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Valmorel Ski Hire
Valmorel has a charm that's hard to put your finger on until you arrive and feel it for yourself.
A pedestrianised village built almost entirely from wood, stone and slate, it has the look and feel of a traditional Savoyard hamlet rather than a purpose-built ski resort - and that's precisely what makes it so appealing. The snowy streets, trompe-l'oeil facades, and ski-in, ski-out layout have earned it a devoted following among families and those seeking an authentic alternative to the bigger-name resorts in the Tarentaise.
The Grand Domaine ski area - shared with Saint-François-Longchamp, Doucy-Combelouvière and Celliers - offers 165km of slopes, served by around 47 lifts and reaching up to 2,550m in altitude. The skiing is varied and genuinely well-suited to all abilities, with wide, sunny open slopes ideal for progression and a good selection of reds and blacks for more experienced skiers. It's particularly strong for beginners and lower-intermediates, with a mix of tree-lined runs, open bowls and dedicated beginner zones. There are also snowpark and boardercross areas for those who like a bit more action.
Arranging ski hire before you travel saves time and hassle on arrival - and in a resort as relaxed and unhurried as Valmorel, you really don't want to waste your first morning standing in a shop queue.
How do I book ski and snowboard equipment in Valmorel through Erna Low?
Ski hire through Erna Low can be included in your holiday booking, so everything is handled in one place. Once you've chosen your accommodation and travel dates, you'll reach the ski extras section of the booking process, where you can select equipment for each member of your group - whether that's skis, snowboards, or both.
Choose the equipment category that best matches your ability (more on that below), decide how long you need it for, and add it to your booking. It's a matter of a few clicks, and everything is confirmed and organised with Erna Low's local hire partner in Valmorel before you travel.
3 days before departure, a voucher will appear in your Erna Low members' area. Download it to your phone - no need to print - and present it at the named hire shop on arrival. The team there will have your booking on file and handle the fitting, adjusting boots, poles and any other items to ensure everything is properly set up for your time on the slopes.
What is included in an Erna Low ski equipment hire package for Valmorel?
A full ski pack includes skis, boots and poles. Snowboarders can book a board-and-boot package instead. If you're bringing some of your own kit - your own boots, for example, or your own poles - it's possible to hire individual items rather than a complete package, which keeps costs down.
Helmets can be added to your hire and come highly recommended, regardless of ability level or experience. In resort, the team will fit your helmet to ensure it sits correctly and comfortably, which is worth getting right from the outset.
All of Erna Low's hire partners stock well-maintained, regularly serviced equipment across all ability levels and age groups. When you collect your gear, everything will be adjusted to your measurements - binding settings, boot flex and pole length - by trained staff. It's a quick process that makes a real difference in how the equipment performs on the mountain.
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What is the difference between Eco, Evolution, Sensation, and Excellence ski equipment?
The four equipment categories Erna Low offers are aligned to skiing ability, making it straightforward to pick what's right for you. Here's what each one means:
- Eco is the most accessible option - affordable, easy to handle and perfect for beginners or those returning to skiing after a break. These skis are stable and forgiving on the gentler terrain that Valmorel does so well, including its wide beginner zones and easy blue runs. If this is your first time on skis or you're not sure how your legs will feel after a few years off the mountain, this is the sensible choice.
- Evolution is a step up, suited to improving skiers who are getting comfortable on blue and red pistes and want equipment that helps them develop rather than hold them back. More responsive than Eco, Evolution skis offer better support and a more confident feel underfoot as you start picking up speed and tackling more varied terrain.
- Sensation is designed for confident intermediates and competent advanced skiers who want a noticeably higher-quality set-up. Stiffer, with better edge grip, these skis reward a more assertive technique and come into their own on the varied reds and more demanding terrain across the Grand Domaine. If you're regularly skiing red runs with confidence and want kit that performs accordingly, Sensation is the natural choice.
- Excellence represents the top end of the range - current-season, high-performance skis for experienced skiers who like to push on steeper terrain, carve at speed, or make the most of Valmorel's more challenging black runs and freeride areas. The difference in feel compared to lower categories is tangible, and for advanced skiers, it makes the skiing significantly more satisfying.
Can I hire ski equipment for young children in Valmorel?
Absolutely. Children's ski equipment can be included in your Erna Low booking alongside adult gear, with hire available for children from age 3. The equipment – small skis, correctly sized boots, poles and helmets – is selected to be lightweight, manageable and age-appropriate, giving younger skiers the best start on the snow.
Pre-booking children's equipment is strongly recommended, particularly during school holidays, when smaller boot sizes and junior ski sets are often reserved early. Sorting it as part of your overall Erna Low booking means collection on arrival is quick and simple.
Should I book Valmorel ski hire in advance or arrange it on arrival?
For the vast majority of guests, pre-booking is the right call - and there are practical reasons for it.
Valmorel's pedestrianised village and central resort layout make it easy to arrive and settle in, but hire shops can still get busy during peak weeks, particularly on Sunday mornings. Pre-booking with Erna Low means your equipment is already sorted, and collection is a far quicker, more efficient process than starting from scratch at the counter.
Cost is another factor. Walk-in rates at resort hire shops are typically higher than pre-booked prices, and the difference adds up over a week for a group or family. Pre-booking guarantees you've locked in a good rate before you travel.
There's also the question of availability. Valmorel is a popular resort, especially during the February half term, and the better-equipped categories - particularly Sensation and Excellence - do get taken up during busy periods. Pre-booking ensures you get what you actually want, not just what's left.
FAQs
Can I collect my ski equipment the night before my first day on the slopes?
Most hire shops in Valmorel allow early collection from around 5pm the day before your hire starts at no extra charge. It's well worth doing - skiing directly from your accommodation to the lifts on morning one without any stops is one of the genuine pleasures of staying in a ski-in, ski-out resort like Valmorel.
What if my ability level improves during the week and I want to upgrade my equipment?
It's generally possible to swap to a higher equipment category mid-hire if you feel your current skis are no longer right for you. Speak to the hire shop team; they'll advise on availability and any price differences. It's less common in the other direction, but shops are usually accommodating if something isn't working for you.
Are ski lockers available so I don't have to carry equipment back to my accommodation each day?
Ski lockers are available at the base of the lifts in Valmorel, either through your hire shop or independently. Given the pedestrianised layout of the resort, they're a convenient option if you'd rather not carry your skis back through the village after each day. Ask about this when you collect your equipment.
Does children's ski equipment hire include a helmet?
Helmets are available for hire and can be added to children's packages when booking through Erna Low. A properly fitted helmet is essential for young skiers, and the hire shop team will ensure the fit is correct at collection. We always recommend adding one if your children don't already have one.
If you cannot find what you are looking for please contact us and we can help you build your package.