Which skis should you hire?

This is the most important question, and the one people most often get wrong. Plenty of skiers quote the level they had ten years ago, or the one they’d like to have. The result: skis that are too demanding, tiring and a bit scary on the steeper bits. On the flip side, a strong skier on beginner skis soon feels them wobble as the speed picks up.

To place yourself, think about the runs where you’re genuinely comfortable, not the ones you once made it down.

Level alone isn’t enough: what you plan to do with your week matters just as much. La Plagne and the wider Paradiski area have it all, from long groomed runs to untracked slopes after a snowfall.

The rule of thumb is measured standing up, with the ski upright beside you. These are guidelines, not hard rules: your weight, the model and your style all play a part, and our team always fine-tunes things in the shop.

• Beginner: the ski comes up between your chin and your nose. Shorter skis turn more easily.
• Intermediate: between your nose and your eyes.
• Advanced: around your height, a little less for a short-turn piste ski.
• Expert freerider: your height or a bit more, to float in powder.
• Weight: lighter than average for your height, go slightly shorter; heavier, slightly longer.

Good to knowChildren follow different guidelines: see our kids’ ski hire page, which has an indicative size chart.

The villages of Montchavin-Les Coches sit between 1,250 m and 1,450 m, while the La Plagne ski area tops out above 3,000 m (source: official La Plagne website). Between the bottom and the top of the runs, the snow can change completely within the same day.

• Hard or icy snow: go for a piste ski with sharp edges.
• Powder: a wider ski will keep you afloat and tire you less.
• Spring snow, heavy in the afternoon: a forgiving all-mountain ski is often the best compromise.

It’s easy to forget, but perfect skis are wasted in badly fitting boots. Too big and you lose precision and get rubbing; too small and they cut off the circulation and freeze your toes.

In our equipped shops the 3D foot scan measures the length, width and volume of your feet in seconds. Then we choose the flex: soft for beginners, stiffer once you ski fast and hard.

Progressing faster than expected, or the snow has changed? Pop in and we’ll find a better-suited pair with you. Depending on what you’ve booked, Ski Republic services such as Flexski or Multiglisse add flexibility; their terms are shown when you book.

Snowboarding asks for two or three fairly physical days at the start, then progress is often rapid. If you’re tempted, have a look at our snowboard hire page or ask for advice at the counter.

To set up your kit safely, our team needs a few details. Have them ready for everyone in your group and you’ll save valuable time on collection day:

• Your height and weight: they decide ski length and the release setting on your bindings.
• Your usual shoe size: a starting point, fine-tuned once we’ve measured your feet.
• Your real level and your age: the binding setting takes them into account.
• Your plans: groomed runs, big days across Paradiski, off-piste or touring.

Good to knowPoles are sized standing up in your boots: elbow at a right angle holding the grip, pole tip on the floor. Your helmet should be fitted with your goggles: see our helmets and accessories page.

• Adult ski hire: the Discovery, Progression and Performance ranges.
• Ski touring hire: kit and safety essentials.
• Helmets and accessories: getting the right helmet size.
• Our 4 shops: Les 3 Glaciers and Montchavin Village in Montchavin, Les Coches Centre and Wengen in Les Coches.
• Book your kit at the shop nearest your accommodation, in Montchavin or Les Coches.