We are off to Morzine in a couple of weeks and have yet to get the hire sorted, just wondering if anybody has any recommendations/warnings for us?
I have never been skiing before and am like a kid at Christmas. I have been for a day long lesson and have been a couple of times separately and have thoroughly enjoyed it, can't wait to go and do it in the proper snow.
Don't panic. Plenty of hire shops in ski resorts (I've been to loads, albeit not Morzine. Been to Avoriaz 3 times tho' ) and in my experience they all have pretty good stock for beginners.
One tip is to go to the shop when it's not so busy so they have the time to find you the right fitting pair of boots. Unfortunately for some people ski boots can literally be a pain whereas others have no problems at all. Try and get some that hold you securely but not uncomfortably. You should have next-to-no heel lift ideally and you should not need to clamp the buckles super tight to get a good fit. Just remember that these guys are hiring equipment day in day out so provided they can spare the time they will know what suits you best if you have any issues with fit.
As for the skis, I don't think you'll go too far wrong as a beginner, provided you tell them you are a beginner. All the shops I've ever rented from allow you to swap/upgrade kit mid-week if you want.
First timer? Woooo! It's going to be ace! Prepare to become addicted...
Have heard good things about using Skiset to book skis/boots etc. Not specific to Morzine, but worth a look I would say. A few other tips and thoughts for you;
- Hire boots suck. This is a FACT! However, take your time in the shop and listen to the fitters. They'll try and get you in and out quickly, but if you have uncomfy boots, you won't enjoy your week. If you're feeling flush, buy your own before you go, but that's a pretty big outlay to be honest, £300+!
- Gloves - Don't skimp on gloves. Cold hands, along with badly fitted boots are two key reasons for people not enjoying themselves.
- Helmet - Can of worms, I know, but.....You may find that if you're in lessons you'll have to wear one. Far nicer to buy your own than to wear someone else's sweaty, used one....
- Lessons - Assume you've booked a course? If not, do so! It's much more fun to learn properly and you'll progress really fast
And finally....
Beer at lunch, not wine. For some reason, wine sends me in to a snooze on the first lift after lunch! 🙂
Have fun!
My two penneth.
Boots definately - the c. £100 ones I got from decathlon were more than sufficient and hva enjoyed my skking much more.
Helmet - bought last year from decathlon again. After a day or so felt naked without it. More and more people wearing them. You may be ok - it is the others.
Socks - long socks with padding at front of shin - missus just got me some more from TK maxx - guess that means i have to take her skiing again..
Enjoy
J.
I have always found that its cheaper to book equipment via the web before you go.
Just google and you will come up with a number of websites. Just like car hire they all end up using the same shops, and to be honest all shops offer equipment of a good standard these days.
I have always found this cheaper than waiting until you get there.
When you get to the shop can be critical too. If you arrive in resort on major change over day, make sure you get to the shop early in the morning.
Well the Salomon boots that I have used over here were massively uncomfortable and i kept getting pins and needles last time I send, and yes I did have proper ski socks on.
Gloves, I am borrowing my brothers as he says they are good and he has been before.
Helmet, jam taking my piss pot helmet because protec also sell it as a snow helmet, and i am fully expecting to bounce down the mountain a few times. I have also decided to take goggles as my main eyeware, they will fitbetter on the helmet and will also keep my face a bit warmer.
Anybody got any recommendations of the best value shops/sites to get the rental boots and skis from?
Morzine is ace for beginners (and intermediates) and as a true (small) town has a great non skiing vibe with loads of facilities even including a big indoor swimming pool
the resort is a little low to be snow sure, but they have great snow right now and more on the way so you are well set up for a great time
there are loads of equipment hire places and as others have said getting good fitting boots (that don't give you pins and needles) is the most important part of your equipment needs so don't skimp on costs
oh and finally standing still on snow is harder than standing still on a dry slope, but skiing on snow is easier than skiing on a dry slope...
have a great time
Drop me an email: nealglover at gmail.com
Have the contact details somewhere for a great hire shop that will deliver your kit to your accommodation when you arrive (or when you call him etc)
He will sort out the kit you need/want in advance so you won't have to queue and carry all your kit through town etc.
I've know the owner for a long time and he's a top bloke.
Also they also have really nice kit.