Renting Skis After All These Years

31st March 2023 | Jo Vizard, Meribel.

Last modified on April 7th, 2023

PlanetSKI reporter Jo Vizard loves her skis – K2 Misdemeanors. Only trouble is they are 15 years old, so perhaps it is time rent some more up to date ones.

After getting my first set of skis as a 21st birthday present from my parents I have been using the same ones ever since.

I was a regular skier in my childhood, and I wanted a pair to take on my first season in the Alps.

I have been using them ever since.

I’m attached to them in more ways than one.

K2 Misdemeanors

Prior to this year my last ski trip was in 2018, blame Covid, the cost of getting married, and a new husband who ‘doesn’t ski’ (that’s a separate story).

2023 was the year for me to get back to it, but my skis had been in the loft for 5 years and are now 15 years old.

The tech has clearly improved since then, so I wondered whether to take the old, trusted skis, or try something new.

Old skis, on top of boots that are even older, I thought I would give ski hire a go for the first time in 15 years.

Renting with Intersport. Image © PlanetSKI

It has changed rather alot from what I remember – an excellent selection and first class service.

We arrived in Meribel late and didn’t have time to go to the rental shop that day, so we headed over to the Intersport shop for opening at 8.30 the next morning.

We were seen straight away, and the speedy process meant were in Meribel centre in time for first lifts at 9am.

While I have been skiing for a long time, I was with a friend Kate, who hadn’t skied for 11 years, and even then only a handful of times.

After measuring us up for boots the Intersport staff then took the time to understand our differing abilities and what skis would work best the current mountain conditions.

I had a pair of all mountain Elan 96 skis, Kate had some Fischer RC ones.

Renting with Intersport. Image © PlanetSKI

Would then match up to my tried and trusted K2 Misdemeanors?

We were told that if we wanted to change them for any reason, then no problem at all.

Mine suited me perfectly, they were excellent in the fresh powder on day 3, but also made skiing through the slush later on in the day much easier.

Renting with Intersport. Image © PlanetSKI

Kate’s skis were perfect for her ability and helped her improve and get better throughout the week.

Renting with Intersport. Image © PlanetSKI

I never did go back and change the skis as they were perfect.

I did have some trouble with my boots, but on return to the shop they swapped them for something more comfortable with no issues and we continued the week with no further problems.

While I have always liked taking my own skis, I would now definitely recommend ski hire.

Not having to lug skis through the airport, pay for carriage or get those skis that have been in the loft for so long serviced made for a less stressful trip.

I did miss my K2 Misdemeanors – but not that much and more for sentimental reasons.

The whole renting experience was seamless, and I will definitely be back next time, just hopefully not after another 5 years have passed.

Intersport for winter 2022/23:

Intersport hase over 700 ski hire shops across the alps, renting award-winning skis and snowboards.

Why rent in resort?

Because you can save money on the airline baggage fee, have less to carry to resort, have up-to-date equipment that’s serviced every rental by qualified professionals.

Swap and change your skis and equipment as conditions demand, and get your feet accurately measured with the Boot Doctor scanning machine – guaranteed comfy, new boots.

Average rental is €8 per day including skis, helmet, poles and boots.

Book via www.intersportrent.com