Arc 1800 has more ski hire shops than most resorts, from big international networks to independent shops, spread across all four quarters of the village. This guide explains who is there, how the networks differ and how to get the best price, so you can book before you travel. We have not tested every shop, so treat this as a guide to your options rather than a review.
The short version
- Book online before you go. Pre booking is usually cheaper than walking in, and guarantees the kit in half term.
- Pick a shop near your accommodation or the lift you will use most, so swaps and returns are easy.
- Compare the networks: Skiset, Intersport, Sport 2000 and others all have shops in Arc 1800.
Ski hire networks in Arc 1800
| Network or shop | Where in Arc 1800 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skiset | Les Villards, Le Charvet, Charmettoger, Le Chantel and two hotels | Nine shops in Arc 1800 listed by Alpine Answers |
| Intersport | Les Villards, Le Charvet and Le Chantel | Three Arc 1800 shops listed on the Intersport Rent booking site |
| Precision Ski (Sport 2000) | Le Charvet | Part of the Sport 2000 network; one of the bigger shops, according to Alpine Answers |
| Skimium | Arc 1800 | A budget option, according to Alpine Answers |
| Twinner | Arc 1800 | A budget option, according to Alpine Answers |
Shop details are from Intersport Rent and Alpine Answers. Shops change between seasons, so check the latest list before you book.
Skiset
Skiset has the biggest presence in Arc 1800. Alpine Answers lists shops in the Tournavelles and Aiguille des Glaciers galleries in Les Villards, Belles Challes and Alpiski in Le Charvet, Belmont and Aiguille Grive in Charmettoger, the Alpages du Chantel residences, and the Hotel du Golf and Hotel Paradiso. With so many shops, you can almost always choose one close to your apartment.
Alpine Answers says booking Skiset online can be up to 45% cheaper than walk in prices, and that breakage and theft insurance can be added in store for roughly €1 a day. Check the current terms when you book.
Intersport
Intersport has three shops in Arc 1800, in the Galerie des Villards, the Charvet shopping centre and Les Alpages du Chantel, and you can book online through Intersport Rent. With shops in three quarters, it is easy to find one near your accommodation.
Precision Ski and Sport 2000
Precision Ski in Le Charvet is part of the Sport 2000 network. Alpine Answers describes it as one of the bigger, well stocked shops in Arc 1800.
Budget options
Alpine Answers lists Skimium, Twinner and Sport 2000 among the budget options in Arc 1800. Check which category of ski is included and whether helmets are extra before comparing prices.
Comparing hire quotes like for like
Headline prices are hard to compare, because each network sells several equipment levels and adds extras differently. Before you choose, check these on each booking page:
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Equipment category | Beginner, intermediate and performance packs differ a lot in price. Beginners and children rarely need more than the entry level. |
| Boots included? | Some prices are for skis and poles only. |
| Helmet | Sometimes included for children and charged for adults, or the other way round. Check each person. |
| Breakage and theft cover | Often an in store extra of about €1 a day (Alpine Answers, for Skiset). Your travel insurance may already cover hired kit. |
| Collection time | Many shops let you collect the evening before your first ski day. Ask, as it saves the first morning queue. |
| Storage | Overnight storage near the lifts saves carrying skis. See how to stop carrying your skis. |
| Changes and cancellation | Terms differ between networks and shops. Read them before you pay, especially if illness or snow conditions could change your plans. |
We do not currently have an affiliate link with any ski hire company, so none of the shops above pays us.
How to choose
- Location first: a shop close to your accommodation or the main lifts saves carrying skis back and forth if you need to swap anything.
- Ski storage: many shops offer overnight storage at the bottom of the slopes. Our guide on how to stop carrying your skis explains how this works.
- Category: most networks offer several levels, from beginner to performance. Beginners and children do not need top of the range kit.
- Children: check what ages and sizes are covered and whether helmets are included.
- Insurance: usually a small daily extra. Check whether your travel insurance already covers hired equipment. See our ski travel insurance guide.
Tips for hire day
- Collect your kit the afternoon before your first ski day, if the shop allows it, to avoid the morning queue.
- Wear ski socks to the boot fitting, and tell the fitter if boots pinch. Uncomfortable boots ruin a ski day.
- Know everyone’s height, weight, shoe size and ability before you arrive.
- Keep your receipt or voucher on your phone.
Ski lessons
Several ski schools operate in Arc 1800, including the ESF. Book lessons early for half term, as group classes fill quickly. Our guide to ski hire and lessons covers lessons in more detail.
Staying in Arc 1800? See our guide to where to stay in Arc 1800 and our Les Arcs ski guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to book ski hire online?
Usually, yes. Most networks offer discounts for booking in advance. Alpine Answers says Skiset online prices can be up to 45% below walk in prices.
Which ski hire shops are in Arc 1800?
The networks include Skiset, Intersport, Precision Ski (Sport 2000), Skimium and Twinner, with shops spread across Les Villards, Le Charvet, Charmettoger and Le Chantel.
Do I need ski hire insurance?
It is usually a small daily extra that covers breakage or theft. Check first whether your travel insurance already covers hired equipment.
When should I collect my skis?
Many shops let you collect the afternoon before your first ski day, which avoids the morning rush. Check with your shop.