start with a trip to Ski Bartlett, they know what they're talking about.

Tony_H wrote:Once you've mastered the mountain Snapzz, you really should buy some skis that will take you everywhere.
I'd suggest you start with a trip to Ski Bartlett, they know what they're talking about.

With the greatest respect to all, and for lots of differing reasons, the folks participating in this thread are never likely to "master the mountain" Tony. What we engage in, is a sanitised recreational pastime, with participation at various fitness and skill levels.

Ski Bartlett is one of many knowledgeable independent retailers out there, some will sell you the ski you want, others will sell you the ski they want, which is just business.

Snapzz needs to do plenty of reading and decide on which skis he wants to use, either rental or purchase, it's the same.

bandit wrote:

Tony_H wrote:Once you've mastered the mountain Snapzz, you really should buy some skis that will take you everywhere.
I'd suggest you start with a trip to Ski Bartlett, they know what they're talking about.

With the greatest respect to all, and for lots of differing reasons, the folks participating in this thread are never likely to "master the mountain" Tony. What we engage in, is a sanitised recreational pastime, with participation at various fitness and skill levels.

It was only a turn of phrase, Bandit. You know what I meant, and I would imagine most people, Snapzz included knew what I meant by that, but if I need to explain......I was talking about when someone is comfortable skiing any colour piste and is venturing off piste. I know you're a very serious skier, and a lot of people on here are recreational/holiday skiers, but I think we all know what I was talking about. Lets not be too fussy, eh?

Lordy, I made a mistake. Not 41st year of skiing, 41st year in Niederau. Have skied longer than that. Anyway, I still have not mastered the Marbachjoch, although one poster on this thread has, in the past they indicated nothing to learn from this place.
I don't see that there has to be a divide between hiring and owning. Common sense indicates that they are not incompatable. Snapps is questioning when to start.
Tony's point about "not having to pay for rent" is one half of the equation. Ski carriage cost and effort is on the other side. Normally costwise, this will land in favour of owning, unless you fly Ryanair! (Duck, here comes Wickers).
I agree with Tony about looking out for last years stock. I bought a pair in Worgl last season for less than a third of the original price.
I don't get attached to skis.
Good job my OH hasn't read that, since I defended keeping my 210 Firebirds for 26 years,and my K2s are getting a bit long in the tooth!

Dave Mac wrote:Lordy, I made a mistake. Not 41st year of skiing, 41st year in Niederau. Have skied longer than that. Anyway, I still have not mastered the Marbachjoch, although one poster on this thread has, in the past they indicated nothing to learn from this place.
I don't see that there has to be a divide between hiring and owning. Common sense indicates that they are not incompatable. Snapps is questioning when to start.
Tony's point about "not having to pay for rent" is one half of the equation. Ski carriage cost and effort is on the other side. Normally costwise, this will land in favour of owning, unless you fly "The Irish Lot" (Duck, here comes Wickers).
I agree with Tony about looking out for last years stock. I bought a pair in Worgl last season for less than a third of the original price.
I don't get attached to skis.
Good job my OH hasn't read that, since I defended keeping my 210 Firebirds for 26 years,and my K2s are getting a bit long in the tooth!

Sorry Dave but just in case Adders missed it, I have censored the extremely offensive words :wink:

Thanks guys for all your comments, its a big help.

I have been spending some time online reading the reviews and 'expert' opinions on various skis but i don't suppose thats any substitute for actually strapping them on and getting a feel for them yourself.

Tony: Its funny that you mention the Blackeyes and Neos as i had been reading about both of those just recently as I have pretty much decided that an all mountain ski is going to suit me best. I think my best plan of attack is going to be to draw up a list of those i think my be suitable and see if i can hire those models.
On the subject of the Neo's, what length do you have? I read that it is best to go long on these. I normally ski a 160 or 165 and wonder if the 176 would be required? Not sure if i would look a bit daft as I'm about 173 tall.

I have already contacted the TO we are traveling with so intend to watch their web sight to see what stock they will be offering.

Thanks again

Have you booked your skis with a TO if so why ?? My Suggestion would be is to shop around in resort and hire from who ever has the skis of your choice.