In conjunction with local retail partners, Schöffel started renting ski clothing in Austria and Switzerland this winter. The German brand of functional outdoor and ski apparel says the offer is intended not only to appeal to skiers who seldom or only occasionally hit the slopes, but also to bolster its efforts in sustainability.
In Austria, the rental clothing is available through an online platform, “Intersport Rent.” Users can book all of their gear – clothing, skis and helmet – online and make any necessary adjustments when picking it up. They may also buy it after use if they are particularly impressed.
In Switzerland, rental clothing is available from various retailers, including the Titlis Sport rental station in Engelberg – which has established a partnership with Electrolux laundry machines to ensure professional, reliable cleaning – as well as Quattro Sport in Engelberg, Graf Sport in Grindelwald, Paarsenn Sport in Davos, Alpia Sport in Wengen and Bayard Sport in Zermatt.
Schöffel points out that a rental program like this is possible only with robust clothing. The family-run company is building on its experience with around 270 ski schools, ski clubs and ski lift operators in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, some of which have been equipped by Schöffel for decades. That said, regular maintenance remains important. Schöffel guarantees not only the cleaning and re-waterproofing of individual items, but also their maintenance and repair by the Schöffel Service Factory, the in-house repair and tailoring department. Keeping the clothing in use for as long as possible is important to Schöffel’s sustainability strategy.
Stefan Merkt, Schöffel’s head of sales, said that his company has received positive responses this winter and is planning to expand the new service soon.
