Equipment Hire
There are loads of shops which will sell or hire ski/snowboarding equipment. We could provide you with a copy of the local yellow pages but think you will find what you need at one of the following outlets:
The nearest hire shop is just a few yards away from the apartment Germaine Sports - is part of the Sport 2000 chain and carry a wide range of top brand name equipment. They located on the left just a few yards down the hill towards the SuperChatel Ski lift station. Its run by Thierry - one of our neighbours and if you present one of the discount vouchers you will find lurking in the drawers below the TV in the apartment then you will get your equipment rental at discounted rates.
Further afield is Vertical Horizons -
Vertical Horizons
Telephone - local 0450 733891
International 0033 450 733891
Fax
0033 450 813642
Email - verticalchatel@aol.com
Its run by James - a Brit who now lives here all year round. His shop is on route to the slopes at Linga and Pre la Joux. He carries a massive range of winter hire gear for skiers and snowboarders as well as helmets, snowshoes, goggles, sun glasses, hats....... The shop has an excellent Wintersteiger ski waxing system allowing skis to be serviced overnight so you can drop them off after skiing and they are ready for you to collect first thing the next morning. To ensure you get the equipment you want you are advised to pre-book equipment. Just fill in this form explaining what you require and when you intend to collect it and then email it to James.
In the summer James has an excellent selection of rental mountain bikes, including top brand heavy duty Mountain Bikes with oversize frames, beefed-up full suspension and hydraulic disc brakes. He also has a range of helmets and other safety gear which you are strongly advised to wear.
Compared with trails in the UK, the biking trails around here tend to be far more challenging, with several runs used regularly for World Cup downhills. So if you plan on trying out the local VTT trails please don't be tempted to give it a go on a £99 Halfords special!
OK Its a bit further to get to James's shop, but for most people, their addiction to providing great service and quality kit is worth the trip. If you mention that you are staying with John/Dawn then they will ensure you also get a discount on your hire charges.