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Oz en Oisans Ski Hire
Oz en Oisans is something of a hidden gem in French skiing - a small, car-free, wood-clad village that connects directly into one of France's largest and most impressive ski areas.
It sits at 1,350m in the Oisans region, and while the village itself is quiet and genuinely unpretentious, the skiing on offer is anything but modest. Booking your ski hire in advance through Erna Low means you step off the transfer, collect your kit, and start your trip as you mean to go on - with ease.
Via the two Poutran gondolas and the Alpette cable car on the Vaujany side, Oz en Oisans plugs directly into the Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine - a ski area covering 250 km of pistes served by over 80 lifts, with terrain ranging from wide motorway blues to the Sarenne, the world's longest black run at 16km, descending from the Pic Blanc at 3,330 m. The variety is enormous: sheltered tree runs above Oz, long cruising blues at Alpe d'Huez, red and black descents from the high ridges, and some outstanding off-piste for those with a guide. Almost all accommodation in Oz is ski-in, ski-out, which makes it a particularly practical base for families and mixed-ability groups.
The appeal of Oz en Oisans is the combination of small-resort calm with big-mountain access. It's considerably quieter than Alpe d'Huez itself, more affordable, and surrounded by a preserved natural environment. What it requires, like any resort plugged into terrain this varied and extensive, is equipment matched to your ability - so you can take full advantage of whatever the Grand Domaine has to offer each day.
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How much does it cost to hire ski equipment in Oz en Oisans?
Ski hire prices in Oz en Oisans vary depending on the level of equipment you choose, the specific items you need, and how many days you'll be hiring for. Entry-level equipment is the most affordable option, with prices increasing as the kit's performance and quality improve.
You can hire a full ski package (skis, boots and poles), a snowboard package, or individual items if you're supplementing your own kit. Helmets can also be added as a standalone item. As with most resorts, multi-day hires offer better value per day than shorter ones.
Full pricing is displayed on the Erna Low ski extras page during the booking process, making it easy to compare across categories before confirming.
How do I book ski and snowboard equipment in Oz en Oisans?
Booking ski hire for Oz en Oisans is fully integrated into the Erna Low online booking process. Once you've chosen your dates and accommodation, you'll reach the ski extras section, where you select the equipment level that matches your ability, choose your hire duration, add items to your basket and continue with the rest of your booking. It's all handled in the same place, with no need to contact hire shops separately.
Your equipment will be pre-arranged and ready for fitting and collection at the named hire shop on your arrival in the resort.
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What level of equipment do I need for my ski holiday in Oz en Oisans?
With access to terrain as varied as the Grand Domaine's - from beginner greens to the Pic Blanc at 3,330m - choosing the right equipment level is important. Erna Low's four categories are designed to help you match your kit to your ability.
- Eco is ideal for beginners or those returning to skiing after a break. There are gentle nursery slopes in Oz itself and, accessible via the gondola, an extensive beginner area at Alpe d'Huez with 20 green runs - one of the best learn-to-ski set-ups in France. Eco equipment is a good fit for this kind of skiing.
- Evolution suits improving skiers who are building confidence on blues and starting to venture onto easier reds. The blue runs back into Oz (such as Les Chevreuils) and the progressively longer pistes at Alpe d'Huez are excellent terrain for this level.
- Sensation is for confident intermediates and stronger skiers who want more responsive equipment for varied conditions. This level suits skiers exploring the wider Grand Domaine, including the reds and more technical runs in the Vaujany sector and around the Dôme des Petites Rousses.
- Excellence is the top tier - high-performance skis for experienced skiers who want to make the most of the Sarenne glacier, the demanding blacks descending from the Pic Blanc, and the off-piste opportunities throughout the area.
Can I hire ski equipment for young children in Oz en Oisans?
Yes - children's ski hire is available in Oz en Oisans and can be added to your booking alongside adult equipment. Equipment is available for children from as young as three years old, with skis, boots and helmets all sized and adjusted for younger skiers. Oz is a genuinely family-friendly resort - the car-free village and ski-in, ski-out accommodation make it easy to manage children, and the beginner area within the resort itself is a pleasant, safe place for little ones to start.
Where do I pick up my ski equipment in Oz en Oisans?
A few days before you travel, your ski hire voucher will be available to download from your Erna Low members' area. It lists the name and location of the hire shop in Oz en Oisans, where you'll collect your equipment. A digital copy on your phone is all you need.
On arrival, take your voucher to the named shop, and the staff will have your booking ready. They'll fit boots, size skis and adjust everything before you head out. Given that almost everything in Oz is within easy walking distance - including the lifts - you won't have far to go before you're on the mountain.
FAQs
Can I pick up my ski hire in Oz en Oisans the evening before my rental starts?
Yes, most shops in Oz en Oisans allow for early collection starting from 16:00 (and sometimes as early as 14:00) the day before your rental period officially begins, so you can head straight to the lifts in Oz en Oisans the next morning. Keep in mind that most shops close at 19:00!
Are there facilities to store my hired equipment overnight in Oz en Oisans?
Since Oz en Oisans is a pedestrian-friendly resort, many ski hire shops like Ski Tonic offer both free and paid "caretaking" services, allowing you to leave your skis and boots in the shop so you can walk comfortably back to your accommodation in Oz en Oisans.
Is insurance for damage or theft included with ski hire in Oz en Oisans?
Insurance is usually an optional extra that you can add when booking your equipment in Oz en Oisans; it is highly recommended because, without it, you could be liable for the full replacement cost of the gear if it is lost or damaged in Oz en Oisans. Please note that insurance can only be added in-store upon collection, not when booking online through our portal.
If the snow conditions change, can I swap my skis for a snowboard in Oz en Oisans?
Most rental packages in Oz en Oisans allow you to swap your equipment once during the week if you want to try snowboarding or if the snow conditions in Oz en Oisans shift, though a small "switch fee" may apply depending on the shop.
If you cannot find what you are looking for please contact us and we can help you build your package.