Ski rental giant SKiSET has launched its results of a recent survey that asked skiers and snowboarders a number of questions about their rental habits.

• 75% of respondents say the rental brand is important when choosing equipment
• Almost 50% want a wider choice of rental equipment, including the latest models
• 80% book rental equipment at least three weeks in advance
• Over 80% book directly with an online platform or through a tour operator partner
• 40% rent skis only and own their own ski boots, reflecting growth in boot ownership
• 40% cite avoiding airline baggage fees as the main reason for renting
• 37% say location and proximity to accommodation is the top factor when choosing a rental provider

Whilst the vast majority thought that rental equipment has improved over the past ten years, almost half of respondents would like to see more equipment options on offer including the latest models.

75% of respondents also said that the rental brand, such as SKiSET was important to them in some way, with the remaining 25% stating it wasn’t so important.

36% said they rent everything including ski boots and skis, whilst 40% rent skis only and own their own ski boots. Not one respondent claimed to rent ski boots only whilst owning their own skis, which is in-line with the growth of ski boot sales in the UK.

Booking in advance was a crucial factor for respondents looking for good deals on rental equipment online, compared to last minute bookings either just before the trip or on arrival in resort. 80% claimed to book at least three weeks in advance of their holiday with over 80% booking directly with an online platform or through a tour operator partner.

There was a mixed response to the reasons why skiers choose to rent, rather than purchase their equipment, with the majority 40% saying it was to avoid airline fares. The remainder was split more evenly with 20% saying it was to try new or different equipment, 20% saying it was down to storage and maintenance and the remaining 20% split evenly between the cost of purchasing equipment and the hassle of carrying it through airports.

Convenience seems to be a factor running through people’s decision making as location and proximity to their accommodation was the number one factor that influences their choice of rental provider, with 37% saying this was the reason they choose to go there. A 50-50 split between half of respondents was to do with either price or the range of equipment on offer. 80% say that brands on offer is important to them.

Arnaud Dufour, Sales Director of SKiSET, said:

“It’s interesting to see the results of this survey and it just backs up some of the things we already know. Skiers and snowboarders now demand quality service and equipment that’s convenient to their location and because SKiSET is the largest rental provider across the Alps, we can cover so many destinations for British skiers in the French Alps and beyond. It’s nice to see that people know rental equipment is improving and they can trust SKiSET to deliver the highest standards of skis and ski boots, at highly competitive pricing. Of course it makes sense for skiers to book in advance because they will get a very good price with all the deals and offers we provide”.

SKiSET has 780 shops in 450 ski resorts across Europe.

The full range of equipment that SKiSET has on offer across its stores can be found online.

For the best deals with up to 50% off ski rental this season, visit www.skiset.co.uk and book online.

About The Survey

The SKiSET survey was run during November 2025 and sent out to a data base of over 140,000 UK skiers and snowboarders through InTheSnow Magazine as well as a group of selected skiers and snowboarders through Ski Press. Results were collated and ammonised by Ski Press.

Images and the graphic can be sent on request.