If you’ve ever lugged an entire ski bag across the world and back again, you know the internal battle that comes with every snow trip:
“is it worth taking all my gear with me? Or should I just get rentals at the other end?”
There’s a case for both, so we spoke to Lachlan Bowes from Central Snowsports in Hakuba. With three stores offering both snow rentals and retail across Hakuba Valley, he talks us through the pros, the cons, and the considerations along every step of the way.
The convenience factor
When you opt for rentals, there’s no need to navigate a bullet train or local railway line in Japan with a huge bag in tow (or try to squeeze it into a tiny Tokyo hotel room).
You can just arrive at your destination and – if you’re hiring with Central Snowsports – you’ll get taken directly to their closest rental shop to get fitted out.
“If you’re a customer who has booked online with us, we pick you up directly from the train or bus station once you’ve arrived in Hakuba, and bring you in-store,” Lachlan explains.
“All you need to do is jump on Whatsapp and let us know what time you’re arriving.”
Once you’ve picked out your boots and equipment, you’ll be taken directly back to your hotel, along with all your luggage and gear.
At the end of your stay, you can even leave all your rental gear behind in your accommodation and it’ll be collected. How’s that for door-to-door service?
Variety of choice
How many pairs of skis do you own? And for what snow conditions? Powder? Groomers? Something in between?
With rentals, it doesn’t matter about your answer to any of those questions – the technicians can guide you to the best option for the week of your stay.
The Central Snowsports team stock the largest and widest range of skis and boards in Hakuba Village, covering everything from powder to park, all-mountain and backcountry. They’ve even introduced new Burton Step-On snowboard binding rentals, which Lachlan says is a game-changer for the snowboarders “sick of sitting down to put their bindings on”.
If you’re a beginner on the slopes, you can swap your skis for a snowboard – or vice versa – during the course of your rental, should you find your initial choice doesn’t quite suit.
The gear lovers
Finding it hard to leave your gear behind? Lachlan suggests packing your boots, helmet and outerwear, then just hiring the best skis or board to suit the conditions once you’ve arrived.
“Rentals haven’t gone up too much in price over the last twenty years,” Lachlan says. “So you can still pick up a premium piece of equipment for the time you’re on the slopes, then enjoy the rest of your holiday around Japan without having to take it with you.”
Heading to Hakuba next season and looking for ski and snowboard rentals? You can pre-book rentals online to enjoy the benefits of the Central Snowsports guest shuttle and more.
This article first appeared in our 56 Page FREE Japan snow travel e-mag. Read it here.
