Hakuba Japan – Ski rentals and lessons

There are many ski and snow board rental stores in Hakuba offering you a choice of advance, intermediate and or beginner level skis and snow boards. Rental equipment is well priced, generally cheaper than what is available is most other countries.

There are two ski rental shops within a short walk from the Hakuba Deer Lodge. The closest, Central Snow Sports, is only 50 metres away.

Other ski and snow board rentals shops that we would suggest include The Boarding Co and Spicy Sports.

Big Foot Warning – for those with large feet, do not fret, sizes go up to size 13. If your feet are bigger than that, let us know and we will source for you.

Lessons and Guiding Services

There are a couple of ski schools that specifically cater for Western/English speaking skiers and boarders. Lessons are in English, with native level English speakers.

Lessons are available as a private lesson or group lesson and can be half day or full day. Kids lessons are available as well as a Kids Club. Child minding is also available.

We recommend Evergreen Outdoor Center which you can traverse directly to their lesson meeting point from Deer Lodge. Evergreen also offers an excellent Backcountry guiding service. This is a great way to get in some pristine powder and immerse yourselves in the full beauty of the mountains.

Hakuba Snow Sports are another alternative. Highly regarded, all lessons are in English. They offer a pick up and drop off service to Deer Lodge.

Buying ski gear in Japan

There are some great buys to be had in Japan!! All the latest gear, often not yet available in the Southern Hemisphere, at incredibly cheap prices.

You need to go shopping in Tokyo for the best deals. In Tokyo, head to the suburb called Ochanomizu. There are 30 plus stores all by each other down the main street near the railway station. If you are happy with last seasons equipment, you will find some amazing deals. As the ski season progresses, the deals get better and better. That is, the best deals are later in the season, late February and March.

Hakuba has a good number of stores selling everything you would want/need. Prices are good, though not as good as Tokyo.