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EventReport | Intersport Snow Days

Test before you buy

by Timo Macvan 11/18/2022
On the weekend of 10.11-13.11, the annual Intersport Snow Days took place on the Stubai Glacier. Under the motto "Rent what you can", visitors were able to test the new products for the 22/23 ski season. Up to three items could be borrowed at the same time for a period of 90 minutes. A total of 36 outfitters gathered at 2900m at the Eisgratbahn mountain station and offered everything winter sports enthusiasts need, from ski goggles and helmets to equipment for their feet.

Why was I there?

I also had the privilege of experiencing the event and testing a lot of equipment. On one of my first ski days of the season on perfectly groomed slopes, which were nevertheless icy and difficult to ski in parts due to well-known reasons for this time of year, I took it easy at first. I chose similar material to my current board and became bolder in my choice from hour to hour. By the end of the day, I had tried out four boards with four bindings, as well as three pairs of goggles, which were put to the test in the changing weather. As you might have guessed from the number of products borrowed, the rental process was super quick and easy. It was only at the beginning of the event that there was a slight delay in collecting the test tickets that had already been registered online. This was probably also due to the enormous rush and the generally very crowded ski area with few open slopes.

Has it helped me with my product choice?

At the end of the event, the good old adage "The proof of the pudding is in the eating" was confirmed once again. After spending half the summer reading through test reports, watching videos and gathering information about which material might be mine for the coming winter, many questions were answered within a day of trying things out. Even though I may not have discovered 100% THE board for me, I am much more aware of what I enjoy and what suits me and what makes the right material! I therefore have very positive feedback and can highly recommend such an event to all winter sports enthusiasts who are keen to try something new or different but aren't sure what it is. What was particularly valuable for me was that I could rent a lot of equipment for €20 a day (or €45 for the whole weekend) and compare it on the same day!

What I was unfortunately denied

The only downside for me personally was that there was no option to hire boots. That's the only thing I'm really missing for the season. However, I can absolutely understand that it would be an incredible logistical effort to transport several models in several sizes and multiple versions to 2900m.

Side events

As the owner of a test ticket, I was also able to take part in various side events. For example, there was morning yoga, technique training with professionals and avalanche transceiver courses. The side events started for me on Friday morning with my alarm clock at 6 a.m., as I set off for the sunrise yoga session at 7:30 a.m. full of anticipation. The yoga session took place in a separate room in the restaurant at the Eisgratbahn mountain station. After a small, unnecessary detour via the Gamsgarten gondola, I was greeted by a grinning Intersport employee at the right mountain station and led into the room with a huge window front and panoramic view of the Stubai Alps. Everything was already prepared there and we started into a yoga flow that was perfect for all skill levels. After a mixture of mobilization, strengthening and warm-up for the following day's skiing, we enjoyed a rich and delicious breakfast. Immediately afterwards, I was sensitized again for the hopefully upcoming powder days in an avalanche transceiver training. First, the theory was recalled, then the content was consolidated in practice with several exercises. Freeride technique training was also offered, which I was unfortunately unable to attend as the information about a spontaneously organized snowboard technique course came too late.

Conclusion

In summary, the Intersport Snow Days were a thoroughly successful event that I can warmly recommend to anyone who is still on the hunt for new equipment. What I find particularly attractive about the Snow Days is the comprehensive range of offers (extensive selection of rental equipment, super exciting side events) in relation to the price.

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