Gnomes – The Ski Experts
Address:
26 South Terrace
Darfield, New Zealand
Winter Hours: 7am – 6:30pm, 7 days a week
Phone: 03-318-8433
Email: info@gnomes.co.nz
Website: www.gnomes.co.nz
We first visited Gnomes during our initial trip to New Zealand in 2013, and for the next four years, we relied on their services for our annual NZ on-snow testing.
Over the years, Gnomes has mounted nearly a dozen of our review skis, fitted numerous boots, and crafted custom footbeds for several of our reviewers. Owned by Leith Rhodes and Alistair “Ally” Kerr, Gnomes boasts a team whose talent, expertise, and friendly attitude have earned them a spot on our list of Blister Recommended Shops.
Additionally, Leith, Ally and their team are some of our favorite people—funny, enjoyable to ski with, and genuinely excellent at what they do.
History & Experience
Gnomes was established in 1983 in Darfield, Canterbury, New Zealand (40 minutes west of Christchurch) by Leith’s parents. Leith and Ally took ownership of the business in 2005 and have been driving it forward with great momentum ever since. Both have extensive experience working in ski shops from a young age, including time at the largest snowsports retailer in the UK, and have been professionally fitting ski boots and tuning skis full-time since 1999.
Finding the perfect pair of boots, skis, or gloves is not straightforward, and the team at Gnomes are dedicated to meeting the unique needs of each customer, ensuring they get the products that best suit them. When you walk into Gnomes, you’ll be asked about your typical skiing locations and terrain, your skiing improvement goals, your past product experiences, and your likes and dislikes —questions similar to those we ask our readers before making recommendations.
Services
Custom Boot Fitting
Gnomes is equipped with the tools and products needed to provide top-notch boot fitting customization. Renowned throughout Canterbury for their custom ski boot fitting services, Gnomes has earned an excellent reputation.
A key part of Gnomes’ fitting process is a pressure analysis system that measures a skier’s stance and weight distribution, identifying underlying biomechanics and foot pressure points that need adjustment for an optimal fit.
The shop also stocks Sidas custom footbeds, ZipFit and Intuition aftermarket liners, and Booster straps to fine-tune the fit of each pair of boots they sell. Based on our experience, and backed by Gnomes’ full boot fitting guarantee, you’ll end up with a pair of boots that fit great and are comfortable.
Tuning & Mounting
Gnomes features a fully equipped ski and board workshop with the latest machinery needed to restore your gear to like-new condition. They can tune everything from kids’ equipment to full race setups.
Gnomes’ staff have tuned and mounted nearly a dozen of Blister’s test skis during our last two trips to New Zealand. They can handle any task on a tight schedule, and we will continue to trust them with our tunes and mounts in the future.
Skis & Snowboards For Sale
Gnomes carries a full line of skis and boots from a number of major brands. Whether it’s lightweight touring gear you’re after or an on-piste carving ski, they’ll have something up your alley. And if Gnomes doesn’t carry just what you’re looking for in the store, they will be happy to do a special order for you.
Ski Demos
Gnomes offers a full range of demo skis, allowing you to try most of the skis they have on display (over 60 pairs available!). If you decide to purchase a ski after demoing it, the demo fee is deducted from the purchase price.
The shop also rents out everything you might need for a day or a week in the mountains. Their online booking system is straightforward and easy to use.
Bottom Line
If you’re on your way to the Canterbury club fields, or even if you’re in the Christchurch area, make a point to stop in and say hi to Leith and Ally, and tell them we sent you.