Ski hire shop in a snow gateway town

Holidaymakers, families, school and club groups, and weekend visitors from Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra who don't own gear.

Per-day and multi-day hire prices, with add-ons like helmets, gloves, goggles and ski-wear. Early-booking and package deals help fill quieter weekdays.

• Customer service and boot fitting
• Equipment care and basic ski tuning
• Stock and booking organisation

• The season is short, so check you can cover rent and wages in the off-season
• Public liability insurance and cover for stock (check what your insurer requires for hired equipment)
• Hire agreements, waivers and how you handle damaged or unreturned gear, ideally checked with a lawyer
• Check with your local council about premises use, signage and fit-out rules
• Operating inside a resort or national park usually needs a lease or permit, so check with the resort operator or park authority
• Workers compensation insurance once you hire seasonal staff

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on how much gear you buy, the shop fit-out, lease costs and insurance. Your own quotes will vary with the size of your range.

Check with your council about premises use, signage and fit-out rules. Operating inside a resort or national park usually needs a lease or permit, so check with the operator or park authority. Also check hire agreements, waivers and insurance.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on snow conditions, location, gear range and pricing. The season is short, so check you can cover rent and wages in the off-season.