Even if there's no snow on the ground to remind you, ski and snowboard season starts at the end of this month. Those in the market for new equipment should start wading through the countless options that Munich's many shops have to offer. These large and long-standing equipment stores are good places to begin. Their friendly and well-informed staff will advise you on every aspect of your purchase.
Though its cavernous store on Marienplatz houses everything from Badminton rackets to backpacks, Sport Schuster (Rosenstr. 1-5, Marienplatz) has specialized in mountain sports since its founding in 1903, and reopened this autumn after a complete renovation. In addition to a wide selection of skiing and snowboarding equipment, Schuster offers professional cleaning packages to make sure you're fully ready to heed the call of the mountain. Schuster is open Monday through Saturday, 10 am-8 pm.
In business since 1949, Sport Bittl (Georg-Reismuellerstr. 5, S2 Allach) has evolved from a small family concern to a modern chain with several franchise locations. The owners take advantage of the many relationships built along the way to offer customers the lowest prices possible on ski and sport equipment. Bittl is open at its central Allach location Monday through Wednesday, 10 am-7 pm, Thursday and Friday, 10 am-8 pm and Saturday, 9:30 am-5 pm. There is also a store in Laim (Fuerstenriederstr. 18) and Buchenau (Kurt-Huber Ring 5).
For even more personal service, skiers should take a look in one of the many winter sports shops located in close proximity to the lifts themselves. These small nooks often give shoppers the option of testing the equipment on nearby slopes before committing to a purchase. Prices are a little higher, but it's worth it on the long runs.
