what are good places to buy ski/snowboard gear/clothes and/or outdoor clothing in or around the Zurich area? Other than the obvious "Ochsner Sport" - ideally looking for a big store or better outlet with lots of choice in mid-range/high-end ski gear.
Did come across, in Zurich-Oerlikon a big recently opened store [big according to Swiss measures that is] with outdoor equipment, called Baechli if I'm correct. Located opposite the big Coop and the fitness centre). Expensive but with wide choice primarily for hiking&climbing (lots of stuff from Mammut for example) etc but also some for skiing/snow boarding.
Also if you're driving back from Lenzerheide, there's a small outlet shop, Pesko, about 5 kilometers outside Lenzerheide (on the main road, in a hairpin corner, difficult to miss), is worth to have a look if you need something.
Baechli as you mentioned is a good shop with very good advice. They are more suited to back country then piste skiing/boarding though. In fact as far as I know they only stock back country skis (but I could be wrong on that). I purchased all our avalanche safety stuff there a few years back and was very pleased with the advice and service we got.
There is another shop called Eiselin bersport. They also do similar stuff to Baechli and we have foudn them quite good too.
EDIT: I have had bad experiences with the shop mentioned by Nanda. Any time I have been in there they have tried to bull**** me to make a sale regardless of whether what they were trying to sell was the correct thing or not. I usually research what I am going to buy in depth before going to a shop and it really ****es me off when the shop employees blatantly twist the truth or your requirements to try to sell you whatever they have in stock rather then what is right for you.
Sport Fabrik in Volketswil and a new bigger one just opened right next to Regensdorf Bahnhof, sells last seasons kit at up to 30, 50 and 75% off some lines
we recently bought some ski boots for half price, pretty good value, the new one in Regensdorf is double the size of the volketswil and has so much choice. We have bought ski's ski jackets and other items from there usually 50% off
I agree I have only good experience from Baechli sport - I have never been sold somthing I dont need like other ski stores and when I have asked a question I get a good down to earth answer.
Baechli sport also have an "out let" store, which is stocked with lots of bargins, although can be a bit hit and miss and is end of line stock or last years colours.
Thanks all for your replies. Went to the Sport Fabrik in Regensdorf : indeed they have a good range of ski gear/clothes, most 30-50% off. Worth paying a visit!
Would I be able to find easily the Sport Fabrik in Regensdorf (bigger one than in Volketswill) or do I need insider tips? You've got a hint to find it for me please?
I'm thinking of a bugdet around CHF300ish for ski jacket + trousers. Achievable or I'm going to be disapointed?