La Plagne Recommendations?

I'd be very interested in hearing any tips / recommendations for La
Plagne (our destination this year - deliberately chosen to contrast
with the small yet picturesque choice last year, Courmayeur)

In particular, and I suppose this is a general question, is it wise to
book the ski hire in advance? Intersport seems to be offering the best
deal, with really good discounts for booking early. I would feel
happier about seeing the skis before I was committed! Are intersport
any good? Anywhere better? Our hotel is Terra Nova in Plagne Centre.
We're going at the end of January so the stock shouldn't have had
too much use by this point??

I'd also like to get some lessons. I note that Oxygene seem to get
good reviews elsewhere - are they ok in La Plagne or does it just
depend on the individual instructor?

Thanks for any help!!

Niall

In my experience it is cheaper to book skis in advance. It is even
cheaper to get them from decathlon (only applies to french residents
really).

But, I often hire skis in the resort, to try out different makes, types
etc. It can be very instructive, and makes a change to get different
hardware beneath your feet!