 Poster: A snowHead
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This might be obvious, and I’ve always rented the full package from the resort in the past, but I finally bit the bullet and bought my own pair of ski boots.
I don't want to carry them all the way to France if they aren't going to fit the skis I'm renting. My plan is to take the boots with me and just hire the planks in the resort to save on the airline fees and the faff of carrying a ski bag.
My worry is: Are rental bindings pretty much universal these days? I've read some stuff about GripWalk vs. Alpine soles and now I'm paranoid I'll lug my boots through the airport only to be told by the shop that they don't fit their bindings.
Is it safe to assume a standard rental shop in France will be able to fit skis to my new boots?
Cheers for the help!
PS: Its a WEDZE from Decathelon
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@chamrouuse, how old are your boots?
That said alpine soles are compatible with griowalk bindings, but not the other way round
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@chamrouuse, Hi and welcome 
Don't worry, rental fleets are cycled regularly and they will definitely have a selection of skis that will work for you.
Alpine vs GripWalk is a valid debate, but only for those who are converting from one system to the other with their own skis. If you already bought GripWalk boots, which I'll assume you did if they are a recent purchase, this is not something that will affect you unless you start buying old second-hand skis.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Thanks for the welcome and the reassurance, That takes a load off my mind regarding the packing.
To answer the question about age—I bought them brand new in 2023, so they definitely have the newer soles.
Good point on the rental fleets. I assumed they'd be up to date, but usually, I'm just nodding along while they fit me up, so I've never paid attention to the binding types before.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@chamrouuse, Let the shop worry about the binding type – they won't give you incompatible skis.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I don't know, but I wouold have thought most rental skis would be fitted with MNC bindings, which are compatible with both types of sole. It makes more sense than having two separate sets of skis with different bindings.
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I did once have the rental shop refuse to rent skis unless I also rented their boots. Apparently my boots were too worn. The rental boots then spent the whole week in a cupboard. If your boots are relatively new I doubt you'd have a problem.
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| alex_heney wrote: |
| I don't know, but I wouold have thought most rental skis would be fitted with MNC bindings, which are compatible with both types of sole. It makes more sense than having two separate sets of skis with different bindings. |
Yes they are compatible, but no, MNC is a different thing and more relevant to touring.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@chamrouuse, modern Decathlon boots are going to be compatible with rental skis, no problem.
It is the right thing to do, getting rental boots that fit well is a gamble, with skis there are usual multiple options and you can change after the first day if needed. Plus even though ski boots are bulky you can get them in normal luggage (stuff them with underwear to make best use of spece) without needing to pay extra for taking a ski bag on a plane.
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We have taken our own boots for the past 10 years and it never once occurred to me that they wouldn't be compatible with skis in a rental shop. No-one has ever batted an eyelid when presented with our boots when we've collected skis. It will be just fine!
Enjoy your first trip with your own boots - it's a game changer!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@WoottonBecs, the shop would look at your boots and give your skis with the appropriate bindings, its their job.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Exactly - that's why I've never given it a moment's thought!
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| j b wrote: |
@chamrouuse, modern Decathlon boots are going to be compatible with rental skis, no problem.
It is the right thing to do, getting rental boots that fit well is a gamble, with skis there are usual multiple options and you can change after the first day if needed. Plus even though ski boots are bulky you can get them in normal luggage (stuff them with underwear to make best use of spece) without needing to pay extra for taking a ski bag on a plane. |
I can take my ski-boots and helmet with just hand luggage (wheely & personal bag) allowance!
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You know it makes sense.
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@chamrouuse,
Take your boots to the hire place & let them sort it out - it's part of what you are paying for.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@chamrouuse, Also worthwhile checking your bindings are set to the right release number for you (assuming you know it).
We once used an Intersport in Tignes (someone else had booked the skis) and it seemed to me that the staff were just young guys farting around and checking their phones.
This was confirmed when one of my friends skis came off for no decent reason on run 1 - I checked them and the shop hadnt adjusted one of the bindings properly. Easily fixed, but hardly the point.
Suffice to say, we never used them again.
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