Queue Less, Ski More!
It’s snow time in Queenstown and if you are heading down our way, it may be that you need to hire ski or boarding gear for the duration of your stay.
For the new and /or unorganised, skiing can be stressful. Most visitors want to ski all day and get their money’s worth and quite frankly, the whole boot fitting experience and the time it takes to outfit the whole family could colour any day in blue. Fun is not what you’ll be having.
So, sorting out your ski kit early is imperative to achieving a great effortless day on the snow, and this post is meant to help you achieve exactly that.
1. SnoPro
Redefining ski hire in the Wakatipu. This is probably the most simplest way to hire and be fitted for your ski/board rentals.
In its most simple form, there are three steps. 1. Choose your ski /board and boot combos online using their new booking engine. 2. Choose the delivery date and time. 3. Sit back and relax in the comfort of your accommodation, focus on relaxing and SkiPro will come to you for fitting and delivery. They can even organise a service if you have your own skis/board
At the end of your stay, they will come and pick your skis up. Simple and hassle-free!
And, we just have to note, that if you are heading further afield to Treble Cone or Cardona, they have joined forces with SnoPro to also sell and deliver your lift tickets, thereby minimising the queue time and getting you onto the snow quick pronto! Now that’s seriously great service!
2. Brown’s Ski Shop
If you know your ski and pole length, and the type of skis you’d like (all-mountain, carving, speed, powder etc etc..) then the online pre-booking service that Brown’s offer is by far the easiest and most cost-efficient.
You book everything online and then turn up the night you arrive and pick up – and they have added the service of delivery to your hotel too!. It really is that simple. Yes, we suggest trying your kit on, but the fact is, you have already streamlined much of the process and your order will be ready and waiting for you.
We also love that Browns continue to support and sponsor local youth and amateur adult skiing and boarding.
3. NZSki
On both mountains, you can hire ski gear. They have the fitting flow down pack, but there are often long queues so please factor this into your timing. After arriving, you’ll see well-signed directions to the rental departments. First, though, you need to buy the ‘rentals package’ and load it against your ‘mypass’ which is at another counter – customer services. Then you’ll actually join the queue for rentals. Eventually, you’ll arrive at a desk with tablets at which time you create your profile and add in your details such as height, weight and experience. Yes, these actually have a bearing on what skis you order, and how the bindings will be fitted around your boot size.
Then it’s onto the fitting department – like a well-oiled engine, this part can be quite quick, depending on your experience – you’ll follow a set path around the shop, starting with boots (and/or clothes if you need them), onto the skis/boards, pick up a set of ski poles, and grab your helmet on the way out.
The benefit is that should you have any problems, your rental provider is downstairs of the main buildings. They also offer an overnight storage service (at an extra cost) which lets you leave your gear on the mountain, so day 2 is less hassle!
Other than that, there are many ski services in Queenstown, most of who will require you to journey into town and get fitted. In the height of winter, and especially during the holidays we strongly recommend one of the first two options for their stress-free and straightforward service which will leave you more time to play and enjoy your day!
