The best way to choose a new ski or snowboard is to ride several models on real snow. In Europe, look for ski test, snowboard test, village test or demo day. “Free demo” usually means the equipment loan, not a free lift pass or trip.

This guide lists public events announced by resorts, organizers or brands as of 27 September 2026. Snow conditions can change opening dates and programs; check the linked organizer page before booking non-refundable travel.

November–December: opening-season demos

  • 21–22 November | Val Thorens, France — La Grande Première. More than 50 brands bring skis, snowboards and other snow-sports gear to Place Caron. A valid lift pass and free Test Card are required; bring your own boots and ski poles. Official resort event
  • 21–22 November | Saas-Fee, Switzerland — Swiss Snowboard Box. The resort lists a snowboard test at Morenia. Check its event page for the final participation conditions. Saas-Fee test calendar
  • 28–29 November | Val d’Isère, France — Premières Traces. Free ski and snowboard testing with Ski Force Winter Tour on opening weekend. Bring boots, poles and two pieces of ID; collect a Test Card on site. Official resort event
  • 28–29 November | Saas-Fee, Switzerland — Stöckli ski test. A focused choice if you want to compare alpine skis from one brand. The resort lists CHF 59 for one day without a lift pass, or CHF 126 including one; bring alpine ski boots. Saas-Fee pricing and details
  • 11–13 December | Avoriaz, France — Rock On Snow. One of France's largest public test villages for skis, snowboards and accessories. Entry to the test village is free; you need a Test Card, two pieces of ID, boots/poles and a lift pass. Organizer · Resort booking information
  • 12–13 December | Les Orres, France — Ski Test & Party. Ski and snowboard testing at the 1650 snow front, with music and other activities. Free event access; buy a lift pass separately. The detailed brand list is still to come. Regional tourism listing

For the earliest first turns, choose Val Thorens. For a concentrated multi-brand comparison, Avoriaz is the stronger opening-season choice.

January–March: mid-season tests and next-year models

  • 9–10 January | Lauchernalp, Switzerland — Freeride Days. Movement lists free ski testing, particularly relevant if you are looking at freeride shapes. Movement calendar
  • 16–17 January | Anzère, Switzerland; 13 February | Torgon, Switzerland. Free Movement test days with local retailers. These smaller events are useful when you already have a shortlist. Movement calendar
  • 16–17 January | Nauders; 30–31 January | Hochfügen; 13–14 February | Silvretta Montafon; 13–14 March | Stubai Glacier, Austria. The four FreerideTestival stops offer free testing of freeride skis, snowboards and selected safety gear. Check each stop for lift passes and optional course costs. Official tour schedule
  • 13–15 March | Alpe d’Huez, France — Au Vieux Campeur Ski & Snow Test. More than 60 brands and a chance to preview next season's skis and snowboards. The resort lists free entry and on-site registration, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; a lift pass is separate, and the event is weather-dependent. Official resort event

For next-season gear, prioritize Alpe d’Huez in March; for freeride equipment, look at FreerideTestival. Do not confuse these public events with Ski Force Pro, a B2B series for retailers and industry buyers.

May: a possible final test weekend

Val Thorens has announced La Grande Dernière for 1–2 May 2027, and its event description mentions a ski test. However, the resort says the detailed 2027 program is still pending. Treat it as a watchlist item, not a confirmed brand or testing schedule. Official resort event

Before you go

  • Shortlist two or three models or uses: carving, all-mountain, freeride or snowboard. Compare them in similar snow conditions.
  • Check registration, Test Card and ID requirements. Do not rely on a photo of your ID.
  • Bring your own boots and, where needed, poles and snowboard bindings. Many test villages do not lend a complete setup.
  • Budget for the lift pass, travel and accommodation even when testing is free. Some focused tests, such as Stöckli at Saas-Fee, charge a separate fee.

If you need people to share the journey or accommodation, use Snoji to align your dates, resort, gear wishlist and budget first. A demo trip is worthwhile when it lets you compare the equipment you actually want to ride.

FAQ

Are these events open to ordinary skiers and snowboarders?

The events above are publicly listed by their organizers or resorts, but some require registration, a lift pass or an extra fee. Industry-only Ski Force Pro events are excluded.

Do I need a lift pass for a free demo?

Usually yes. “Free” typically refers to borrowing test equipment; Val Thorens and Avoriaz explicitly require a valid lift pass.

Where can I compare the most brands?

For opening season, start with Rock On Snow in Avoriaz. For spring previews, consider Au Vieux Campeur Ski & Snow Test at Alpe d’Huez. Check final exhibitor and model lists closer to the event.