What level of rental skis? Are they all just the same?

A snowHead

I never know what level of rental skis to get (usually there's blue / red/ black / premium or similar). I'm an experienced skier but probably spend most of the week going around blues and reds. Rarely off piste (esp not at the moment).... is it worth paying the extra for the black or premium skis? Are there even any noticeable differences?! They always look the same to me!

A snowHead

Yes, there are almost certainly noticeable differences, but the question is, as you so rightly point out, is the greater expense worth it? I think you will only be able to answer that question by starting with the cheapest (blue) then upgrading to the premium. Then you would be able to compare/contrast.

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

@icedgemma, there are different skis but if you book through an aggregator like Skiset you'll probably just get whatever they have to hand Very Happy

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Depends a lot from where and who you rent from, possibly more so that which level you go for sometimes. Only rented twice myself, once in Levi from Elan shop, was cheap and was given what looked like brand new Elan SLR skis. Then a few years after that I rented premium in les arcs because im big and was skiing with a group of young lads, wanted something reasonably stiff. Was given a rossi LT TI that was about 8 years old and had seen better days, would of knocked it back if I could have seen anything better behind the counter but there wasn't really, newer yes, but not suitable.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

@sugarmoma666, well yes, that’s kind of what it felt like last time I paid for “black” level and I’m sure it just came from the same rack as all the others . I booked through alpy last time.

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@icedgemma, you'll probably get a better service and choice by booking direct with the shop. My understanding is that the shops get a pretty poor deal from Skiset, alpy, etc.

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

@icedgemma, Welcome to Snowheads!

I always rent my skis, and a lot depends on the rental shop.
I don't think its a good idea to prebook, you'll probably get just as good a price dealing directly with the shop.

If in doubt walk around the village and check out what is available, and ask the price.
As I'm only skiing for a week, its important to have the most suitable kit.
So I don't mind paying for premium for the best I can get.

I will only rent from a shop that will allow me to change skis as often as I want, until I'm happy.
Or even if expect conditions will change tomorrow you can grab something wider for the day.
I have a good idea of what I want to rent, and tell the technician. They will often advise on a good alternative.

After all it is free

@icedgemma, where you going? might be suggestions?

@DrLawn, exactly that!

@icedgemma, I wouldn't want to argue with @DrLawn, since he knows a lot more than me, but by way of a contrast, you may find bargains online if you book in advance direct with an independent rental shop. I normally take my own skis but when I didn't a couple of years ago, I found a shop online that were a bargain and they were really nice people too. However, the factors everyone else mentions will come in to play: I got a pair of skis that weren't really the "black" skis I'd ordered but more "red" and a bit "meh". If you don't know an awful lot about skis, it's hard to tell if they are right until you ski on them. Next time I hire, it will be "premium", so I can be fussy and/or change them often, and I'll confirm with the shop that I can do that before handing over money.

Also, ask on Snowheads for recommendations for "ski hire shops in resort X".

PS. My skiing fits your description of your skiing.

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Thanks everyone. Interesting to hear different points of view.

I’m going to Les Bruyeres (above Les Menuires). There’s about 4 shops to choose from there and I don’t want to be faffing about going into a different village. I need to hire skis and boots for myself and my 5 year old who will be in flocons, we have our own helmets. My husband has his own snowboard.

Alpy was coming out at about 125 euros for black level “lady skis” Laughing

I’d always assumed turning up in the shop would work out a lot more expensive as you’re kind of stuck with it by that point.

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The black level skis on Alpy will not be the black level ones you could choose in the shops, I am not knocking ALPY, just booked skis with them for about half the shops advertised price, but already know the limitations as I know the shop. They wont be giving you the best ones, although sometimes you can get lucky.

Skiset are quoting 220-250 Euros for "black/expert" skis.

snow reports

A few years ago staying in Les Bruyeres I rented skis from Absolu Sports (Sport 2000) in Reberty 1850 and got brand new, never used Elan skis. I was pretty happy. I changed for a day when I had off-piste guiding no issue and then got the exact same skis back the day after. Anyway, that gets them a recommendation.

They're definitely not "all the same".

I allowed myself to be upsold to 'gold' from a 'black' reservation last month, on a blue/red/black scale, with gold presumably being even higher... and it was a mistake (for me).

All I really wanted was new/higher quality skis matched to my ability... but the 'gold' upsell landed me with skis that were designed for somebody with much more talent than me... I hated them. I felt like they were trying to kill me... every mistake in my technique was ruthlessly punished.

The shop was happy to switch to something else (from the black range) that suited me better... but it made me realise there are at least two 'scales'... one that determines whether they give you a new/old ski or a better/worse one from the range... and the other that determines what kind of performance/skill the ski is optimised for. I guess there's a sort of rough correlation (beginners would naturally gravitate towards cheaper/older skis and real experts would likely want something specialised and expensive)... but they are nevertheless different dimensions.

So, as always, the trick is to tell the shop exactly what you want and/or describe what kind of skier you are.

You know it makes sense.

I'm probably similar to @icedgemma in that I've been renting skis for years but aside from ski length and radius I have no clue whether a pair of skis a shop hands me are good/bad/new/old/knackered etc. I think I need to swot up. Are there any good websites or Youtube channels that folks could recommend?

Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:

I'm sure the experts will have a good answer... but after the 'my skis are trying to kill me' experience last month I started writing down what i'd been given and how they felt. I then asked Claude. I have no idea if it's answer is correct... but it *felt* helpful! https://claude.ai/share/bb31b93e-7315-4b47-9f1a-29ad0d6f8ea2

A snowHead

I mostly don’t rent as I own my own….But if the TO have a great offer on, I have done so.

I know what I like, so choose the grade that comes closest….and that usually is "one down from the top". The premium grade is usually this year’s premium skis, that are in like-new condition and usually at a premium price - very nice but too expensive for my wallet.

So yes, ime there is a noticeable difference between grades, so it’s worth selecting the band that suits your level and personal preference.

A snowHead

In my experience, the premium packages tend to get you more advanced skis. In a similar experience to @gendal, I spent my first couple of seasons trying different skis from fully recreational to entry race skis and despite being a reasonably strong skier I really didn't like the weight and stiffness that race inspired skis had - great for cruising perfect blue and reds but I found them cumbersome on anything but that. So when I went to buy my first pair I opted for a more intermediate/advanced model ... because why make my life hard?

To work out what's good for you, when you have a week where you're enjoying the skis make a note of what they are and where they sit in the experience level range. That should give you a rough idea of where you're most comfortable.

And there is absolutely nothing wrong with going for an intermediate ski if you find they work better for you (IMO most skiers on race inspired skis should really be on more intermediate skis, but that's a different discussion).

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

I'm going to throw something else into the mix. As has already been mentioined there is the 'level' of the ski and the ideal skier profile for that ski and then there is the age and condition of that ski. A 'premium' ski that has not been looked after could be a nightmare.

I rarely rent as I have my own skis but, if I do, I will check before I go to the resort where I can rent skis that I know I like. So, even if you're renting, I'd strongly suggest deciding which skis you like and looking for those specifically. Even if you can't find them directly it will give a good hire shop a very clear idea of the type of ski that will suit you.

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"Are there even any noticeable differences?!"

I have my own good piste carving skis and took them with me last week, however I wanted to try out some different versions and took out a pair of Stockli Laser SL for a day. WOW!, they were excellent, tremendous grip on hard pistes. So yes, you would notice differences, but only if your pushing it. If you only want to skid around then more or less anything will do.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

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The different levels of ski hire are much more about the quality of the ski rather than the quality of the skier.

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

As someone who only ever hires, in my experience it seems to depend on the size of the operator. For the bigger (read more expensive) shops - so the Intersport's / Brundl's etc. - they definitely have a pricing for latest/best skis (and usually a 'diamond ' level for Stocklis and the like). For the more bargain-end outfits you'll come across from Alpy/skimium its much more fluid - basically, what they've got to hand/how much of a mug they think you are, as far as I can tell.

Not to say I haven't had a few good results - I once walked out of a Ski Republic in VdI with a pair of spanking new DPS Wailers, having paid for the Silver category

After all it is free

Funnily enough, this thread was the thing that’s pushed me to commit to buying my own skis. Renting skis just feels like a complete lottery, and there’s very little specific information on their websites, aside from giving a suggestion of the types of skis they may have. I emailed the rental place I’ve used previously to ask if they had particularly skis for an upcoming trip, and, surprise surprise, I’ve had no answer. As someone who likes to know what they’re working with, I find the haphazard rental ski system just a bit too vague, so I’m going down the own skis route, despite that coming with all of its own grief.

@Cardo, and next... DIY servicing Very Happy

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Thanks everyone. Lots to think about here!

Despite having been skiing for 35 years I honest have no clue what I’m looking for in skis. Are there any simple tips? As previously mentioned, I’m pretty experienced, I can get down anything (usually do a couple of blacks each hol just to say I’ve done them) but most of the week on reds and blues cruising / carving (a bit). Tend to cover a fair bit of mileage. Don’t really do much off piste. So what kind of skis should I be looking/asking for?

snow reports

@icedgemma, This year, here is an example of what was available from a hire shop in Tignes and might be suitable:

Exclusive Pack:

1. Head Magnum
2. Salomon Addikt Pro 76
3. Elan Primetime 55

Experience Pack

1. Salomon Addikt
2. Rossignol Hero Elite MT Ca
3. Salomon S-Max 10

Last four weeks I've skied I have lashed out and rented Stockli skis from Stockli rental, and after trying different skis, going from too "heavy" to too fast to just not liking finally I settled on Stockli Laser SC and find them absolutely perfect for my ability and the type of skiing I do. Had I purchased instead based on reading-up and vibe I would have made a huge mistake and got a ski I either couldn't live up to or hated using.

You know it makes sense.

Would suggest whether a lottery or not depends on where you rent from. In some French Sport 2000 or Intersport shops there appears to be a “look you up and down”, Gallic shrug and handed a random pair of tatty skis. Which forced me to buy my own skis).

Whereas in Austria (Brundl) or Switzerland (Bayard) I have hired top notch skis on good nick. This year I worked through a few Stockli skis including a new pair of AX taken out of the wrapper because they didn’t have 170 on the rack.

Conclusion is that if you can find the right hire shop you don’t need to buy and you save a load of faff, get out on the latest skis, and could try different skis. I could have also swapped from narrow skis to fatter skis if the weather had come in.

I paid Swiss Franc 220 for seven days. Which against the cost of buying some Stocklis, servicing and flight costs, makes good sense.

Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:

Although I have my own skis, I like to rent decent ones from a good shop.

I agree with @DrLawn, on the ability to swap out for other skis -

Had some decent skis in Tignes from Mountain Story, opposite Maison de Tignes last few times.

When we were there last, the week started pretty sunny and with groomed, hard pistes - so I got appropriate skis.

2 days in and we had a large dump of snow, so I popped back in and swapped for some Rossi Freeride skis so I could play on some of the slopeside powder as well as continue to have fun with my mates on piste.

A snowHead

One thing to mention is how well the shop has prepared them. I had a great pair of Stockli Laser SL out for a day, then I swapped them the next day for a pair of Van Deer SL (an even more expensive ski than the Stockli) and they were shocking, nowhere near sharp enough. The greatest skis out there will ski horribly if the shop hasn't serviced them.

A snowHead

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

I rented for years, and always booked the "premium" package through the TO (Crystal), until a few years ago when they contracted to an independent shop that had a limited choice, so I felt I didnt get value for money. Then began to use a ski shop in Ischgl with a great choice and the option to swap. Went to a different resort and use the TO shop again, with a very poor choice, so another waste of money. Saw the skis I really liked that I had hired previously in a shop, in the end of season sale, so purchased them to avoid future disappointment.

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@king key, You have been trying some tasty ski brands.
You've brought up the most important point .. the ski preperation.
You've suffered from skis not being sharp enough.
I've had the opposite problem of the skis being being too sharp.
I know what it feels like now as it has happend far too many times. I've never had the problem with brand new skis.
I've had skis over sharpened (for me) not just at rental shops, but I took three pairs of my own skis in for a service in the UK.
This was an occasion when I needed to take my own skis, renting would not have been appropriate as we were on a road trip.

I only found out they were over sharpened when I got them out on the hill at Sunshine.
A local shop were good enough to dull the tips and tails enough to stop the chatter and make it a lot less hooky.

I took the other two pairs back to get them detuned, I've just used one of them down at Hemel, and I'm still dissapointed with them.
I'll have to get my own tools.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

@DrLawn, I've learnt to sharpen and service my own skis including repairing the bases. Fed up with shops just not doing their job properly. Aside from the occasional base grind, my skis rarely see the inside of a shop.

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I've always hired skis for my partner and myself. Usually direct with the local store (sometimes you'll get discount if with certain hotels) We've always had great skis, usually premium with an option to change them or get a free service during the week. Uncannily they've matched our ski suits even though the technician has never seen them Very Happy

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

@king key, I think you have the right idea.

@Maloney~888, Well done, thinking it, the Hotel is going to know which are the shops to trust.
I usually go on the EoSB in April and the Oxalys has its own ski shop, so I've never had a duff pair of skis from them.
Thinking about it, some more, I've had a pair that I did not get on with, but swapped without quibble.

@GreenDay, Mountain Story is a great ski shop, but I did get a pair of skis from them last December that I had to take back, as far as I was concerned the pair of skis has been over sharpened. They were difficult to turn and were not a relaxing ride.
The technician was reluctant to detune them and gave me a brand new pair of Head eXSR, they were a very nice ride but I'm a bit picky, and took them back.
They offered me a brand new pair of Addickt pro 66, I've tried these before and felt they were above my pay grade, but I thought I'd give them a second chance, and they were fun, but not like the 76mm.
I stuck with them for 3 days before I had the urge for something else.
This time they gave me Rossi Hero MT, brand new of course Smile

I must admit I'm very fond of these.
These are a confusing ski.... The name is so long and the variants go on an on.
I've loved them before, then tried the same ones again in Austria and they were not as good, another duff service perhaps?

After all it is free

Somewhat too late in the day but I, @Hardbag, @RickBoden and some other snowHeads went to the ski test in Val d'Isere during the Pre Season Bash. Was great to have the chance to try different skis back to back and, as they were supplied by the manufacturers I suspect that they would have ensured that the servicing and tune were correct for a fair comparison (although Rick had one pair that, despite being very well reviewed, appeared to have some kind of issue).

However, other than doing this, I think it's near impossible to figure out if any tricky characteristics in a ski are because of the inherent construction or down to a given tune. And, more importantly, different skiers like different things. Unlike @DrLawn I have my Stockli ARs with a very 'grabby' tune since I find that they then perform really well on hard, icy pistes whilst not affecting their all moutain ability.

So, in summary, I think most people on here can recommend their own skis or ones that they know but so many factors affect perception; personal preference, ski tune, servicing, snow conditions and inherent ski characteristics. As such, as already mentioned, the only real option is to make sure that you can try several and find ones that work for you.

Personally, this is why I have my own skis. Yes, I have the hassle of transporting them and keeping them serviced but then I don't have the hassle of trying to find a ski that I like each time I go skiing and I can arrive in a resort and immediately go skiing without having to queue to rent.

@Blackblade, I'm just a tart and love swaping skis,never satisfied.
When I worked down the road from you in Nuremberg it made sense to have my own skis so I could nip down to Austria almost every weekend.
Renting was not an option then as you would waste perhaps an hour or so in a rental shop out of my precious weekend.
Tchus! Smile

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Help!!

What level of rental skis? Are they all just the same?

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