ski hire

what's ya thoughts and experiences on hiring skis? I'm an advanced skier so generally go for the 5star or premium depending which country or resort i'm in but picked up from other forums some people just pay for 4star skis and seem to get top gear anyway!
P.S I don't want people wasting there time or mine suggesting i buy my own skis.been there ,seen it done it,i'm not interested.

Talk to the guys/girls in the shop!

Works every time... they're invariably skiers themselves who almost always like the chance to "talk shop", and if you engage them a bit and get them interested in you then you've a good chance of an "upgrade", or being given the freshly serviced pair his mate's just passed out of the workshop, etc.

Oh, and if you're with a tour operator and the rep tries to herd you along with everyone else (let's see how many pairs of skis we can get fitted in 10 minutes flat), then you've no chance.

Totally agree with Adders - go to the shop when not too busy, be clear what sort of ski you would like but not necessarily exactly which one and have a chat.

Listen, make friends, ask what the shop guys and girls are enjoying skiing on........

Works for me.
:D

Last year got an unused pair of Salomon BBR 8.9's and this year a pair of Movement Jam ER (this years model), again first time on snow.

Contact the shop in advance and let them know what you are looking for.

Apart from 1 shop in Chorchevel 1650 they have all asked how long have I been skiing, what level do I think I am, do I like to go fast etc.. The more experienced skiers hae also asked what ski's will suit the conditions on the slopes when we arrive too, so don't go with preconvieved ideas that they want a certain ski type or length.

ALways seemed to have been hired the latest kit, they have changed no quibble if I felt uncomfortable on the ones I start with.

2 years ago in Flachau I had a brand new set of Head ispeed something or other which were a great ski for me, lieterally out of the packaging, and last year had a set of Elan Amphibio Waveflex 14 (Great when you have skis with Left & Right always get them on the right feet!!!!!!!) which apparantly had been used for 3 or weeks only, again looked like new and again a ski that really suited me and the conditions.

Always seem to get discounts via the accomodation we use rather than buying online and not really knowing what they have in store online or is relative location.

This weekend back to Flachau and using the same shop as 2 years ago. Contacted them direct for our group and getting 20% discount plus only charging for 5 days with the 6th day free.

Think its about 10 steps from their door to the first lift and leave the kit there at no extra charge, perfect and the Apres bar is next door too.