SKI & MORE: BUYING OR RENTING WINTER SPORTS EQUIPMENT IN VILLACH AT A GREAT PRICE
The winter season has officially begun: the first ski resort in Carinthia has already opened, and the ice rink in downtown Villach is already buzzing with the first skaters. But with the start of the season, many people ask themselves one question: Where can you find good winter sports equipment – ideally hassle-free and affordable?
In Villach and the surrounding region, sports enthusiasts will find a wide range of options – from local sports exchanges and rental stations right in the ski areas to modern rental models offered by well-known sporting goods retailers. Here’s an overview of the best places to find reasonably priced winter sports gear:
SPORTS EXCHANGES AND FLEA MARKETS
If you want to buy (or sell) equipment at a good price, the large winter sports exchanges run by the Carinthian Chamber of Labour (“Arbeiterkammer” | AK) are usually the first place to go. They typically take place at one of the four locations – Villach, Spittal, Wolfsberg, and Klagenfurt – over four weekends in autumn. Here you can find used items, from skis and snowboards to ice skates, winter clothing, and overalls, all at affordable prices. While the exchanges in Villach, Spittal, and Wolfsberg have already finished for this year, Klagenfurt still has one final date coming up: from November 28th to 30th, the winter sports exchange will open its doors.
Ice hockey fans also get their money’s worth in Villach: every summer, the local ice hockey club EC VSV Juniors organizes a flea market offering equipment and teamwear from the youth division. Anyone thinking ahead to the next winter season can pick up or swap skates, protective gear, and other hockey essentials at great prices.
WINTER SPORTS IN THE CITY: EQUIPMENT RIGHT ON SITE
Not every winter sports activity requires owning your own gear or traveling far. The Alpen Arena Villach offers its own cross-country ski rental service – ideal for anyone wanting to give the sport a try. Only complete sets are rented out, matched to different age and size categories, on a daily basis. Rental is handled directly at the Arena Café, which is open daily during the winter months. This makes it easy to get into cross-country skiing on the spur of the moment.
From mid-November to February, the city of Villach invites visitors to enjoy the annual “Eiszeit” at Rathausplatz. A 450-square-meter ice rink awaits skaters young and old right in the heart of the city. Ice skates can be rented on site for just a few euros, making spontaneous winter fun possible at any time.
SPORTS SHOPS: SEASONAL RENTALS AND FLEXIBLE MODELS
For families, the rental models offered by major sporting goods retailers are especially appealing. Hervis’ children’s ski rental provides skis and ski boots for the entire season at fixed prices. Equipment can be rented from October 1st and used until the end of April, with no additional costs for servicing, maintenance, or cleaning. Selection takes place directly in the store, where the right sizes and models can be tried on immediately. For many parents, this is a stress-free and cost-effective alternative, since children often outgrow their gear quickly.
For those preparing for winter hiking or ski touring trips, Bergsport Korak is a reliable resource. The specialty shop in Villach offers rental equipment for touring, mountain, and glacier excursions, as well as avalanche safety gear. The process is straightforward and handled directly in the shop, where brief consultations are also available.
ON-MOUNTAIN RENTALS
In the ski areas around Villach, winter sports fans will find a wide range of rental stations. The Gerlitzen Alpe offers an especially extensive range, operating four locations: in Klösterle, Feuerberg, at the mid-station on Kanzelhöhe, and in Paternion at the Ochsengarten practice area. Skis, snowboards, touring skis, snowshoes, sleds, and other winter gear can be rented there. Prices are the same at all branches. Equipment can also be conveniently reserved online. Since opening hours vary slightly and the Paternion location is only open during the Christmas holidays and Carinthian semester break, it’s best to check in advance.
At Dreiländereck, winter sports enthusiasts – and those who want to become one – can rent modern, well-maintained equipment at HAPPY SKIverleih. Whether skis, snowboards, cross-country sets, sleds, or touring skis, gear is available from one day to one week, ensuring carefree fun on the slopes.
Whether you’re looking for great bargains, high-quality rental equipment, or flexible seasonal models – Villach offers the right solution for every winter sport and every budget. Thanks to city offerings, rental stations in the ski areas, specialized retailers, and winter sports exchanges and flea markets, you have plenty of ways to buy or rent good winter sports gear at a fair price. With that, your next snow adventure is just around the corner!