If you’re new to the skiing scene or just want to try something a little different, getting your feet wet with demo gear is probably the best route for you. Allowing you to try before you buy, purchasing a ski demo package gives you the freedom to head to the slopes with friends and family, enjoying a range of terrains and activities without the pressure of spending big money on expensive ski equipment.
With the ski season fast approaching, the mountain resorts are getting more and more busy. Which is great for the businesses that cater to the winter sports lover but might be a little more stressful for those who are looking to enjoy themselves during the ski season. So, to make sure you have the tools to have a good time, we’ve put together a list of the best places to buy a ski demo package.
Australia
One of the most popular destinations for tourists in general and ski enthusiasts in particular is Australia. Home to the stunning Australian Alps and magnificent beaches, it is not surprising that so many people want to explore this vast country. One of the best places to buy a ski demo in Australia is Thredbo, which offers a wide range of ski-in/ski-out accommodation along with fantastic beginner slopes and freeride terrain.
Chile
Located in the southern part of South America, the proud country of Chile is home to majestic lakes, desert landscapes, and of course, the iconic Andes Mountain. One of the world’s greatest ski resorts, Valle Nevado, is located in the country’s largest city of Santiago. Another great resort, Portillo, is located in the Lake District – around an hour from Santiago.
With over 100 days of sunshine a year, it would be a shame to not make the most of it. For those looking for some excitement and adventure, Chile is the place to be. Home to a lively nightlife, world-class restaurants, and a variety of adventure activities, such as kayaking, white-water rafting, and mountain climbing, you will not get bored in this beautiful country!
New Zealand
Although it is not technically part of Oceania, New Zealand is still considered its own entity. The country is located in the Southern Hemisphere and is home to the majestic Mountain Desolation. This ski-in/ski-out destination features the country’s largest ski village and a variety of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopeside and freeride terrain, making it a great choice for any snow enthusiast. Additionally, the South Island also hosts the vibrant city of Christchurch, which was hit by a deadly earthquake in 2011.
USA
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, the USA is the third-largest country in the world. With California being the country’s most populated state and home to some of the greatest ski resorts, it is no wonder why everyone wants to visit or live in the Golden State. The whole state is actually a ski resort, with areas like Mammoth Mountain and Heavenly Valley being some of the finest in the world. Additionally, the skiing and the snowboard scenes in the Rockies are some of the most vibrant in the world, with the Snowboarder Stadium and the Freeride America Cup, for example, attracting some of the biggest names in the sport to the state every year.
Canada
The majestic Canadian Rockies are located in the country’s Western Hemisphere. Famous for its ski resorts and friendly locals, this vast country also produces some of the world’s best beers and wines. The Canadian Rockies feature spectacular snow-capped mountains, sprawling glaciers, thundering waterfalls, and dramatic views of the Rocky Mountains. The largest and most popular ski resort, Banff, is located in the country’s North, while Whistler and the rest of Canada’s North Shore are on the West Coasters.
Uruguay
Bordering with Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, Uruguay is yet another gorgeous country in the southern part of the Western Hemisphere. One of the world’s most beautiful and popular summer vacation destinations, the country is best known for its beaches but also for its football. One of the best places to buy a ski demo in Uruguay is Cerro Cathedral, a picturesque hill surrounded by nature preserves, wineries, and cozy villages. The resort features magnificent panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, making it a popular spot with tourists and locals alike.
Argentina
The world’s eighth-largest country, which borders with Chile and Brazil, offers a variety of landscapes. From the arid deserts in the west to the magnificent Andes Mountain in the east, there’s something for everyone. Argentina is famous for its gauchos (Argentine cowboys), with its national sport, the gaucho rodeo, having been around for over a century. The best place to buy a ski demo in Argentina is Las Leñas, a sprawling mountain resort tucked away deep in the country’s driest desert. The resort features the country’s largest ice hockey rink and some of the finest bars and restaurants in the area. Argentineans love their wine and their piazzas (Argentinean cafés), so be sure to try some local wines while you’re there.
Overall
As the last few years have shown, the world of skiing is pretty small, with most of the major resorts located in the northern and southern hemispheres. What this means is that if you’re looking for somewhere to buy a ski demo, most of the best destinations are located in close proximity to one another. Which is fantastic for the snow enthusiast, as it would be a shame to head all the way from Australia to the USA, for example, only to discover that the only place that sells your favorite ski gear is in the nearest big city.
The main takeaway from this article is that if you’re a skier, you know what you want, and you know where you want to go. Which makes finding the perfect gear that much easier!