SB-Sport in Gland

www.lanches.fr - the annemasse/ville-la-grand one did a very good boot fitting for me last year, all in english, including custom insoles. 

The boots were on season hire with an option to buy, which I happily took up at the end of the season, as the fit was so good. 

I've heard of one or two not being quite so impressed though - like anywhere I think it depends on the actual boot fitter. 

Any mountain resort.

all the villages in France do what they call a Bourse des Ski ... one a week in turn selling good second hand equipment . Sadly I think you missed this years (there may be a couple more left)  but I have put this in just in case anyone seraches the subject next year 

Fionnuala's idea looks a good one though ! 

If you're a real beginner, might be better for you to rent stuff for a season. You can rent basic cheap stuff, and then next year - when you're better - but more advanced and more permanent stuff.

To rent ski equipment:http://www.aeschbach-chaussures.ch/nos-magasins-fr-2-3.html

Thanks for all the useful suggestions - very helpful! :)

Mark

My daughter started with äCactus Sports in Carouge and had the option to buy after a years renting.  Think they speak English.  There is a bourse de ski in Haute Savoie this weekend (saw a sign yesterday but cannot remember where it is.

Also there are some this weekend on the website below (but does not include the one I saw)

http://www.skiinfo.fr/news/a/580273/les-bourses-aux-skis-2012

If you are a relative beginner might be difficult to decide what to buy at a bourse. But the one in la Clusaz might include last years models from shops or ones which have been hired out and so you might get some advice but doubt if they will have time for fittings

Maybe somebody who has bought from a bourse can give a comment

An other option is Hoffstetter sports here in Geneva. Not the cheapest place but they do go very far with their service. People who know what they are talking about, and really advising what you need, rather than just trying to sell you the most expensive. Not sure if they do rental, but doesn't hurt to ask.

Hello

there is a shop in Lausanne, Sports Discount, they sell by internet also www.sports-discount.net

they have almost all brands but you need to ask them if you need a special advice or models.

hope it's Help