Got Any Questions?
The questions and answers on this page have been organised into groups for your convenience. If you cannot find the answers you need, then please feel free to contact us.
I am interesting in buying some of your ex hire equipment
I am interested in purchasing some but would like some more information?
I organise a large group/school party can you accommodate us?
I am going skiing/snowboarding for the first time, what do I need?
Can you service/repair my skis/ snowboard/boots?
What time is your store open?
Please visit our contact page for up to date opening times as these can vary throughout the year
Where is your store?
Heathrow store
The E-Trade Store, Unit 1b, Blackthorne Road, Colnbrook, Slough, Berkshire, SL3 0AH.
I am interested in buying some of your ex hire equipment.....
Is the equipment serviced?
All our skis and boards have been fully serviced and are ready to use on the snow. If not specified at the time of purchase, they will need to be altered to fit your boots.
How old and how much use has the equipment had?
The majority of our equipment is only one season old and has been used for between 4-6 weeks.
I am interested in purchasing but would like more information.....
I would like some more details on the products you offer?
Yes please call 01753 689450. All our sales staff are competent skiers or snowboarders, and will be happy to offer you more advice on any product.
I organise a large group/school party can you accommodate us?
Yes we have a specialised team for dealing with groups and school trips.
Can the hired equipment be delivered to our school/place of work?
Yes for large groups we can dispatch the goods to the school/ place of work up to 10 days before you travel.
I am skiing/snowboarding for the first time, what gear do I need?
Hats
Hats should be carried in the mountains at all times. Up to 40% of heat is lost through the head. It is vital that your hat retains warmth, if it gets wet. Snow sticks to wool. Fleece is better. Both retain warmth when wet. The hat should be capable of being pulled down over your ears in extreme conditions, as they are prone to frostbite. Browse Hats & Beanies.
Sunglasses
Your sunglasses must provide 100% Ultra Violet (UV) protection. Always look for the UV400 symbol. They should fit reasonably snugly so they don´t fall off whilst skiing. Polycarbonate lenses don´t shatter like glass and are therefore safer. When you look through the lens, the pink/brown/orange/yellow tints are best for flat light conditions. Green and grey tints may look cool, but are not as effective in low or ?flat? light conditions. Beginners fall over frequently, so don´t pack your best Oakleys, or it could be expensive. A simple glass chord will secure sunglasses to your head, and stop you losing them in the snow, or a restaurant. Browse sunglasses.
First Layer
Base (or Wicking) layer Thermal underwear can be pricey, but it wicks the moisture off your skin into the next layer, giving you comfort and freedom of movement. Cotton tee shirts may be comfortable to start with, but get damp & sticky as you perspire & hold the moisture next to your skin. Artificial fibre thermals have good wicking qualities & the material does not absorb perspiration. Browse thermal layers.
Second Layer (Insulating layer)
This layer should also allow the perspiration to pass through from the base layer, whilst trapping air in the fibres, giving you an insulation layer between your base & outer layers. Polo necks made of artificial fibre/mixes (e.g.micro-fleece), are best and are relatively inexpensive. A wool shirt can equally be used as the second layer, but it should come up high enough on your neck to keep it warm. You can buy fleece neck warmers to cover this exposed area. Browse fleeces.
Third Layer (Jacket)
Your protective layer must be snow proof (i.e. snow easily brushes off it) & retain warmth if it gets wet. Should have a hood and plenty of pockets to put goggles, sun cream, money, tissues etc in. Waterproof / Breathable fabrics are preferable, as they provide greater protection from wind and rain, and, being breathable, are more comfortable to wear. Make sure you can still do your jacket up if you decide to wear two separate insulating layers (e.g. a fleece), for very cold conditions. Browse Jackets.
Trousers/Salopettes
As with jackets, they should be a comfortable fit - neither too tight, nor too baggy. Allow an extra 2-3 inches in the leg, as the trouer leg has to fit over a ski/board boot. Snowboarders need reinforcement in the seat area of the pant , as they spend a lot of time sitting down.In very cold conditions, consider wearing thermal base layer under your trousers. Browse pants and salopettes.
Gloves
Skiers, allow enough room to be able to grip a ski pole. Gloves should be fitted up over the cuffs of your jacket, and you don´t want a gap between the glove and the sleeve. Thinsulate gloves are warm and inexpensive and more importantly can be put on a radiator to dry at night, if they get wet. Waterproof / breathable gloves are more expensive, but more comfortable. Snowboarders need extra strong reinforcement in the palms and fingers. Keep your fingernails short. Browse gloves.
Socks
Ski tube socks are inexpensive and seamless. Choose socks which come up to your knees. Only wear one pair of socks in a ski boot. Walking/Hiking socks are not the best as they are constructed for a different set of foot movements, and may cause blistering inside a ski boot. Browse socks.
Goggles
Are worn when:- 1) it?s raining or snowing, or 2) when you must wear your normal glasses/contact lenses to be able to see or, 3) if your eyes water a lot in cold conditions. Goggles come in two sorts, single lens and double lens. The latter are more expensive, but don´t mist up as easily. Goggles should provide 100% UV protection. The best lens colours are the same as sun glasses (see above). If you have to wear prescription glasses, look for OTG (Over The Glasses) goggles, which will allow you to wear your normal glasses under this type of goggle. Goggles are flexible and less breakable than sunglasses. Browse Goggles.
Sun Cream/ Lip Cream
Remember that on snow and at altitude, you are receiving high radiation from the sun, even on cloudy days. Use a high protection factor cream, typically Factor 20-25, or higher if you burn easily. Make sure the cream hasn´t passed its sell-by date. A combination lip/suncream is useful, and comes in one convenient tube. Lips crack easily in the dry, cold conditions found in mountain resorts. Girls, ordinary lip stick will work just as well, but we don´t suggest you guys wear it! Browse Sun Creams.
Other useful items
Pack of tissues for blowing noses and cleaning glasses/goggles. Always carry a piste map which costs nothing and you are normally given when you get your lift pass. If you lose one, get another from the main lift office or tourist office. don´t go on the mountain without it. Browse Accessories.
Money
Always carry enough money to buy some food or a drink on the mountain, in case you suddenly feel tired, cold or thirsty.
Can you service or repair my skis, snowboard or boots?
Yes we can. At Heathrow, we have one of the largest and busiest workshops in the country. Our qualified staff use the latest machinery, to provide you with the best service for your equipment.
We can also have them collected and delivered back, please see our servicing page for more details.
