Ski Hire

Whenever you decide to go skiing, it is very important to make sure you take the right equipment and clothing or hire it from the various ski hire kiosks through out the resort. You must have the right clothing bearing in mind you are going to a place with Alpine condition and may experience below freezing temperatures. Frost bite is a major problem in cold countries and having the correct clothing can prevent such things spoiling your holiday, and of course it protects you in case you have a fall. Many countries insist on children wearing helmets too, so check before you travel if that’s the case and please ensure that they are correctly fitted, safety is paramount.

Most good outdoor shops will stock the correct ski clothing you need to pack, and apart from your normal clothing for going out on the night time, you will definitely need to pack the following.

Stay Warm and Hire or Buy Thick Layers

A selection of base layers, ones that are closest to the skin, polyester based longjohns and thermal tops are best as they draw away sweat from the body and keep you warm. Secondly, you need the middle layer, providing you with extra warmth when needed, micro fleece sweatshirts or t shirts are best, cotton makes you sweat and stays damp, making you cold. Lastly you will need a waterproof, wind proof, weatherproof top layer, usually Salopettes and ski jacket, creating extra warm, protection from the wet snow (you will fall down regularly!!) and creates extra padding too.

Don’t forget to protect your head, feet and hands too, investing in some good socks, gloves and hats are a must for any skiing holiday.

The ski equipment you buy or hire will come in various levels depending on your ability or budget, we do recommend, if you enjoy skiing and are planning to go on a ski holiday more than once, that you invest in a pair of ski boots, the more money you can afford the better and these will offer the most protection and obviously comfort during long days on the slopes.

Hiring Ski Boots and Skis

Ski boots and skis can be hired in resort, as we said, they come in varying standards, depending on your ability and budget, starting at a beginners standard, then you get intermediate, and the superior standard for the advanced skiers.

Same goes for snowboarders and boots, standard, intermediate and advanced levels of boots and snowboard, and obviously the more advanced the equipment, the more expensive, but the ski shops will have all sizes and standards available to you, and you can change them, no problem should you need too. In fact many ski shops will allow you to swap your skis and boots for board and boots if you fancy a change and then allow you to change back when you want too.

Hire Protection for your Ski Holiday

Helmets should always be provided for children and beginners, just as a matter of precaution, some countries insist on it, be sure to check before you go.

Many of the skis and boots can be pre paid for if booked through your travel agent or tour operator, or you can log onto the resorts local ski shop website and pre order what you need, this will save time when you arrive in ski resort and save you any unexpected bills to fork out on arrival. You can always add to it or upgrade if you want to, the staff in the shops will be only too happy to help.

It's imperative to have the correct ski clothing and equipment to suit your style and standard of skiing or snowboarding, not only will it keep you warm and cosy on the piste, it will keep you safe.....a must on any winter sports holiday, just be sure to pack plenty of it!!!