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Avoriaz Ski Hire
Perched dramatically on a clifftop at 1,800m, this purpose-built marvel is a truly pedestrianised and 100% snow-covered resort in France.
When you arrive, you leave the world of tarmac and traffic behind at the Welcome Centre, trading cars for horse-drawn sleighs and snowy pathways.
Because every street is essentially a ski run, your equipment becomes your primary mode of transport. Avoriaz sits at the very heart of the Portes du Soleil, a massive cross-border ski domain that encompasses 403 miles of interconnected slopes spanning France and Switzerland. With such a vast playground at your doorstep - ranging from the gentle, tree-lined blues of Lindarets to the infamous, mogul-filled ‘Swiss Wall’ - having the right kit isn't just a matter of comfort; it's about making sure you can actually explore the sheer scale of the terrain available to you.
The resort’s unique architecture, designed to mimic the surrounding rock faces, means that shops and amenities are cleverly tucked into the landscape. This ensures that no matter where you're staying, a high-quality ski hire shop is usually just a short glide away.
How to book ski & snowboard equipment in Avoriaz?
Planning a trip to a car-free resort requires a bit more foresight than a standard mountain holiday, and that extends to your gear. The most efficient way to secure your equipment is to arrange it at the same time you book your accommodation through Erna Low.
By adding your Ski Extras during the booking process, you simplify your arrival significantly. Once confirmed, you'll receive a digital voucher (typically sent out a few days before you travel). When you arrive in Avoriaz and have dropped your bags, simply take this voucher to your designated hire shop.
Erna Low partners with established local experts with multiple locations across the resort's different sectors, such as the Falaise or Crozats areas. We make sure to assign you to a shop that is most convenient for your specific location. This is particularly important in Avoriaz; since you’ll be walking or skiing to the shop, you don't want to be trekking across the entire resort in your snow boots if you don't have to!
What is included in my Erna Low ski equipment hire package?
One of the most common questions we get is exactly what shows up at the fitting bench when you arrive. Our ski hire is flexible, allowing you to pick and choose what you need to make your Chamonix ski trip complete. Choose a ski or snowboard pack that includes skis/snowboards (adjusted to your ability level), boots and poles (if you’re hiring skis).
You can, of course, pick and choose what you want and hire these separately. For clarity, you can also opt for skis/snowboard only, boots only and helmet only - the perfect setup if you want to avoid carrying your skis or snowboard as extra luggage. When you book your ski hire with Erna Low, we'll clearly outline everything included in your chosen package so there are no surprises.
For most guests, the full pack is the most popular choice as it ensures all your equipment is technically matched. For example, the bindings on your skis will be professionally calibrated to the specific boots you're wearing that day, taking into account your weight and skiing style to ensure they release exactly when they should. If you're bringing your own boots but hiring skis, the technicians will still need to perform this safety check, so always have one of your boots handy when you head to the shop.
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What's the difference between Eco, Evolution, Sensation, and Excellence ski equipment?
Choosing the right gear category is the difference between a week of effortless turns and a week of fighting your equipment. The quality of ski equipment increases with each level, reflecting both price and the technical ability needed to benefit from enhanced performance features.
- Eco: Eco equipment offers budget-friendly, basic models perfect for beginners or occasional skiers prioritising affordability. These skis are designed to be forgiving, meaning they turn easily at low speeds and won't punish you if your technique isn't perfect. They are best suited for the nursery slopes and the gentle greens around the resort centre.
- Evolution: Evolution offers higher-quality, up-to-date models suited to progressing beginners and confident intermediates looking for improved performance without premium pricing. If you're starting to find your rhythm on blue runs and want a ski that feels a bit more stable as you pick up speed, this is the sweet spot.
- Sensation: Sensation features current-season, advanced equipment designed for strong intermediates and advanced skiers wanting superior handling on challenging terrain. These skis are stiffer and offer better "edge grip," which is essential if you plan on tackling the firmer, steeper red runs or venturing further into the 403 miles of the Portes du Soleil.
- Excellence: Excellence is top-tier, cutting-edge equipment for expert skiers who demand maximum performance and can fully leverage the latest technology. This category often includes ‘specialist’ skis - such as high-end freeride boards for deep powder days in the Lindarets trees or precision carving skis for those who want to race down the Arare.
Can I get ski equipment for children?
Avoriaz is widely regarded as one of the best family resorts in the world, largely thanks to the Village des Enfants located right in the centre. Naturally, the hire shops are exceptionally well-equipped for younger skiers.
The technicians in Avoriaz are used to working with kids and take great care to ensure boots are comfortable - after all, a happy child on the slopes means a much better holiday for the parents!
Should I book ski hire in advance or when I arrive?
In a word: advance. There are three main reasons why we always recommend pre-booking your gear before you leave the UK:
- Cost: Pre-booking through Erna Low can often save you up to 50% compared to the walk-in rates you would pay at the resort counter. Over a week for a family of four, those savings can easily pay for a few nice mountain lunches.
- Availability: Avoriaz is a hugely popular resort. During peak weeks (like February Half Term or New Year), the most popular boot sizes and high-end Excellence skis can actually sell out. Pre-booking ensures your gear is set aside for you.
- Time: No one wants to spend their first morning standing in a long queue. When you pre-book, the shop already has your details (height, weight, shoe size). Your equipment is often pre-selected and ready to be fine-tuned, getting you out of the shop and onto the snow much faster.
If you cannot find what you are looking for please contact us and we can help you build your package.