The Best Ski and Snowboard Equipment Testing Events in 2025-2026: Glide and Try!
Are you passionate about skiing or snowboarding and looking for the latest innovations to improve your performance on the slopes? Gear testing events are for you! These unique gatherings offer the chance to discover the latest products from major brands for free in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Discover our selection of must-haves for the 2025-2026 season, and get ready to hit the slopes like never before.
The Ultimate Winter Gear Test List
The Grand Premiere – Val Thorens
📅 November 22-23, 2025
🎿 Why go there? : It's the official opening of the season! The test village brings together more than 50 ski and snowboard brands ready to let you try out the new 2025-2026 products.
😎 Why is it cool? Festive atmosphere, concerts and entertainment in the heart of the highest resort in Europe.
📍 Practical tip: Ideal for testing early in the season and adjusting your equipment before Christmas.
First Tracks – Ski Force Winter Tour – Val d'Isère
📅 November 29-30, 2025
🎿 Why go there? : A legendary weekend to test a selection of major brands in real-world conditions on the slopes.
😎 Why is it cool? : You can discover the latest ranges of high-end skis and snowboards for free, all in a friendly atmosphere.
📍 Or ? : Val d'Isère snow front, during the opening weekend.
High Test by Decathlon – Tignes
📅 November 24-28, 2025 (to be confirmed)
🎿 Why go there? Decathlon sets up its test village on the Tignes glacier to present the 2025-2026 innovations. Technical workshops, snow tests and expert advice.
😎 Why is it cool? A perfect blend of education, sport and fun, with equipment for all levels.
📍 Trick : Test it early in the season, when the slopes are still quiet.
Rock On Snow – Avoriaz
📅 December 12-14, 2025
🎿 Why go there? : More than 80 brands gathered in a huge test village: skis, snowboards, helmets, goggles and technical clothing.
😎 Why is it cool? : Electric atmosphere, contests, DJ sets and entertainment all day long.
📍 Trick : The ideal spot to get equipped before the Christmas holidays.
Snow Preview – La Clusaz
📅 January 14-16, 2026 (Dates to be confirmed)
🎿 Why go there? : Professional event, but some areas open to the public: equipment testing and meetings with brands.
😎 Why is it cool? : You get a sneak peek at the trends for the following winter.
📍 Advice : Take advantage of the magnificent slopes of La Clusaz to test your favorites.
Ski Force Pro 2026
📅 January 12-13 in Flaine / January 19-20 in Courchevel Le Praz / February 2-3 in Serre-Chevalier
🎿 Why go there? The ultimate professional event: testing of the H26/27 ranges, >30 brands, skis and boots.
😎 Why is it cool? : You get to test next season's equipment in preview at iconic resorts.
📍 Info: Reserved for professionals, but some sessions are open to ambassadors and media.
Snow Garden Festival – Grenoble
📅 Dates: November 2-3, 2025
🎿 Why go there? : This urban festival offers equipment tests, screenings of sliding films and meetings with brands and athletes. A great introduction to the season.
😎 Why is it cool? : No need to go to the resort to test the equipment, and the atmosphere is ultra warm.
📍 A good plan : Start the season early and leave with clear ideas about your next equipment.
Freeride Days – Chamonix
📅 February 2026 (to be confirmed)
🎿 Why go there? Safety workshops, freeride equipment testing, and off-piste descents supervised by professionals.
😎 Why is it cool? A mix of learning, safety and adrenaline!
📍 To be expected: Clothing suitable for extreme conditions.
Snow Test – Les 2 Alpes
📅 Dates: June 2025 (dates to be confirmed)
🎿 Why go there? : Summer skiing and testing the new products for the following season in a unique setting: the 2 Alpes glacier. An experience to be had by fans of skiing, even out of season.
😎 Why is it cool? : Skiing in the middle of summer with a taste of what’s to come. Who can beat that?
📍 Advice : Take the opportunity to test high-end equipment in special conditions.
Ski Force Pro 2026
📅 January 19-20 in Courchevel Le Praz / February 2-3 in Serre-Chevalier
🎿 Why go there? The ultimate professional event: testing of the H26/27 ranges, >30 brands, skis and boots.
😎 Why is it cool? : You get to test next season's equipment in preview at iconic resorts.
📍 Info: Reserved for professionals, but some sessions are open to ambassadors and media.
Tignes Mountain Shaker
📅 March 15-20, 2026
🎿 Why go there? More than just a gear test: a festival! Freeride, freestyle, concerts, contests, and a brand village to try out the best gear for 2026.
😎 Why is it cool? : A concentrated dose of energy, gliding and good cheer.
📍 Trick : Ideal for discovering the surfing culture and meeting the athletes.
Back to Back Freeski Test – La Clusaz
📅 March 2026 (to be confirmed)
🎿 Why go there? Dedicated to freeskiing, this test allows you to try out cutting-edge equipment in a community atmosphere.
😎 Why is it cool? : An insider's gathering, perfect for those who like to push their limits.
📍 For whom? Skiers and riders seeking thrills.
The Great Last – Val Thorens
📅 May 2-3, 2026
🎿 Why go there? : The season closing party! Free testing of 2026-2027 equipment, entertainment, concerts and skiing in the sun.
😎 Why is it cool? Ski in the spring, try out the new features and enjoy a unique atmosphere.
📍 Practical tip: Opt for a lightweight but technical outfit.
Tip for Participants: Rent Your Ski and Snowboard Outfit
Gear testing requires you to be equipped like a pro. But there's no point investing in a full outfit if you only need it for a few days. O'rentees offers you a practical and economical solution: the rental of quality ski and snowboard clothing.
🎿 Why rent your outfit?
- Practical : Your equipment awaits you upon arrival at the resort.
- Economic : No need to buy an outfit that you rarely use.
- Eco-responsible : Renting also means reducing your ecological footprint.
👉 Book now on O'rentees and be ready for an exceptional 2024-2025 season, on the slopes and at test events.