Rental business is a driving force with double-digit growth at Intersport Austria

Intersport Austria is setting the stage for a promising 2024/25 winter season with robust growth in its rental segment, reflecting a 13 percent increase in demand. Catering to seasoned skiers and beginners, the company makes winter sports more accessible through innovative offerings and sustainability-focused initiatives.

Intersport is a cornerstone of the country’s winter sports culture, with over 280 locations across Austria – 170 in prime tourism areas. The retailer’s enhanced rental services have been particularly popular among families, offering convenience and affordability. Children under 10 years of age rent for free when accompanied by renting parents, while teens up to 14 enjoy a 50-percent discount. These efforts align with growing demand, as 35 percent of Austrian winter sports enthusiasts now prefer renting equipment over purchasing.

The top nations with the largest revenue share remain Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. The rental business recorded double-digit growth in all of these nations. “Online bookings are already well above last year’s level. The season is still young, but it is off to a promising start,” said Franz Koll, Managing Director of Intersport Austria, providing an insight into the booking situation at Intersport Rent. Austria continues to maintain its position as the most popular winter sports destination – a trend that is also confirmed in the latest potential study by the Austrian National Tourist Office. “It is important to take a close look at the individual needs and requirements of our customers. Rent offers significant advantages for customers who go on a skiing holiday once a year. For all ‘heavy users,’ their own skis and clothing are essential. This is exactly what makes the expert advice at Intersport so good, so that everyone can find the right equipment,” said Koll.

In addition to its rental services, Intersport Austria is launching family-oriented initiatives like the “Pistenflitzer” season rental for children. In partnership with Fischer, this program offers premium skis, protective insurance, discounted lift tickets and complimentary ski servicing for as low as €69.99.

In addition, sustainability remains a priority for Intersport. The company emphasizes equipment repairability and encourages eco-friendly travel options, such as arriving by train. With rentals frequently maintained and reused, the model contributes to reducing waste and conserving resources. Intersport Austria has expanded its store network to further enhance its footprint with new locations in Mauthausen, Klösterle and Slovakia, while modernizing shops in Brixen and Neukirchen.

As skiing continues to resonate as a cultural staple, with 86 percent of young Austrians considering it a vital tradition, Intersport Austria also invests in youth engagement. Collaborations like “Burgenland bewegt Kids” provide subsidies for ski gear, fostering accessibility and enthusiasm among younger generations.

Intersport Austria Group, headquartered in Wels, includes 104 Intersport retailers at over 280 locations in Austria and employs around 4,000 people in Austria. The total sales area is approximately 190,000 square meters. Intersport Austria also licenses the markets in Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.